Spring will be here faster than we know it. We’ve already had our first taste of spring with a couple unseasonably warm weekends in February. It may feel premature to start thinking about air conditioning when you still wake up to a morning frost, but March is the ideal time to schedule your spring AC tune-up.
Seasonal tune-ups for heating and air conditioning are often overlooked by homeowners, but they are a critical part of home maintenance that can extend the lifespan of your AC unit by several years.
Why are tune-ups important?
Regular tune-ups can also save you as much as 15% on your monthly energy bills. Even .042 inches of dust build-up inside your unit’s machinery can decrease efficiency by as much as 20%.
Think of it this way: Those 15% in savings alone more than cover the cost of tune-up service fees. Not to mention the money saved in preventing expensive repairs caused by issues that would have been caught during a tune-up. A well-maintained air conditioning unit can last as many as 15 years, while a neglected unit may last only 7, with a hefty price tag of $5,000 to replace.
What happens during an AC tune-up?
During your tune-up visit, the technician will check the unit’s overall functionality, make sure parts are all clear of debris, and check for any improper connections or leaks. The goal of a tune-up is to keep equipment clean and operating at peak efficiency in order to prevent breakdowns before they happen.
A few specific things we check, clean, and service during a Bonfe tune-up include:
- Condenser
- Condensate drain
- Fan speed
- Blower rotation
- Thermostat
- Compressor
- Operating pressure
- Safety controls
Click here for a complete list.
Homeowners also have a role to play in air conditioner maintenance. You should be changing the filters on your heating and cooling systems about four times a year in order to keep them operating at peak efficiency.
Think of your seasonal tune-up like a biannual dentist appointment, or changing the oil in your car. It keeps things running smoothly and prevents more serious problems.
Peace of Mind
Bonfe Peace of Mind customers receive two seasonal tune-ups (that includes the spring AC tune-up!) for free with their plan. Learn more about Peace of Mind service plans and benefits.