Like every other professional service, a professional air conditioning service costs money. If, like most people, you’re eager to avoid spending money on unnecessary tests and checks, asking, “do I need an air conditioning maintenance schedule?” is a good question. Here, we take a look at what the experts say about the need for a professional service, as well as consider what checks you can do yourself and which need to be completed by a suitably experienced technician.

Do I need my A/C serviced professionally?

The short answer is: yes, you do! If you look in your A/C system’s manual or consult with an A/C professional, you’ll find that almost invariably an annual service from a suitably qualified technician is recommended.

Why is regular servicing necessary?

Like any other appliance that has moving parts, A/C units are subject to wear and tear as time goes on. Dirt and debris can build up in the system, wiring can begin to deteriorate and refrigerant levels may dip below acceptable levels. These issues will have a negative impact on the performance of your unit.

You may notice that after a long period without servicing, your unit performs less efficiently, requires more energy to operate, or begins to fail. To ensure consistently high performance, minimise the risk of breakdown and help your system to last longer, regular servicing is vital.

What does a professional check consist of?

The tasks and checks which a professional technician carries out vary slightly between providers. Typically, you should expect:

• A full inspection of the unit (both outdoors and indoors) to check for wear and tear.
• Electrical connection inspection and testing.
• Voltage testing.
• Cleaning and lubricating all moving parts.
• Testing the thermostat.
• Checking the system controls.
• Cleaning the condensate drain and condenser.
• Changing the air filter.
• Blower motor amperage.
• Fan motor condition.
• Checks for air leaks.
• Evaporator coil care.
• And any other checks that need doing.

Why can’t I service my A/C myself?

There is no reason why you can’t perform basic maintenance (see below). Professionals are essential because:

• They have the specialist tools to perform checks that aren’t otherwise possible.
• They can disassemble your A/C to perform in-depth checks, then reassemble it correctly.
• Professionals know the weak spots of each make and model – they can spot faults early.
• Technicians know how to solve every problem that an A/C unit can exhibit.
• A technician completes a methodical, comprehensive assessment of your unit.

What maintenance and inspection can I do safely?

In between professional inspections, there’s plenty you can do to keep your A/C unit working well. Some suggestions include:

• Making sure the area around an outdoor unit is free from detritus and undergrowth.
• After cutting off the power, a dirty unit can be gently cleaned with a hose.
• Perform an external check of the unit, looking for exposed wiring or other signs of deterioration.
• Change the air filter. This should be checked monthly, as some systems require a more frequent change than others.

For further details on professional A/C maintenance, please get in touch.