Properly maintaining the air conditioner in your Whittier, CA home is a multi-pronged and ongoing effort. Fortunately, you don’t have to shoulder this burden on your own. Although there are a number of AC maintenance tasks that you can safely and effectively complete without help, there are also many jobs that can only be handled by a licensed HVAC technician. Read on to find out why performing AC maintenance without the benefit of professional support is never a good idea.
You Stand to Lose Valuable Protections
When your air conditioner was first purchased, it came with a manufacturer warranty. Most AC manufacturers offer five-year warranties that cover all repair and replacement costs for issues arising from manufacturer defects. For instance, if a small and seemingly unimportant component fails, your warranty will cover the costs of replacing it. If this same component causes the entire cooling system to fail, your warranty will pay for these damages, too.
It’s important to note that AC manufacturer warranties are mutually binding agreements. While AC manufacturers will pay for defect-related repairs, they require homeowners to schedule professional service at least once annually. These agreements also set the standard for other basic air conditioner maintenance, including filter changes, AC air vent cleaning, and more. If you don’t adhere to the terms of this agreement, any claims that you file could be outright denied. In fact, many warranty issuers ask for proof of maintenance when processing claims. Your inability to provide proof of professional maintenance could result in a lot of unnecessary out-of-pocket spending on your end.
This is also true of both home warranty agreements and home insurance policies that cover cooling equipment. It isn’t enough for homeowners to handle basic maintenance themselves. Full tune-up service addresses AC components that are not easy to access, test, or repair without professional training. Moreover, if you attempt to remove the covers from any of your air conditioner’s moving parts, you may void your warranty automatically. When reading through your warranties, you might find that not only are you required to hire a licensed professional for yearly maintenance, but you’re also required to hire one that’s trained and authorized to work on the AC equipment brand you own.
You Could Cause More Harm Than Good
Although there are certain forms of AC maintenance that are fairly standard across all air conditioners, each AC model has its own nuances and needs. Following along with general maintenance instructions obtained from do-it-yourself videos could set the stage for dangerous electrical problems, leaks, and more. Failing to properly calibrate your equipment and overlooking critical maintenance tasks can result in overheating, fires, and complete AC failure. Worse still, after the damage has already been done, you’ll also lack the protections that were once provided by any relevant warranties.
What AC Maintenance Tasks Can You Handle on Your Own?
Your first and most important task in AC maintenance is regularly changing out your air conditioner’s air filter. This component should be checked for debris at least once each month. It should be replaced about once every one to three months with a clean, compatible option.
You should also check your AC registers, grilles, or vents every 30 to 60 days. If they have thick gray, lint-like debris, they should be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth. In fact, you can even remove your HVAC vent covers from time to time to gently suction out buildups with your vacuum cleaner’s hose and attachment. Keeping these features clean will promote optimum airflow.
You can also make sure that your thermostat is programmed and functioning correctly, verify that all air vents are fully opened, and periodically check the AC condensate drain for evidence of leaking. Although issues like blocked and overflowing condensate drain pans can’t be resolved by homeowners themselves, visual inspections will give you the chance to catch and report problems before they spiral out of control.
Outside of your home, you’re responsible for keeping your outdoor AC condenser clear of leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris. This unit should have at least two feet of clearance on all sides. You can also wipe or hose down the condenser cover, but you should leave any interior clean-up of the condenser to professionals. Attempting to clean off the enclosed fins and coils could result in bent or broken fins and costly coil damage. When you schedule a professional AC tune-up, these are features that we’ll inspect and maintain for you.
We’re committed to helping residents of Whittier, CA maintain reliable, high-performing cooling equipment. We offer heater and air conditioner maintenance, repair, and replacement services. We also provide air balancing, insulation, and indoor air quality solutions. If your air conditioner needs a tune-up, contact [company_name] today!