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3 Reasons You Need an AC Checkup This Spring

A Spring ac tune-up can do wonders for the performance of your system. Waking up during the spring season brings warm feelings of excitement, joy, and eagerness for the warm months ahead. It also brings about a laundry list of spring cleaning tasks. Aside from regular home maintenance, you should also make sure your AC is in prime condition to take you through the summer months.

No matter the time of day, our team offers HVAC and plumbing services in Westlake Hills, Austin, and the surrounding region for your convenience. You can avoid the need for emergency AC service by scheduling a checkup before anything goes wrong. Regular maintenance on your HVAC unit will ensure optimal results.

What is a Spring AC Tune-Up?

A spring AC tune-up involves having a professional technician check the operation of your system to make sure everything is functioning properly. That includes inspecting both internal and external parts of your unit. Here is what it covers:

  • Checking and calibrating the thermostat
  • Inspecting the blower blades, motor belts, and bearings
  • Checking and lubricating all motors
  • Flushing condensate drains and clearing the condensate hose
  • Inspecting the air filter and replacing if necessary
  • Checking the power connections and tightening where needed
  • Inspecting the condenser coil for punctures
  • Determining the refrigerant levels
  • Inspecting the capacitors
  • Testing the evaporator temperature differential

3 Reasons You Need an AC Checkup This Spring

There are several benefits to performing this inspection.

Increase Air Conditioner’s Lifespan

Air conditioners are a necessary investment in home comfort — especially in Austin’s humid subtropical climate — so it’s worth giving them a little extra love to make them last longer. To that end, AC maintenance is the best way to discover problems and address them in a timely fashion. By repairing normal wear and tear on a regular basis, you can effectively increase your air conditioner’s lifespan. Older air conditioners have a life expectancy of 10-12 years, while newer models can last 15-20 years. 

Increase AC Efficiency, Decrease AC Costs

A tuned-up, properly calibrated HVAC system runs smoother and has a better fuel economy. This ultimately helps you, the homeowner, save money on energy bills.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

For most Austin homeowners, the air conditioner is the first defense against indoor air pollution. As dust and debris enter your home, they don’t have much of a chance to linger in the air before they are filtered through the HVAC system. The air filter, of course, plays a key role in trapping harmful contaminants and ensuring that only fresh, clean air circulates throughout the household. Therefore, a healthy air conditioner paves the path for healthy indoor air quality. 

What You Can Do

Jumpstart Your AC

As we make the transition from winter to spring, it’s imperative that your air conditioner is prepared to handle the hot, humid days ahead. A thorough inspection and maintenance service performed by a trained professional is the best way to jumpstart your AC system after a dormant few months. 

DIY Maintenance

Your work doesn’t stop after scheduling a professional tune-up. AC maintenance is a monthly chore, so make sure you’re performing the following tasks on a regular basis. 

AC tune up infographic

A New Air Filter

The filter inside of your AC unit helps to maintain healthy air quality by catching dust, debris, and other pollutants. When the air filter becomes dirty, those contaminants buildup and restrict airflow. This can ultimately damage your AC system, as it forces your unit to work overtime. An experienced technician can tell you if it’s time for a new one.

Clean Outside Coils

The unit outside of your home, called a condenser, works in conjunction with your AC unit. It disperses the air inside of your home. Naturally, the outside unit can come in contact with branches and shrubs. Clearing the condenser of these obstructions, as well as cleaning off leaves, pollen, and dirt will ensure it can work properly.

Identify Minor Issues Before They Become Major

Getting a tune-up is not only essential in ensuring your unit will work properly, but it’s also essential for identifying problems before they worsen. This can save you a significant amount of money down the road on potential issues like condenser efficiency, coolant levels, and other performance-related areas. A unit that is working efficiently can also cut costs on your energy bills!

Whether you need AC repair or clogged drain services around Westlake Hills, TX, or the Austin area, you can count on the experts at Radiant Plumbing to get the job done. To schedule an appointment this spring, feel free to contact us directly at (512) 263-9988.

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