Avoid Unnecessary AC Repairs with Regular Maintenance
Now we all know how painful AC problems can be, especially in Lafayette, La in the dead of summer. Whether its when your air conditioner stops working at the most inopportune time. Or the bill from those AC repairs that maybe could have been avoided.
Let’s start this conversation by stating the obvious, everyone is busy. We get it! We are in the HVAC business, but we are also human and are busy homeowners with families and/or other obligations just like many of you.
At Adapt Concepts, we believe in bringing the best value possible to our customers. One way we do this is by providing them with as much information as possible to make the best choices. In this blog post, we will focus on HVAC maintenance and why it is critical for all of our clients. We will discuss how it can really help to prevent those unexpected outages and high repair expenses.
I Work Long Hours Too
One of the reasons that HVAC maintenance is so important is that it’s easy to take our AC systems for granted. We often forget about them until they stop working, and by then, it may be too late. It’s important to remember that your HVAC system works hard to keep you comfortable, especially in hot and humid climates like south Louisiana. In fact, the average AC in this area if properly sized, can work 2,000 – 3,000 hours per year, and even more if conditions are not ideal.
The average AC in South Louisiana, even if properly sized, can work 2000-3000 hours per year.
Understanding What Your System Needs
An HVAC system is a large investment for most people. However, many people think that because they just installed a brand-new HVAC system that they shouldn’t have to worry about any issues with the system for a while. Contrary to that belief, regular maintenance is important for all HVAC systems, regardless of age, type, or size.
With that said, it is important that you understand that there are many different processes that should take place to properly maintain your system; and while rinsing off your coils periodically and changing your filters as often as necessary can and should be done by you, there are many other things that you may not be able to do yourself. Some off these processes require proper training and specialized tools.
Let’s think of this another way and compare it to something similar…your car. Routine maintenance for your HVAC system is just as important as routine maintenance for your car. You wouldn’t buy a car and not change the oil for a couple of years or forget to check your gas level. In the same way, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. By scheduling professional routine maintenance, you can identify small problems before they become big ones and extend the life of your HVAC system.
The 3 Primary Purposes of Regular HVAC Maintenance
- To keep your system running as optimal and efficiently as possible
- To help prevent expensive repair costs
- To help maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
Adapt's ProActive Annual Maintenance Checklist
1. Monitor & adjust operating pressures
2. Checking refrigerant levels
3. Adjust thermostat calibration if necessary
4. Clean & adjust blower components
5. Clean & adjust burner assembly
6. In-depth cleaning of condenser coil
7. Clean condensate drains
8. Clean evaporator coil if accessible
9. Lubricating all moving parts
10. Clean heat exchanger or elements
11. Clean ignition assembly
12. Inspect vent cap
13. Measure temperature difference
14. Measure volts/amps on motors
15. Monitor starting capabilities
16.Testing safety controls
17. Tighten any loose electrical connections
18. Monitor flue draft
Neglect Leads to Unnecessary Repairs
We’ve all heard horror stories of people having to replace their entire AC system because they neglected routine maintenance. But how much do AC repairs actually cost? Well, according to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of AC repair in the United States is $300-$500. However, in some cases, repairs can easily exceed $1,000. By investing in regular maintenance, you can help avoid these costly repairs and keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently for many years.
“Regular” is the Most Important Part About AC Maintenance
There are many different options to help you remember to schedule routine maintenance. For those who like to stay organized, creating personal calendar events for your regular tasks can be a helpful reminder. For those who are juggling a lot of balls already, an auto-renewing annual maintenance plan may be the best option. This type of plan is similar to termite treatment or pest control, and ensures that your HVAC system is always in top condition. What is really important here is not how you remember to get these regular maintenance items done, but that they get done and not forgotten.
In conclusion, regular HVAC maintenance is essential for residential and commercial clients. By investing in routine maintenance, you can avoid expensive repairs, extend the life of your HVAC system, and keep your home or business comfortable all year round.
For many of our customers, it is more convenient for them to enroll in our annual plan. This allows them the peace of mind that everything will be taken care of exactly when needed.
If you have any questions or to find out more about our annual maintenance plan and its many additional benefits, give us a call.