Indianapolis Air Conditioning Maintenance

Servicing air conditioning equipment is recommended on an annual basis. Preventive maintenance tune-ups are necessary once per year for air conditioners that only operate during the cooling season. Since heat pumps run throughout the year to provide both heating and cooling to the home, they require service two times a year to keep them running smoothly – one tune-up focuses on maintenance for the cooling function, while the other delivers care for the heating function.

If a tune-up every year seems like a lot, you may question if it needs to be done so frequently. The answer is yes, your cooling system absolutely needs maintenance each year. An air conditioner or heat pump is a mechanical system that sustains wear and tear with use, just like your vehicle! With a car or truck, tune-ups are needed to counteract the wear the vehicle incurs over the course of use – an air conditioner tune-up is no different! Just like with your vehicle, skipping a cooling tune-up causes the air conditioner or heat pump to run harder, consume excess energy, and break down more frequently.

A maintenance tune-up for an air conditioner or heat pump has many steps, and there are several components that require attention. A maintenance tune-up from Williams Comfort Air includes these steps and more, designed to improve system performance and boost energy efficiency:

• Test System Controls for Proper Function
• Check Thermostat Function and Calibration
• Inspect and Tighten Electrical Connections
• Lubricate Moving Parts
• Clean Drip Pan and Condensate Drain Line
• Clean Evaporator Coil
• Clean Condenser Unit Coils
• Measure Refrigerant Charge
• Change Air Filter

Compared to repair costs that stem from system neglect, air conditioner maintenance is much more affordable! It pays to invest in maintenance, this minor cost helps you avoid major expenses that come about through frequent repairs and early system replacement of a neglected air conditioner. Sign up for a CAIRfree Maintenance Agreements to save on your annual HVAC system tune-ups, and check our coupons page to learn about available promotions that lower the cost of servicing air conditioning equipment.

Air conditioner maintenance also involves cleaning the system, to remove any contaminants dwelling inside. Cleaning removes debris, preventing contaminants from recirculating into your home. During a professional maintenance tune-up, we clean the condenser coil and evaporator coil, as well as the interior chambers of the cooling equipment, such as the blower compartment.

Throughout the year, there are also steps homeowners need to take to keep their cooling equipment clean for better performance and indoor air quality.

• Remove debris from the outdoor condenser unit. Brush away grass clippings, leaves, mulch, twigs, and other debris that have blown up against the unit. It’s a good idea to do this each time you mow the lawn.
  
  
• Keep the area surrounding the condenser unit clean and clear. Remove all weeds and plants within two feet of the unit, and do not store outdoor items in this area.
  
  
• Change the air filter on a regular basis. Most air filters must be changed more frequently than during maintenance tune-ups. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often your filter needs to be changed. During high-use periods, check the filter monthly, as it may need to be replaced more often.

Professional maintenance pays for itself over time, by generating lower energy bills. Air conditioners and heat pumps are more efficient with regular maintenance, so your cooling bills are less as energy consumption is reduced.

The need for air conditioning repair always seems to occur at the most inconvenient times, like during a summer heat wave. Lessen the likelihood of needing air conditioner repair when you have your air conditioning unit maintained with a tune-up each year. Our maintenance plans protect your bank account from expensive air conditioner repairs that could have been avoided.

The air in your home is circulated through your AC unit, which picks up debris, mold spores, bacteria, and more if it exists within your equipment. Decrease the concentration of bacteria, dust, and allergens in your family's air with a professional maintenance tune-up for your air conditioning unit. Cleaning your evaporator coil and condenser unit prevents the growth of mold that could enter your airflow. Allergy sufferers and people with asthma or other respiratory problems should invest in preventative air conditioner maintenance for better indoor air quality.

Your AC unit uses less energy if it remains efficient. Invest in a preventative maintenance plan to increase your system’s efficiency – it pays for itself over time through energy cost savings. A neglected air conditioner declines in energy efficiency, and costs more to operate each cooling season – not to mention the unexpected repairs that pop up due to lack of maintenance.

Air conditioners in Indianapolis typically last 10 to 12 years on average. Without proper maintenance, your air conditioner or heat pump is at risk of premature failure. Prolong the life of your system and maximize your air conditioning equipment investment when you prioritize preventive maintenance each cooling season.

Many air conditioning unit manufacturers require annual professional maintenance, or else the equipment warranty may be voided. An attempt to save a few bucks by skipping maintenance tune-ups comes back to bite you, as the loss of warranty coverage leaves you on the hook should your system require repairs in the future.