We’ve come to the end of another long, hot summer, and homeowners are easing back on their air conditioning use in favor of their heating systems. Barring an unexpected heat wave, your air conditioning system isn’t likely to see much use between now and next spring. That makes this time of the year perfect to schedule a maintenance session for your system. It will help your air conditioner a great deal not only in dealing with any issues that cropped up this summer, but in making sure it’s ready for next summer. Any air conditioning service worth its salt will offer a regular maintenance program as well as repairs and replacement.
What Is Maintenance?
A maintenance session most closely resembles a tune-up for your car or a check-up from the dentists. It’s not the same as repairs, which are intended to address a specific problem. It’s more of an overview: a chance to look the entire system over and make sure there are no lingering problems.
If a little issue springs up – something that can be easily corrected, such as a loose wire or a clogged filter – the technician can correct it as part of the maintenance session itself. In the event a larger repair job is needed, the technician can schedule it right away. Assuming the needed parts are available in the van (and the homeowner has the time), the repair session can take place immediately after the maintenance session. Otherwise, it can be scheduled at a time of the homeowner’s convenience within the next few weeks.
What Benefits Does It Bring?
The benefits of regular maintenance sessions can be divided into three basic categories.
- An early jump on repairs. It’s always a good idea to deal with repair issues sooner rather than later. Identifying the problem early lets you schedule repairs at your convenience, instead of having to rush around in the wake of an unexpected breakdown (often in the middle of summer when you need your system to perform). It also tends to keep repair costs down, since the damage hasn’t had as much time to spread.
- Improved efficiency. Dealing with all those little problems means that the air conditioner will be able to do its job without spending quite so much money. The monthly cost of running it will be less than it might if you didn’t conduct a maintenance session. In addition, components will last longer since maintenance sessions are intended to address the effects of wear and tear: lowering the risk of a breakdown.
- Longer life. Sooner or later, every system breaks down. But air conditioners are expensive and the more use you can get out of your unit, the better. Regular maintenance, applied over time, will increase the longevity of your system: allowing it to last for months or even years beyond the expiration of the warranty.
For quality air conditioning maintenance in Portland, OR, as well as repairs and replacement services, call upon the friendly technicians at The Clean Air Act today!