How Often Does an Air Conditioner Need to Be Serviced?

An air conditioner is a unit that cools off the air in your home through a refrigeration process. The air conditioner takes in hot air from inside your house, cools it down and then releases it back into your house.

HVAC (heating, ventilation and AC) contractors have several options when it comes to cooling your house, ranging from single-room window units to complete central air for your entire home. Central air units can be either in-window or outside units. It’s important to note that an air conditioner does not cool the air. It cools the air by means of a compressor, a condenser and a refrigerant.

Now, while even the best air conditioners are durable and long-lasting, it still needs to be serviced from time to time. Today, let’s explore how often ACs need to be serviced. Here’s what you need to know:

How Often Is AC Service Necessary?

Along with regular maintenance, the frequency of servicing an air conditioner is determined by the temperature in your home.

If you live in a hot climate, you’ll need to have your air conditioner serviced more often. The humidity makes hot, humid climates harder on the air conditioner. AC systems located in humid climates need to be serviced more often.

The air conditioner does not need to be serviced in a dry climate as often as in humid climates. Dry air is easy to cool, so the air conditioners do not need to work too hard.

However, it is essential to note that even in hot climates, air conditioners in your house require servicing every two years. In addition to the type of climate, you might also want to consider the age of your air conditioner.

What Happens When an AC Is Serviced?

Once you notice that your ac need servicing, call Legacy Heating and Cooling. We’ll give you an estimate for the cost of the service call and what you can expect when the technician arrives.

Sometimes, the technician will simply clean the inside of the air conditioner. In other instances, they might have to drain the tank and the compressor lines. If your AC leaks the refrigerant lines, they’ll need to change the refrigerant.

What Does an AC Service Include?

AC service includes a thorough inspection of the unit. The technician will examine the coils, drip pan, blower and contacts. In addition to these components, the technician will determine if there is a leak in the refrigerant line, inspect the condenser, check the oil, and look at the thermostat.

Signs Your AC Needs to Be Serviced

How can you tell if an air conditioner needs to be serviced? Here are several signs that you can check for:

• You’re constantly changing the air filter
• The air conditioner doesn’t cool the house properly
• It’s louder than usual
• There’s a puddle of water in the unit or the condenser
• The AC is leaking refrigerant
• One or more of the capacitors are damaged
• The fans overheat
• The unit is running continuously or trips the circuit breaker
• The unit is making noises like a continuous whistle or buzzing sound.

The Bottom Line

A properly maintained air conditioner will last for a long time. However, it is important to have your air conditioner serviced periodically. By giving your system a check every two years, you’ll be able to identify any problems with the system early and prevent expensive repairs in the future.

If you are looking for air conditioners in Edmonton and Calgary, we can help you. At Legacy, we specialize in HVAC systems for residential new home construction. We can also install and replace furnaces, air conditioners, air cleaners, thermostats, humidifiers, and other HVAC products! Contact us today to learn more!