As summer rolls around, your air conditioner becomes the hardest-working thing in your home. A sudden breakdown in the middle of a heatwave is inconvenient and can even lead to danger. At General Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Thousand Palms, CA, we want you to understand why summer AC tune-ups are vital. We offer tune-ups for all system makes and models to ensure your comfort during the summer.
1. Breakdown Prevention
An HVAC breakdown in the middle of a 95+ degree day can lead to serious risks. According to the EPA, indoor temperatures can quickly rise to 10 degrees warmer than the outdoors.
Unfortunately, HVAC systems tend to fail under great strain, such as during a heatwave. A summer tune-up can catch worn parts, refrigerant issues, or electrical problems before they cause a breakdown. During an AC maintenance appointment, our technicians check all essential components, including the following:
- Compressor and fan motor
- Refrigerant charge
- Capacitors and contactors
- Airflow and duct integrity
- Electrical connections and safety switches
It is always best to be proactive rather than reactive. A summer tune-up can help you avoid emergency repair calls.
2. Lower Your Electricity Costs
Well-maintained HVAC units run much more effectively and efficiently. Issues like dusty coils, clogged filters, and a lack of lubrication force your system to work harder. The extra effort put out by your system will show up on your electricity bill.
After maintenance, you will likely see lowered electricity costs because clean evaporator and condenser coils lead to improved heat transfer. Additionally, proper airflow prevents the blower from overworking, while the correct refrigerant levels ensure optimal cooling.
3. Improve Indoor Comfort
Homes that feel stuffy, overly humid, or unevenly cooled typically have an HVAC system struggling to do its job. A summer tune-up ensures every part works together to improve indoor comfort. During a tune-up in your Thousand Palms home, we test for issues like the following:
- Inconsistent airflow between rooms
- Low refrigerant pressure affecting cooling output
- Failing thermostat or dirty sensor
- Weak fan motor
Fixing these issues early will ensure that your air conditioner can maintain a steady cooling level, even on the hottest days in Thousand Palms. Your family will stay more comfortable all summer.
4. Extend the Life of Your System
An air conditioner requires a significant investment. Like any machine, your system will last longer with proper care. Dust and grime buildup, loose parts, and unnoticed wear and tear can all cause long-term damage.
Routine summer maintenance helps extend the life of fan motors, coils, compressors, and electrical components. HVAC units that receive regular maintenance often last years longer than those that don’t. This equates to fewer replacements and less money spent.
5. Catch Minor Issues
Not all air conditioner problems start with complete failures. Many problems begin with minor issues, such as a small refrigerant leak, a loose wire, or a damaged capacitor. Neglect causes these minor issues to snowball, leading to significant and more expensive AC repairs.
For instance, a capacitor replacement is relatively inexpensive. If left alone, however, it could lead to the need for a compressor replacement, which can cost $1,500 or more.
6. Maintain Healthy Indoor Air Quality
A dirty HVAC system circulates dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens throughout your home. Over time, these can contribute to poor indoor air quality. The following system checks help ensure better indoor air quality for your family.
- Filter inspection and change
- Ductwork inspection
- Evaporator coils
- Standing water or condensation issues
One of the primary causes of poor indoor air quality is dirty ductwork. Our technicians at General Air Conditioning & Plumbing offer ductwork cleaning services and filtration systems to help purify your air.
7. Protect Your Warranty
If a manufacturer’s warranty covers your system, you may be required to seek professional maintenance. Most brands specify that owners must seek professional maintenance to keep the warranty in good standing.
Skipping HVAC tune-ups could result in denied claims for major parts and voided warranties on new installations, resulting in significant out-of-pocket costs.
8. Avoid Scheduling Delays
Summer is busy for most HVAC companies, including General Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Service calls spike during heat waves. You don’t want to wait until the hottest part of summer. Scheduling your summer tune-up early gives you peace of mind.
9. Keep Your Home Safer
A neglected air conditioner can pose safety risks, especially with overheating or electrical problems. Although HVAC-related fires are more likely in the summer, many fire departments warn about summer fires. The National Fire Protection Association warns that around 2,500 fires happen yearly because of central and window air conditioners.
The following tune-up tasks help protect your family.
- Electrical connection inspection and tightening
- Overload protector and circuit breaker testing
- Safe drainage and moisture control
- Exposed or burnt wiring
10. Peace of Mind all Summer Long
Finally, a summer tune-up gives you great confidence. You know your system has gone through inspection, testing, and preparation for the summer months ahead.
A tune-up will also give you a better sense of your HVAC system’s health. Instead of worrying about unexpected expenses, you can budget for future repairs.
11. Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Every time your HVAC system runs inefficiently, it uses more electricity, most of which comes from fossil fuels. An inefficient air conditioner raises your electricity bills and increases your carbon footprint.
Scheduling an annual summer tune-up can help you use less energy while delivering the same comfort level. These appointments can help you avoid refrigerant leaks, which produce harmful greenhouse gases. Your system will also last longer, helping prevent premature replacement and waste.
12. Maximize the Benefits of Smart Thermostats
If you have a smart thermostat, getting an annual tune-up helps you make it work better. Smart systems can only work as well as the systems they control. A smart thermostat will not make much difference if your HVAC system struggles with airflow, dirty coils, or improper cycling.
A tune-up can help with the following:
- Thermostat callibration
- Precise temperature control
- Smart schedule tips
A smart thermostat paired with a well-maintained HVAC system improves efficiency and comfort and gives you more control over cooling costs.
How Long Does an HVAC Tune-Up Take?
Most HVAC tune-ups take one to two hours, depending on the unit type and home size. Your appointment may be longer if it’s been a while since you sought maintenance.
Sometimes, we can complete repairs on the same day if we find any issues. However, this depends on the type of repair and if we need to order any parts.
Schedule Your HVAC Tune-Up Today
Summers in Thousand Palms can be brutally hot. In June, midday temperatures can average around 104, making having a reliable air conditioner a must. It’s essential to stay on top of your HVAC system maintenance.
General Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers extensive HVAC maintenance services, including inspection, cleaning, and testing. We opened our doors in 1984 and continue to prioritize our customers. Our technicians are fully licensed and background checked for your peace of mind.
Call our expert HVAC technicians at General Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule your annual summer HVAC tune-up today. We are here to help you keep your home cool and comfortable all summer.
