Air Conditioner Serviced? How often and when? Tips from Dynamic HVAC

Understanding the importance of A/C maintenance

As homeowners ourselves, we understand the importance of keeping your air conditioning system running smoothly and efficiently year-round. As a business, that prides itself on customer service and not just doing a job but educating our customers, we wanted to answer some of the most common questions our customers ask about when and and how often to service their air conditioner. We'll discuss:

  • How often your A/C should be serviced, 
  • What an A/C tune-up includes, 
  • How to know if your A/C needs cleaning,
  • Does my A/C need to be recharged, and
  • What will happen if I don't service my A/C?

Regular A/C maintenance is key to keeping your home comfortable and avoiding costly repairs, which is why we want to make sure you have all the information you need to take care of your system. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of how to maintain your A/C system and why it's so important. 

So, grab a cool drink and let's get started!

How often should you have your A/C serviced?

Have you ever wondered how often your A/C system needs servicing? The short answer is that it depends. Factors such as the age of your system, how often it's used, and the manufacturer's recommendations can all play a role in determining how often your A/C should be serviced.

At Dynamic HVAC, we recommend that homeowners have their A/C systems serviced at least once a year. This preventive maintenance is key to ensuring that your A/C system runs efficiently and lasts as long as possible. Plus, regular servicing can help prevent major issues from developing, which can save you money in the long run.

But what about routine maintenance tasks that homeowners can perform themselves? Here are a few additional tips to keep your A/C system running smoothly:

  • Changing air filters: A dirty air filter can reduce your system's efficiency and even cause damage over time. It's important to change your filter at least every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Keeping the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris: Your A/C's outdoor unit needs room to breathe in order to function properly. Make sure to keep the area around the unit free of debris, such as leaves or branches.

By doing these simple tasks regularly, you can help extend the life of your A/C system and avoid costly repairs. So, to answer the question of how often you should have your A/C serviced, the general guideline is at least once a year. However, it's important to take into consideration the specific needs of your system and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. And remember, preventive maintenance is key to a long-lasting A/C system!

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What does an A/C tune-up include?

An A/C tune-up is a critical component of regular A/C maintenance. During a tune-up, one of our expert technicians will inspect and clean various parts of your A/C system to ensure it's running efficiently and identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

So, what does an A/C tune-up include? At Dynamic HVAC, our tune-up services typically include the following tasks:

Checking refrigerant levels

Low refrigerant levels can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and higher energy bills, so it's important to make sure your system has the correct amount of refrigerant. Our technicians will check the refrigerant levels and add more if necessary.

Cleaning coils

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the coils of your A/C system, which can reduce its efficiency. During a tune-up, our technicians will clean the coils to ensure optimal performance. They may also straighten any bent fins on the coils, which can improve airflow.

Inspecting electrical connections

Faulty electrical connections can be a safety hazard and also cause your system to work less efficiently. During a tune-up, our technicians will check all electrical connections to ensure they're secure and working properly. They may also tighten any loose connections or replace any damaged wires.

Checking thermostat

A faulty thermostat can cause your system to work harder than it needs to, leading to increased energy bills. Our technicians will check your thermostat to ensure it's working correctly and accurately reading the temperature. They may also calibrate the thermostat, replace the batteries, or suggest replacing it if necessary.

Inspecting Moving Parts

While most newer residential A/C systems have sealed bearings and motors, our technicians will still test the system to ensure that it's functioning properly. This includes checking for any noises that are out of the norm, the temperature of the air coming from the vents, and checking for any leaks or other issues that may be affecting performance. If the technician identifies any minor issues during the tune-up, they may be able to address them on the spot. In addition, the technician will lubricate any moving parts, such as fan motors, if they require lubrication to help reduce friction and extend the life of your system.

By performing these tasks annually, you can help ensure that your A/C system is running smoothly and efficiently. Plus, a well-maintained A/C system can save you money in the long run by reducing energy bills and avoiding costly repairs.

