Why AC Maintenance Matters for Buffalo NY Homeowners

During the summer months, your air conditioner is a workhorse keeping your home cool and comfortable. Most homeowners never think about it if their AC is running reliably and efficiently. However, neglecting AC maintenance in Buffalo, NY, can quickly lead to problems with your cooling system, resulting in increased electricity consumption, problems keeping your home cool, and a greater risk that your AC will break down. This AC maintenance guide will walk you through the importance of maintaining your AC but also explains which tasks you can safely perform on your own, as well as which AC maintenance tasks should be handled by a professional.

 

Why AC Maintenance in Buffalo, NY, Is Important

Summer temperatures in Buffalo can be warm. Maintaining your AC on a regular basis ensures the system is ready to keep your home comfortably cool on even the warmest of days. Unfortunately, over time, airflow can become compromised due to the collection of pollen, dust, and debris inside the system. Not only does this restrict airflow, but it also causes the fan and compressor to work harder to maintain the same temperature. Energy consumption also increases as the unit’s lifespan decreases. Regular maintenance, including annual inspections, can help to reduce these factors and catch even small issues before they lead to expensive repairs or the complete failure of your AC. When well maintained, an air conditioner can last up to 15 years. By comparison, a neglected AC will usually only last 8 to 10 years.

When to Perform AC Maintenance in Buffalo, NY

At a minimum, you should make a point of having your AC inspected and perform certain routine tasks to keep it in peak operating condition during the spring, before temperatures begin to heat up. The focus during this time should be changing filters, cleaning coils, and having a professional check refrigerant levels. As spring transitions into summer, you should also monitor your AC for weak airflow, any strange noises, and increased energy bills. All of these could indicate potential problems and should be addressed early. In the fall, once the cooling season has passed, take the time to clean your AC unit, once again replace filters, and ensure the system is prepared for winter.

Spring AC Maintenance Checklist

·         Clean or replace air filters

·         Inspect the outdoor condenser unit; clean as needed

·         Clear grass, leaves, and debris from around the unit

·         Check the thermostat settings and calibration

·         Contact a professional AC technician for a tune-up and inspection

Summer AC Care

·         Monitor your monthly utility bills for any unusual increases

·         Ensure registers and vents are not blocked

·         During periods of heavy usage, change the filters every month

·         Listen for any unusual noises, such as rattling, grinding, or squealing

·         Monitor rooms to ensure cooling is consistent

Fall AC Care

·         Replace filters after cooling season

·         Clean inside and around the outdoor unit

·         Consider covering the condenser unit

·         Inspect for any potential damage before closing up for the winter

Professional AC Maintenance vs DIY Maintenance

Homeowners can safely take care of many tasks related to AC maintenance in Buffalo, NY, on their own. However, there are some tasks that should only be handled by licensed HVAC professionals. For instance, homeowners can easily clean around outdoor units, change filters, and ensure registers and vents are free of obstructions. When it comes to cleaning evaporator coils, inspecting refrigerant levels, checking drainage systems, and testing electrical components, it’s time to call in the professionals. All these tasks require specialized training and tools. At Frank’s Mr. Plumber, we offer tune-ups that will ensure your AC is working properly and ready to operate at maximum efficiency on even the warmest days in Buffalo.

Signs That May Indicate Your AC Needs Maintenance and Service Right Away

In some cases, your AC may require service even though it is still operational. Such signs may include:

·         Weak airflow coming from vents – This may indicate blower motor problems or duct blockages

·         Warm air blowing when the system is on – This is usually due to a refrigerant problem

·         Unusual noises – Sounds like squealing, banging, or grinding may indicate a mechanical failure

·         Sudden increase in energy bills – Spikes in energy bills without increasing usage indicates your AC is not working as it should

If you notice any of these red flags, it is important to contact a professional AC technician without delay. Waiting to address such problems could lead to inconvenient and expensive breakdowns during the peak cooling season.

What Is Involved in a Professional AC Maintenance Tune-up and Inspection?

A professional AC inspection and tune-up will provide a comprehensive check of your entire AC system to ensure it is ready to operate reliably, safely, and efficiently before peak usage during the summer months. Instead of being a repair, this service is preventive maintenance that is designed to catch minor issues early before they become big problems while also improving performance and extending the lifespan of your system.

Air Filter Inspection and Replacement

During a regular tune-up, a professional AC technician will check the unit’s filter and replace it or clean it as needed to ensure airflow is not restricted.

Indoor and Outdoor Coil Cleaning

Both the condenser coil and evaporator coil will be cleaned to remove buildup of mold, debris, and dust; all of which can lower cooling efficiency, reduce heat transfer, and increase utility bills.

Inspect the Condensate Drain Line

Your HVAC technician will also remove any blockages from the drain line that would otherwise result in mold growth and water backup.

Test Electrical Components

A comprehensive tune-up will also involve testing all electrical capacitors, connections, and safety controls to ensure there are no loose connections or faults.

Refrigerant Level Check

During the inspection, your HVAC tech will inspect refrigerant lines for leaks and repair as needed.

Calibrations, Inspections, and Testing

 

Finally, your tech will inspect and calibrate the thermostat, inspect the motor and fan, and test for airflow, performance, and safety.

Scheduling preventive maintenance with a licensed HVAC professional is a great way to ensure your AC is ready for peak summer usage. Contact us at Frank’s Mr. Plumber to learn more or schedule an appointment.