Three Problems That Can Arise if You Don’t Service Your AC Yearly
If your air conditioning appears to be running just fine, you may assume it’s A-okay to skip out on your yearly AC maintenance. Maybe you think you’ll be even saving yourself a few bucks. But contrary to popular belief, an annual HVAC inspection isn’t just some scam invented by heating and air companies. Just like your car needs regular checks and oil changes, your air conditioning also requires yearly tune-ups to keep it running properly. Here are three problems that can pop up if you don’t service your AC annually.
1. Your AC Struggles to Maintain Temperature
Did you know that your HVAC system degrades about 5.2% a year? Without proper maintenance, it will deteriorate faster and it’s lifespan will quickly diminish. One day you’ll turn your AC on and it will struggle to maintain the temperature you set on the thermostat. There are a variety of reasons this can happen, most of which can be prevented by an annual tune-up:
Coils Buildup Dust and Debris
Indoor evaporator coils collect dust and outdoor condenser coils gather dirt and plant material. When the coils are dirty, you won’t get proper airflow or heat transfer.
Lubrication Wears Off
All motor parts require lubrication to keep them moving smoothly. Once the lubrication wears off, friction will cause the parts to slow down and weaken.
Condensation Drain Gets Clogged
When the condensation drain becomes clogged (an issue that is all too common), your system will have a hard time controlling humidity.
Blower Components Become Dirty
You can experience up to a 15% energy loss from dirty and misaligned blower components.
2. You Experience High Energy Bills and Repair Costs
When your system’s parts are dirty, poorly lubricated, and misaligned, your AC will have to work extra hard to cool the air. It may even run constantly in an attempt to keep up. When the system is overworked and experiences energy loss, you’ll start seeing higher energy bills each month. It may start small and get increasingly higher as your air conditioning continues to degrade.
By the time you notice that there is something wrong with your HVAC system, you’re going to have to eat the cost of a repair (which will be much higher than the price of a yearly tune-up). Though annual maintenance can’t hinder all problems, they can prevent at least half of them. It’s estimated that about 50% of all AC issues could have been avoided with regular maintenance. Additionally, skipping out on your yearly inspection could void your warranty, resulting in even more costly repairs.
3. Your Indoor Air Quality Goes Downhill
Feeling extra sniffly and sneezy? You may not know this, but your AC does more than just cool your home; it also filters and purifies the air. When the system isn’t functioning efficiently, your air quality will suffer. This is especially a concern for people with severe allergies or respiratory conditions.
One way your AC cleans the air is by circulating it. It pushes stale indoor air out and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. The air also passes through a filter to prevent dust and contaminants from coming through. Another way your AC keeps the air pure is by decreasing humidity and mold growth, both of which can negatively impact your ability to breathe.
Call Stephens Plumbing for Yearly AC Service
If you live in South Bay or Orange County, give Stephens a call to schedule your yearly AC check-up. We recommend getting it done early spring to prepare for the high heat of the coming months. The last thing we want is for you to experience air conditioning issues in the dead of summer. Whether you need a tune-up or HVAC repair, you can trust our experienced and professional technicians to keep your system cooling for years to come.