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How do I know if my A/C needs cleaning?

Regular A/C cleaning is an essential component of A/C maintenance. Over time, dust, debris, and other contaminants can accumulate on your A/C system's coils, reducing its efficiency and causing it to work harder than it needs to. But how do you know if your A/C system needs cleaning?

Here are some signs that your A/C system may need cleaning:

  • Reduced airflow: If you notice that the air coming from your vents is weaker than usual, it could be a sign that your A/C system's coils are dirty and need to be cleaned.
  • Strange odors: If you detect a musty or moldy odor coming from your A/C system, it could be a sign that mold or bacteria has grown on the coils. Cleaning the coils can help eliminate these odors and improve the air quality in your home.
  • Increased energy bills: If your energy bills have been steadily increasing despite no change in your energy usage, it could be a sign that your A/C system is working harder than it needs to because of dirty coils.

To prevent these issues, we recommend that homeowners have their A/C systems cleaned at least once a year, in addition to routine maintenance tasks such as changing air filters. At Dynamic HVAC, our expert technicians use specialized equipment to thoroughly clean your A/C system's coils, improving its efficiency and helping it last longer.

So, if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it's time to schedule a cleaning appointment with Dynamic HVAC. Your A/C system (and your wallet) will thank you!

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How often should A/C be recharged?

Your A/C system's refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the air and keeping your home cool. But over time, refrigerant levels can drop, reducing your system's cooling efficiency and potentially causing major problems. So, how often should you have your A/C system recharged?

The answer depends on a few factors, such as the age of your system and how much you use it. However, as a general rule of thumb, refrigerant levels should be checked at least once a year during regular A/C maintenance. If the levels are found to be low, they should be topped up to ensure optimal performance.

It's important to note that low refrigerant levels are often a symptom of a larger problem, such as a leak in the system. If your system's refrigerant levels are consistently low, it's important to have one of Dynamic HVAC’s expert technicians inspect your system for leaks and other issues.

Our expert technicians can help ensure that your system's refrigerant levels are where they should be, and identify any potential issues before they become major problems. So, don't let low refrigerant levels ruin your summer and get them topped off.

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What will happen if I don't service my A/C?

It's easy to overlook A/C maintenance, especially when your system seems to be running fine. However, neglecting regular A/C maintenance can have serious consequences for your system, your comfort, and your wallet. Let’s be honest, these types of issues never show up on a cool 70 degree day with a nice breeze that perfectly aligns with your home. No, it is usually on the 105 degree day when everyone else’s system is acting up as well. This means more costly emergency calls and service. 

Here's what could happen if you don't service your A/C system regularly:

  • Reduced efficiency: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on your system's coils, reducing its efficiency and causing it to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to higher energy bills and reduced cooling performance.
  • Increased repairs: Without regular maintenance, small issues can turn into major problems. This can result in costly repairs and potentially even the need for a full system replacement.
  • Reduced lifespan: A poorly maintained A/C system is more likely to break down and require replacement sooner than a system that's been regularly serviced.
  • Safety hazards: Faulty electrical connections and other issues can pose a safety hazard to you and your family. Regular maintenance can help identify and address these issues before they become a hazard.

If you neglect regular A/C maintenance you can expect increased energy bills, costly repairs, and reduced lifespan for your system.

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We can’t stress enough the importance of regular A/C maintenance, and our team of expert technicians have the knowledge and experience to handle all of your HVAC needs. From routine maintenance and repairs to full system installations, we offer affordable and reliable services to keep your home comfortable year-round.

We hope that this article has provided you with helpful information and a better understanding of the importance of A/C maintenance. Remember, preventive maintenance is key to a long-lasting A/C system, and neglecting regular maintenance can lead to costly repairs and reduced lifespan for your system.

So, if you're in Southern Wisconsin and need HVAC services, don't hesitate to contact Dynamic HVAC. We're here to keep your home comfortable year-round!

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