our opinions : ADVICE FROM AN EXPERT
In The Comfort Zone
A Spring A / C Tune-Up Can Save You Money and Time
By Brett Hobson CEO Comfort Experts
APRIL 2017 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
Now that spring is finally here , it ’ s time to have your AC / heating unit checked before the dog days of summer arrive . If you had your unit checked in the fall , you are covered until next fall , but if you didn ’ t , this is a great time to make sure your air conditioning is ready for the hot weather to come . We ask a lot of our air-conditioning units in this part of Texas .
According to the home improvement website homeadvisor . com , any time is better than never , but spring is the ideal time to budget for an air-conditioning tune-up . Early air conditioner maintenance can prevent many small problems from becoming more expensive repairs later on . Furthermore , if your air-conditioner checkup is scheduled for spring , you ’ ll also beat the long waits and higher prices that come with peak season HVAC repair visits .
Why should you get your unit checked now before you ’ ve even turned it on ? The simple answer is that it will save you money in the long run . An air conditioner that isn ’ t running efficiently simply costs more to run . Here are just some of the things that might happen to your system and your home without a yearly checkup :
Water damage to your home : If the sensors aren ’ t working properly , up to 20 gallons of condensation can build up in the pan underneath the unit and leak onto the ceiling . Replacing the drywall is expensive and messy in the affected rooms underneath .
Low on refrigerant : If the unit is low on refrigerant that cools the air , the unit works harder and won ’ t last nearly as long . Because it ’ s working harder , your utility bill will be higher . It ’ s like running your car with three spark-plug wires disconnected . Because there isn ’ t a refrigerant gauge , you won ’ t know it ’ s running on empty .
Dirty indoor coil : Once again your unit is working harder than it should pushing the air through a dirty coil . With a dirty coil , you are asking your unit to run a marathon breathing through a straw .
Oil diluted by refrigerant : The oil is used inside the unit to clean the electronic parts . If the parts don ’ t stay lubricated as they should , the unit isn ’ t working at its highest efficiency , costing you more money to run it .
An annual HVAC checkup should be performed by a licensed AC / heating professional . Ask friends and neighbors who they use for their service if you are new to the area . Check and compare prices by calling different contractors . Make sure you have the make and model of your unit , or units , when you call for pricing .
When they arrive for the checkup they should look at both the indoor and the outdoor units and it should take between one and two hours to perform . The technician should look at the overall cleanliness of the unit and also test the static pressure , which will show if your ducts are clogged anywhere . They will check for low refrigerant levels and all electric components and controls to make sure they are working as they should . Oil may be added to the motors and they will check and calibrate the thermostat to make sure it ’ s correct . They may also check , clean and replace filters as needed .
An annual checkup is the best way to keep your system working efficiently for years to come . The best reason to have one done is it will save you money . A new system is very expensive , and you want to put that expense off as long as possible . Most heating and air-conditioning units don ’ t just die — they are killed by lack of attention . Be sure and give your system the attention it needs . I haven ’ t consulted the almanac , but you can be sure in North Texas it ’ s going to be a long , hot summer .
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