Everything You Need to Know About AC Maintenance

In southwestern Pennsylvania and north-central West Virginia, we rely upon our air conditioning units to keep us cool in the summers (our average summer temperature in the mid-80s can get a bit stuffy!). We especially need our air conditioners when it gets muggy and humid during the day and stays so into the evening.

Here at Absolute Heating & Air, we get a lot of questions regarding air conditioning maintenance, so our Morgantown air conditioning experts put together this blog post to cover some important topics, like the benefits of AC maintenance, what’s included when you hire a professional for AC maintenance, and what you can do as a homeowner to keep your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible.

Read on to learn more, or reach out to our pros with any questions you may have or to schedule your AC maintenance in Morgantown or beyond!

Signs You Need Air Conditioning Maintenance

If your air conditioner needs some TLC, you’ll notice some tell-tale signs that include, but won’t necessarily be limited to:

• Unit won’t turn on
• Low cooling output
• Low airflow
• Slow cycling
• Odd noises
• Leaking
• Moldy smell
• Burning smell or smoke

If you experience any of these issues, reach out to us right away. An easy fix that is inexpensive can become more costly if you let the problem continue.

Here are a few things you can do before you call:

• Check your air filter and see when it was last replaced; dirty air filters can cause lower airflow
• If there is no power or your unit is cycling on and off quickly, check your electrical panel first for a tripped circuit
• Also, check your thermostat’s batteries/connection

Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance

Routine air conditioning maintenance provides a whole range of benefits, including those listed below!

1) Increased Energy Efficiency

Air conditioning systems consume a significant amount of electricity, especially during peak usage in hot weather. Regular maintenance ensures that every component, from fans to compressors and thermostats, is operating efficiently. This optimization reduces energy consumption, which directly translates into lower electricity bills. Well-maintained units use energy more efficiently because all components function optimally without straining or using excess power.

2) Extended Equipment Lifespan

Each part of an air conditioning system plays a crucial role in its overall operation. When parts are not maintained, they are more likely to fail prematurely. Regular maintenance helps prevent this by ensuring that all parts are in good working condition and operating as expected. This not only helps in avoiding the immediate inconvenience and cost of repairs but also extends the overall lifespan of the system, thereby providing better value for your investment.

3) Prevention of System Failures

Neglecting air conditioning maintenance can lead to a domino effect where the failing health of one component places stress on others. This interdependence means that a single failing part can cause additional strain, leading to more widespread system issues or total system breakdowns. Regular checks and maintenance prevent this by ensuring that potential problems are identified and corrected before they can cause further damage.

4) Cost Savings Over Time

While regular maintenance involves some upfront costs, it is generally more economical in the long run. By preventing major repairs, extending the system’s lifespan, and operating more efficiently, the cumulative savings on repairs, replacement, and energy bills can be substantial. Investing in routine maintenance avoids the higher costs associated with major repairs or complete system replacement due to negligence.

5) Reliability & Peace of Mind

Air conditioners are most needed during extreme temperatures, which also push these systems to their operational limits. A poorly maintained AC is more likely to break down under such conditions, precisely when you need it most. Regular maintenance ensures that the system remains reliable and effective, even during intense heat waves or cold snaps, thus providing uninterrupted comfort when it’s most critical.

Regular AC maintenance not only keeps your air conditioning system running at peak efficiency but also saves money and hassle in the long term, ensuring comfort even during the most challenging weather conditions.

Our Processional AC Tune Ups

When you call us for AC maintenance in Morgantown, Pittsburgh or the surrounding areas, we’ll perform a full inspection of your system and take care of the following tasks?

• Replace air filters
• Clean and inspect condensate pump
• Clean and inspect indoor and outdoor coils
• Adjust and/or replace fan belts
• Check and clean blowers and fans
• Check thermostat
• Remove dirt and debris from system
• Lubricate motors and bearings
• Check for optimum electrical function
• Check control sequence and safeties
• Check refrigerant levels and pressure
• Check airflow in the system
• Verify operating temperature

Also, when we come out, we can alert you to issues we see that may come up down the road. We can also repair parts that are not performing optimally or are near failure during the spring maintenance service call, so you won’t be sitting without air conditioning on a warm summer day.

Maintenance Contracts

Maintenance contracts usually save you money on your annual maintenance service call. Also, most companies, like ours, provide priority scheduling to customers with maintenance contracts. By having a contract, you can rest assured that you are meeting your manufacturer’s guidelines for regular maintenance required by your system’s warranty.

DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance

While we recommend scheduling AC maintenance with a professional HVAC technician, there are some things that you can do to help keep your air conditioner stay in tip-top shape!

1) Change the Filter

Every three months, you should replace your air filters. If you have pets or people who live in your home with allergies, replace air filters every two months with a filter that has a MERV 13 rating. The MERV 13 filters take out very tiny mold spores, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and pet dander.

2) Clean Vents & Ducts

At the same time you replace the air filters, clean the vents and vacuum as far into the ducts as you can. This will help improve home air quality. Set the vents fully open so that you have the benefit of your system’s entire airflow capability. Check the ducts and vents for any indication of mold. If you find the ducts are very dirty, moldy, and/or dusty, we can come out and clean your ducts.

3) Check the Outdoor Unit

Trim back any vegetation that is near the outer air conditioning unit. Take a broom to the vents to get the spider webs and grass clippings out. Give all sides of the outdoor unit 2 feet of clearance. This will give your unit better airflow.

If you will be doing your own winterization, remove all of the leaves, twigs, and other vegetation from around the unit. Gently spray just the outer portion of the unit to get off any other debris and then let the outdoor unit dry. Insulate the outdoor pipes. Place an insulated cover over the unit. When it snows, be sure to carefully remove the snow from the top and sides of the unit daily so that the weight of the snow does not cause any damage.

Whenever you are doing homeowner maintenance tasks on or around your air conditioning unit, check for signs of rodent entry and possible damage, such as to wiring.

4) Set Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat properly for the time of day and time of year. This will save you money and save on wear and tear on your unit, extending its service life.

Morgantown’s AC Maintenance Experts

At Absolute Heating & Air, we are here to help you with all of your air conditioning maintenance needs in Morgantown, WV and Pittsburgh, PA. Our maintenance contract will save you 15% on repairs and provides you with priority scheduling for service appointments. Our team of Tru-Tech-certified technicians also provides 24/7 emergency repairs on all makes and models of heating and air conditioning units.

Call us today at Absolute Heating & Air to set up an appointment or learn more about our services!