As the weather heats up approaching summer, maximizing AC efficiency and preventing costly problems becomes especially important. Having a professional perform cooling maintenance once a year can save you money while also increasing comfort. Here’s a closer look at why an annual AC check is a wise appointment to make.

Why You Should Schedule AC Maintenance This Year

1. Assess the Filter

A classic pitfall of AC maintenance is forgetting to replace the air filter. After enough time passes, the filter gets jammed with grime, and it’s harder for the unit to pass air through it, resulting in higher bills and lower efficiency and air quality.

A cooling contractor can show you exactly how to remove the old filter and install the new one. They can also help you assess your situation—such as the size of your home, the number of pets you have, and whether any family members have allergies or respiratory issues—to build an effective schedule for when you should be replacing the filter. The average household should aim for once per season.

2. Clean the Coils 

Most AC systems have both an indoor and outdoor unit, so it’s important not to neglect the outdoor one, which may be out of sight and out of mind. During a professional visit, the technician will rigorously but carefully clean the coils of the outside compressor. Over fall and winter, leaves, twigs, and other debris can become lodged in the coils, preventing the machine from sucking in air at an efficient rate. 

3. Provide an Overall Tuneup

Finally, you can expect your technician to handle a lot of the less-known tasks that will keep your cooling system running at peak efficiency. For instance, they may run a wire through your condensate drain to eliminate a clog or utilize a fin comb to sort out any bent coil fins on the machine. Your refrigerant level and thermostat will also be checked.

If you haven’t had your yearly cooling checkup yet this year, schedule one with a top HVAC team like Silver Tree Plumbing & Heating in Mendota Heights, MN. Bringing 75 years of combined experience to every job, the residential experts are even available for 24/7 emergency AC repairs if the need ever arises. To schedule an appointment, call (651) 319-4200. Learn more about the company by visiting their website.