How Regular AC Maintenance Can Save You Money
Everyone wants to save money. Learn how preventative AC maintenance can help you do just that.
By Anne Fonda
For many homeowners, the HVAC system is something we take for granted. It keeps us cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But just like your car needs an oil change, tire rotation, and brake check, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance as well.
Learn how a little TLC can prevent discomfort and help prevent expensive repair bills.
How often do I need air conditioner maintenance?
That depends on if you’re doing it yourself (what is acceptable DIY maintenance) and what air conditioning maintenance you hire an HVAC company to do. Generally, you only need a professional for annual AC maintenance. But the DIY maintenance needs to happen more frequently.
DIY AC maintenance
The DIY air conditioner maintenance tasks are pretty simple. We strongly advise against trying to do more extensive AC maintenance yourself as you could damage the system and void your warranty.
So, don’t go opening the indoor coil or taking the top or sides off the outdoor unit. Stick with these two tasks.
Inside: Change the filters
Maintenance of your AC system starts with changing the air filter regularly. A dirty or clogged AC air filter restricts the airflow in your HVAC system. This can cause the system to work harder, leading to unnecessary wear and tear and early breakdowns. You want your system to last as long as possible because HVAC system replacement is a big expense.
A dirty filter can cause potential problems such as a frozen evaporator coil where you will need to schedule what could be an expensive AC repair. Avoid dirty coils by changing the filter and scheduling professional maintenance.
Read our blog HVAC Air Filter Replacement: Everything You Need to Know for more details.
Outside: Keep the AC unit clear
Your air conditioning system will function it’s best with good airflow. By changing the filters, you’re taking care of airflow on the inside. Outside your home, you need to keep the area around the condenser unit clear – preferably at least two feet on all sides.
Your unit may be placed closer to your home than that on one side. If that’s the case, worry about the other three sides. Trim any shrubs or landscaping plants to keep them from encroaching on the AC unit. When you mow the grass, use a bag, or if you have a non-mulching mower, make sure the grass shoots out on the side away from the AC unit.
Consider adding the All Weather™ Top accessory to your AC unit. It snaps onto the top of your American Standard air conditioner and keeps out debris such as twigs, pollen, and leaves. It also helps channel away rain and melting snow to help protect your AC unit.
Professional AC maintenance checklist
Only a trained HVAC technician should maintain the inner workings of your air conditioning system. But what’s included in yearly AC maintenance? It depends on the HVAC company, but in general, the HVAC technician will usually perform AC system maintenance. That means while they will focus on the outdoor AC unit maintenance, they will also inspect the indoor system components.
Annual air conditioner maintenance can include:
- Checking the thermostat for proper location and calibration
- Inspecting and tightening electrical connections
- Lubricating moving parts
- Checking and cleaning the AC condensate line and drain pan
- Inspecting the system controls
- Check the air filter and change if needed
- Checking and cleaning the outdoor condenser coil
- Inspecting the refrigerant levels and checking for refrigerant leaks
- Inspecting the indoor evaporator coil and cleaning if necessary
How much does professional AC maintenance cost?
The biggest variable in what a yearly air conditioner maintenance visit will cost is where you live. Your costs may range between $75 and $250 depending on where you live, the size and location of your system, the condition of the system, and more.
Is an HVAC maintenance contract worth it?
We’re biased, but we think so. Most HVAC companies offer HVAC maintenance plans that include an AC tune-up in the spring and a furnace tune-up in the fall. If you have a heat pump system, you still get a spring and a fall visit.
An HVAC maintenance agreement gives you peace of mind that your system is well taken care of. Many plans also give you a discount on parts and move you to the head of the line if you have an issue with your HVAC system. That preferential treatment can be priceless in the middle of a Texas heat wave or when the polar vortex has Chicagoland in its grip.
Benefits of regular AC maintenance
By changing the air filters and getting annual air conditioner maintenance, you may see several benefits, including:
- Improved energy efficiency – saving you money on your electric bills
- Prolonged lifespan of the AC unit – saving you money on system replacement
- Fewer repairs – saving you money on repair bills
- Increased comfort – a more efficient AC unit cools and dehumidifies better
- Improved air quality – regular filter changes keep allergens at bay
Work with HVAC professionals you can trust
New to the area and not sure who to hire for your HVAC maintenance? Get some tips on finding the best HVAC service near you. Finding the right HVAC company is like finding the right auto mechanic or dentist. You’ll never want to work with anyone else.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Josef Hejda, Electrification Commercialization Leader
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