By now, you probably already know that having your AC maintained regularly is essential. But what should AC maintenance include for your Florida home?
To get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to make sure that a maintenance visit for your air conditioner includes:
Annual AC maintenance does come with a cost, but it pays for itself with benefits like:
It’s a good idea to get an annual pre-season AC inspection because contractors get very busy during the peak summer season. By scheduling your maintenance in the spring, you’ll also make sure your AC is ready to take on the Florida summer heat.
To help you know what to anticipate during an AC maintenance service visit, let’s take a closer look at the two factors listed above.
Have you been putting off your AC maintenance? Get it done today with a thorough AC system check from a licensed Red Cap technician.
During an AC checkup, an HVAC professional will complete several different maintenance tasks. According to ENERGY STAR®, the technician should at the very least do the following things:
This will ensure that the thermostat settings are working properly and are programmed to provide you with the most energy savings possible.
Checking all the electrical connections is necessary to make sure your AC is operating safely. It will also increase your system’s lifespan.
This maintenance task can help you cut back on your electricity use by reducing the amount of friction in your AC’s motor.
Clogged condensate drain
Due to the humid Florida summer conditions, your condensate drain likely has a lot of water to remove from your AC unit and send outside. Regularly inspecting it will ensure that it does not develop any cracks, is working properly, and it’s free of mold or algae growth (which can cause clogs).
Checking that the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly will provide peace of mind because you’ll know that your AC is working properly and safely.
The heavier humid Florida air carries more dirt, dust, and debris, which can settle in your AC’s coils. Dirty coils reduce your AC’s ability to cool your home. So, your AC has to run longer, decreasing its overall lifespan and contributing to higher energy bills, which is why regular cleaning of these coils is highly recommended.
Clogged air filter
A dirty air filter can “suffocate” your AC and not allow enough air into your system to be cooled, causing your AC to strain to meet your cooling demands.
Dirty blower wheel
Dirt, dust, and debris may be more likely to accumulate on your AC’s blower components due to Florida’s high humidity levels. Cleaning these components helps your AC work as efficiently as possible and keeps the air inside your home cool and clean.
Generally, a high-quality HVAC contractor will do much more than this during an inspection, but if you want, you can also ask for a full list of inspection items before hiring a contractor. A more thorough AC checkup will cost more than a less extensive one, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re getting your money’s worth.
All maintenance services for your air conditioner should be completed by a qualified and reputable HVAC company.
Unfortunately, some HVAC technicians will rush through an AC system check and miss important details that result in pricey repairs later. They may offer a lower price for AC maintenance than a more experienced contractor, but you’re likely to pay the difference (and more) down the line due to costly—and preventable—repairs.
Instead, it’s best to hire an experienced HVAC contractor that takes the time to complete a comprehensive maintenance inspection. It’s worth the higher cost for peace of mind and thoroughness.
To find a high-quality HVAC technician for AC maintenance, you’ll want to look for:
If an HVAC contractor does not provide everything on the above maintenance checklist or won’t tell you what their AC maintenance includes, you’re better off taking your business elsewhere.
We offer comprehensive AC system checks in the Tampa area with a 1-year no-breakdown guarantee. If you decide to get regular annual AC maintenance, we recommend our Red Cap 360 Whole Home Plan. It will save you money when you do need repairs because you’ll have access to special perks like: