March in Virginia is always a good time to get ready for spring maintenance tasks around your home and office, including checking the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, clearing and repairing your gutters and roofs, and checking for plumbing leaks that might have occurred due to freezing winter temperatures. It is also a perfect time to schedule a AC Checkup.
What is a Spring AC Tune-Up?
A spring AC tune-up involves having one of our professional technicians checking the operation of your system to make sure everything is functioning properly. That includes inspecting both internal and external parts of your unit. Here is what it covers:
Checking and calibrating the thermostat
Checking the blower blades, motor belts, and bearings
Checking and lubricating all motors
Flushing condensate drains and clearing the condensate hose
Inspecting the air filter and replacing if necessary
Inspecting the power connections and tightening where needed
Inspecting the condenser coil for punctures
Inspecting the refrigerant levels
Inspecting the capacitors
Testing the evaporator temperature differential
What are the Benefits of a Spring Tune-Up with Virginia Air Heating and Cooling Inc?
Lengthen Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan
In Virginia, Air Conditioners are a necessary investment in home comfort, especially in our state’s humid climate, and giving them a little extra love and attention will make them last longer. AC maintenance is the best way to discover potential problems and address them in a timely manner. By repairing normal wear and tear on a regular basis, you can effectively increase your air conditioner’s lifespan. Older air conditioners have a life expectancy of 10-12 years, while newer models can last 15-20 years.
Increase AC Efficiency and Decrease AC Costs
A tuned-up, properly calibrated HVAC system runs smoother and has a better fuel economy. This ultimately helps you, the homeowner, save money on energy bills. Now more than ever with higher energy costs an a properly maintained AC unit will save you money.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
For most Virginia homeowners, the air conditioner is the first defense against indoor air pollution and allergens. As dust and debris enter your home, they don’t have much of a chance to linger in the air before they are filtered through the HVAC system. The air filter, of course, plays a key role in trapping harmful contaminants and ensuring that only fresh, clean air circulates throughout the household. Therefore, a healthy air conditioner paves the path for healthy indoor air quality.
Jumpstart Your AC
As we make the transition from winter to spring, it’s imperative that your air conditioner is prepared to handle the hot, humid days ahead. A thorough inspection and maintenance service performed by one of our trained professional technicians is the best way to jumpstart your AC system after a dormant few months.
What You Can Do
Your to do list doesn’t stop after scheduling a professional tune-up with Virginia Air Heating & Cooling.. AC maintenance should be a monthly task, so make sure you’re performing the following tasks on a regular basis:
Check Your Air Filter
The filter inside of your AC unit helps to maintain healthy air quality by catching dust, debris, and other pollutants. When the air filter becomes dirty, those contaminants buildup and restrict airflow. This can ultimately damage your AC system, as it forces your unit to work overtime. An experienced technician can tell you if it’s time for a new one.
Clean Outside Coils Especially After Storms
The unit outside of your home, called a condenser, works in conjunction with your AC unit. It disperses the air inside of your home. Naturally, the outside unit can come in contact with branches and shrubs. Clearing the condenser of these obstructions, as well as cleaning off leaves, pollen, and dirt will ensure it can work properly.
Identify Minor Issues Before They Become Major
Getting a tune-up is not only essential in ensuring your unit will work properly, but it’s also essential for identifying problems before they worsen. This can save you a significant amount of money down the road on potential issues like condenser efficiency, coolant levels, and other performance-related areas. A unit that is working efficiently can also cut costs on your energy bills!