July 17 is the coolest date on the calendar.
It marks National Air Conditioning Day, commemorating the work of Willis Carrier, the father of the modern-day indoor air conditioning system. It is the perfect time to put your feet up, chill out, and luxuriate in the cool comfort of your Florida home.
Is your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment ready for National Air Conditioning Day? Can it handle a long, hot summer or an occasional scorcher?
Integrity Air and Heat of Florida can keep your air conditioner (AC) running efficiently, no matter how high the outdoor temperature rises. You do not have to wait until National Air Conditioning Day to give your system a little TLC.
By scheduling an annual checkup in the spring, you will avoid the HVAC industry’s busy summer season. Your air conditioning system will be ready to work when you need it the most.
Is an Annual AC Tune-up Necessary?
If you expect your equipment to run efficiently for as long as possible without unexpected breakdowns, an annual inspection, cleaning, and tune-up are essential.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, central air conditioning systems have a service life of approximately 15 to 20 years. Almost any piece of equipment with moving parts, whether it is the HVAC system in your home or the motor in the vehicle you drive, will not run efficiently for more than a decade without regular maintenance.
Skipping the annual tune-up on your air conditioning system in Port Orange may save you money now, but you will spend more in the long run if your system breaks down. The longer you delay maintenance, the more likely something will go wrong as your HVAC system ages.
What Could Happen? Here are a Few Potential Problems:
- Refrigerant loss—If the system is losing refrigerant, you may notice ice over the coils, and the air blowing from the registers will not feel cool. Too little or too much refrigerant can affect the system’s compressor.
- Worn or faulty parts—A broken fan belt, fan bearings clogged by dirt build-up, or a burned-out motor, for example, will stop the fan in your system from working. You will not feel any air blowing from the duct registers.
- Clogged drain line—A build-up of sludge in the drain line can cause water to overflow the condensate drain pan and possibly damage your home.
The best way to avoid repairing or replacing equipment is to be proactive about maintenance. Make sure to schedule an annual inspection, cleaning, and tune-up.
What Should an AC Maintenance Checkup Include?
An ENERGY STAR® maintenance checklist recommends checking thermostat settings, inspecting and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, inspecting the drain line, checking system controls, cleaning and adjusting blower components, cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, and checking the refrigerant.
Most tune-ups also include a filter inspection and replacement. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause your AC to work inefficiently. Inspecting and changing the air filter monthly throughout the cooling season is an easy do-it-yourself project.
What Other Maintenance Tasks Can You Do Yourself?
In addition to changing your air conditioner’s filter, keep the outdoor unit clear of shrubs, brush, and other obstructions that could impede airflow.
Keep furniture from blocking indoor air registers, and occasionally vacuum registers to remove dust.
Remember to schedule your system’s annual inspection—and get ready to celebrate on July 17!
Contact Us Today for an AC Tune-Up
The experienced professionals at Integrity Air and Heat of Florida can prepare your air conditioning system to deliver the cool comfort you deserve this summer. Our nearby HVAC technicians are ready to help out with an AC tune-up in Port Orange and all the surrounding areas. Call (386) 689-6913 or request service online for your free consultation!
