The Benefits of Routine AC Maintenance

You count on your AC to keep you cool during the summer, so you need to do everything you can to keep your AC in good condition year-round. According to the Energy Information Association, 87% of homes have air conditioning, with 75% of homes having a central AC unit. AC maintenance contracts are a great way to stay on top of AC maintenance and prevent problems that lead to expensive repairs. If you want to know more about AC maintenance contracts and the benefits of routine AC maintenance, here's a quick breakdown.

Improved Air Quality

When you're running your AC, the air you breathe in your home passes through your HVAC system. Over time, HVAC systems can build up a lot of dust and debris, and those contaminants can end up in the lungs of you and your family members. Routine AC maintenance helps you prevent HVAC problems that can lead to poor air quality, reducing allergy symptoms and keeping your family healthy.

Changing your air filter is especially important in routine AC maintenance. Your HVAC technician can help you decide on the right minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating and AC replacement schedule, so you can keep your home full of fresh air.

Reduced Cooling Costs

Cooling your home during the summer can be expensive, especially if you're using an inefficient window AC or central AC unit. AC maintenance contracts make it easy to stay on top of the maintenance that keeps your AC operating at peak efficiency, from routine cleanings to air filter replacements and inspections. Replacing the air filter in your central AC unit can help improve airflow, which leads to increased efficiency and lowered heating and cooling costs.

If you've noticed your power bill is unusually high over the past few months, that may be a sign that you need a new air filter. You may even have a refrigerant leak or another problem that's leading to a decrease in AC efficiency. Whatever the case may be, routine maintenance can help prevent these problems.

Better Cooling Power

You expect your AC unit to produce cool air when you turn it on, but that might not be the case if you haven't been keeping up with routine AC maintenance. If your air filter is especially dirty and is restricting airflow to your AC, it could be reducing the cooling power of your AC unit.

AC maintenance contracts help you improve cooling power by keeping your AC in good shape, which means you need to have somebody inspect your central AC unit on a regular basis. Changing your air filter and checking for refrigerant leaks can help you keep your home cooler and more comfortable.

Longer AC Lifespan

Your central AC unit isn't designed to last forever, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything in your power to extend its life. Simply keeping up with the minimum in terms of routine AC maintenance can help you extend the lifespan of your AC unit by a few years. AC units experience increased wear and tear if they're dirty and the airflow is restricted, so routine maintenance is key.

According to Bob Vila, a central AC unit will last about 15 to 25 years, depending on maintenance. If you want to maximize the lifespan of your AC unit, you should have an HVAC technician perform routine AC maintenance at least once per year.

Lower Repair Costs

Fixing your central AC unit isn't cheap, especially if you've got a serious HVAC problem. The longer you wait to call an HVAC technician to take a look at your AC unit, the more expensive repairs are likely to be. AC maintenance contracts don't just improve efficiency and lower operating costs, but they also prevent major problems that lead to expensive repairs.

If you're taking good care of your AC and you have an expensive repair, consider the 50/50 rule. If your AC unit is more than 50% through its expected lifespan and repair costs are at least 50% of the replacement cost, it's best to upgrade to a new AC unit.

Schedule AC Maintenance Today

Taking care of your AC unit is essential, and I Care Air Care LLC makes it easy. If you want to keep your AC operating at peak efficiency with minimal issues, call I Care Air Care LLC to schedule AC maintenance today.