How often should I service my air conditioner?

Though there can be a bit of wiggle room, generally speaking, you should have your air conditioner serviced twice yearly: once in the fall and once in the spring. This is to ensure that it's clean, that its parts are in good shape and that it's operating as optimally as possible.

Should I service my AC every year?

It's recommended that you service your home air conditioning system at least once every year. The same goes for your heating system.

How often should your air conditioner be cleaned?

Experts in air conditioning advise that even if there is nothing wrong with your air conditioning unit, you still need to have it cleaned at least once every 12 months to make sure that your air conditioner is working at its peak efficiency during the season when you need it the most.

Is it OK to spray water on your air conditioner while running?

The good news is that you absolutely can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs a cleaning, and nothing bad will happen. Spraying water on your AC's condenser also helps it run more efficiently. In fact, your condenser needs a regular spritzing in order to keep doing a good job.

Is it necessary to clean AC outdoor unit?

Outdoor units take a lot of dust, dirt and different debris, so that is why it is always a better idea to start cleaning from the outside. Duct cleaning is also important because it increases the efficiency of the air conditioner.

How Often Should I Service my Air Conditioner?

What happens if you don't service your air conditioner?

It's the same when it comes to no refrigerant in the air conditioning. Although the mechanical parts of the AC will work, the cooling power will be lost and then the system will start to sustain serious damages. These damages will result in higher costs of repairing or even replacement of some parts.

How often should AC filters be changed?

You should replace these about every 90 days, if you have no allergies, but AC pros typically recommend every 45 days for max efficiency. Be sure to replace them with the right size and type of air filter. If your AC was working properly, you could remove the filter and buy one that is identical to it.

Do you really need AC tune-up?

An annual tune-up of your home's AC system can extend its life by several years. An AC tune-up can save you 15 percent on monthly energy bills. Spring is the best time to perform AC maintenance before usage increases during the summer. A well-cared-for AC unit will last about 15 years.

What is done in AC servicing?

During air conditioner service, the technician washes and cleans the air filter. The condenser fins are also washed and cleaned for any molds and dirt build-up during air conditioner service. Dust and soot are enemies of your air conditioning system as they cause overheating of the system.

What does AC tune-up include?

A full calibration of your thermostat to verify proper operation. An inspection of the ductwork for possible energy loss. Tightening and inspection of all the electrical connections to verify safe system operation. Evaluate performance of the blower motor and the condition of the blower belt.

Can a dirty AC filter make you sick?

If the filter's dirty, everything past the filter is dirty too, including the air you breathe. This pumps your home full of dust and allergens. Speaking of allergens, they can cause a number of physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, tightness in your chest, and a mess of cold symptoms you may not be able to shake.

Does a dirty air filter affect air conditioning in a house?

A dirty air filter restricts the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the air conditioner and lower the internal temperature. Given enough time, that buildup of cold air can eventually cause ice to form on the coils.

Where is AC filter located in house?

The air filter can be located at the bottom of an up-flow, vertical system and the top of a down-flow, vertical system. Horizontal HVAC systems — Horizontal HVAC systems are found in attics, garages, or large basements. The air filter will most likely be positioned vertically in a slot on the side of the unit.

What happens if an air conditioner is not used for 3/4 years?

Most Air Conditioners Are Fine if They're Not Used for 3-4 Months. In general, today's durable air conditioners were built to last. Many are meant to run every day for months at a time and are expected to last for decades.

At what temperature should I turn on the air conditioner?

According to the Department of Energy¹, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling. But in reality, this is a question that doesn't have a “one size fits all” answer.

What are the signs of a dirty air filter?

How do I know if my AC filter is dirty?

One clever way to determine if the air filter is dirty is to do the "white sheet test." This involves hanging a clean white sheet approximately 5 inches away from one of the vents for at least one hour. If the sheet turns gray, you've got a filthy air filter. The grayer the sheet, the dirtier the filter.

Can you run AC without filter for one night?

The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short amount of time without hurting your system. That being said, running your AC without a filter for longer than 6-8 hours can cause serious damage to your AC system and significantly lower the quality of the air in your home.

Why does my AC filter get dirty so quickly?

If you notice that your air filters get dirty very quickly, it might be due to the quality of the air filter you're buying. Cheaper air filters cost less because they are low quality. As a result, they have a shorter lifespan than high-performance air filters. Take for example a standard fiberglass air filter.

Can AC give you pneumonia?

The pneumonia 'Legionnaire's disease' is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and is found in faulty air conditioning units of large buildings e.g. hospitals or hotels. The bacteria can survive in warm, moist, air conditioning units and if present can cause an outbreak of the disease.

Can AC hurt your lungs?

The problem might be a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis; it goes by multiple nicknames, including air conditioner lung. If you feel like you have the flu and you cough and experience shortness of breath a few hours after turning your A/C on, your unit may be the culprit.

Can you clean your AC unit yourself?

By taking a hose with moderate water pressure, and spraying the unit from the inside out, you can effectively remove grime and buildup from the fins of your unit. It's important to note, if you're not comfortable performing this step, don't hesitate to enlist the help of an HVAC professional.

Why does it stink when I turn on my AC?

Dust, hair, and moisture on the AC filter encourage mildew growth, which can cause a musty odor when the air conditioner runs. This is a likely reason why the air conditioner smells when first turned on if you don't use forced-air heating in winter. To help prevent this odor, clean or replace the filter in the spring.