A central air conditioner can be a great option for your home. If you're considering having a central air conditioner installed, you may want to consider the three things below. While these things shouldn't deter you from purchasing one, they'll give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of operation and maintenance of your new system.

Ongoing Maintenance

To ensure that your central air conditioner remains in good condition and lasts for its intended lifetime, it's important that you maintain your system on a regular basis.

While yearly maintenance is important, there are a few things that should be done every few months as long as the unit is in use. One such task is the cleaning or replacing of the air filters. Not only can this provide you with 5% to 15% in energy savings per year, but it can also ensure your family remains cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Other important ongoing maintenance tasks include cleaning debris away from the outside unit and ensuring the unit stays level.

Professional Maintenance

For certain tasks, it's best to hire professional HVAC servicers. These tasks may include cleaning of the air conditioner's coils, as well as the drains and fins.

The coils can be difficult to access without the proper training and tools, which is why professional maintenance is recommended at least once per year. Improper cleaning can result in damages to the system, as well as reduced functioning. A clean and well-maintained air conditioner will run efficiently, enabling you to cool your home quickly and save money on energy costs. This professional maintenance can also prolong the life of your system, as well as catch any small issues with the system before they become bigger and more expensive.

Troubleshooting and System Repairs

On rare occasions, a well-maintained system may require diagnosis and repairs. Depending on the age of your system and the agreement you have with the manufacturer, you may be covered if you have proof of regular maintenance by a professional.

Common problems include leaks and improper cooling. If you've done everything to remedy the issues at hand (replaced tubing for a leak or cleaned all filters and fans for problems with cooling), you'll need to call in a professional for diagnosis. As mentioned above, this appointment may be covered by the manufacturer or HVAC service company, but if not, diagnosis by a professional can still save you hundreds of dollars. Improper diagnosis can lead to larger problems down the road, as well as inefficient energy use.

Maintaining and repairing your home's central air conditioning system doesn't have to be costly or time consuming. If you're considering installing a system in your home and feel you can keep up with the ongoing maintenance involved in running an AC unit, contact an HVAC professional today. They can help you to understand what your cooling needs are, as well as the annual costs of maintenance and repairs. 

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