What are the signs that my air conditioning unit needs servicing?
Many indications signal that your air conditioning unit requires maintenance or service. If your AC unit has weak airflow, increased electricity bills, produces exercise noise, or uneven cooling, then it may require maintenance service.
A few key warnings that your air conditioning unit requires service are:
- If the AC unit runs consistently, but does not reach the thermostat setting.
- If the AC vents have poor airflow.
- About a 15-20% increase in your bill.
- Strange sounds from the unit.
- AC vents feel warm or hot.
- Moisture around either your inside or outside unit.
- Strange odors, like a burnt plastic smell or musty odor.
If your A/C system has not been serviced in the last 6 months, you must arrange a service appointment immediately. In Houston’s extreme heat, if you ignore these signs, you are going to spend between $500 – $3,000 for an emergency repair instead of paying $150 – $300 for a preventative maintenance service.
What happens if you don’t service your AC regularly in Houston?
Not performing regular AC maintenance can lead to decreased cooling efficiency, higher operational costs, shorter lifespans, and a greater risk of a breakdown on an extremely hot day.
In addition, the extreme heat in the Houston weather forecast through 2026 indicates the AC systems will be subjected to prolonged periods of heavy usage (greater than 90ºF on average), so skipping service will have a direct and major impact on your air conditioning system sooner than you might expect.
Some hidden and major problems can occur if the regular maintenance of an AC unit is compromised in Houston. Some of which are as follows:
- Increased bills due to less efficient cooling.
- Less air flow capacity due to dirt in your AC coils and filters.
- Frequent AC breakdowns during extreme heat.
- Reduced lifespan by several years.
- Poor indoor air quality due to a buildup of dust and mould.
Even minor repairs, such as a dirty filter or low refrigerant, can result in major failures if not detected/serviced in time. Regular maintenance provides you with a dependable, efficient, and ready-to-go air conditioning system throughout the summer season.
How often should air conditioning units be serviced in Houston?
AC units in Houston need regular maintenance at least twice a year to maintain peak performance and avoid unexpected failures or breakdowns. Houston’s weather conditions combine hot, humid summers (and mild winters), which puts added stress on AC systems during both seasons. Regular maintenance improves AC unit performance, saves energy costs, and enhances the lifespan of the unit.
Recommended schedule for maintenance:
- Spring (March-May): Before the summer heat begins.
- Fall (September-October): Before the cold waves start.
Not following the recommended maintenance schedule can lead to reduced air circulation, increased cooling costs, and expensive emergency repairs, which can lead to discomfort in the peak summer seasons.
Imagine it is one of the hottest summer days in Houston Texas. Suddenly my air conditioning units is not blowing cool air. One of the many possibilities of this is irregular servicing of the unit.
Routinely, air conditioner tune-ups are crucial for the smooth performance of the system. If not taken care of, it can cause many issues. These include higher energy bills, expensive repairs, and poor heating and cooling. Let’s read in this article how often should you tune up HVAC system.
How often should ac be serviced?
HVAC professionals recommend that you perform scheduled regular maintenance twice a year. Two servicing visits a year can reduce the risk of breakdowns and faults in your unit.
Also, the two most suitable times of the year for ac tune-up are spring and fall. In summertime, an ac tune-up is not a good decision. A huge spike in servicing costs will occur because of demands.
Winter is not a good time for AC maintenance. The low temperatures can prevent your unit from working well.
Why are ac tune-ups necessary?
Regular Air conditioning maintenance is a crucial step to retain the health of your system. Routine ac tune-ups come with a lot of benefits like assurance of your system running efficiently. Some of them are included below:
- Improved energy efficiency of system
- Lower energy bills
- Early detection of repairs
- Improved indoor air quality
- Reducing the risk of complete breakdown of the unit
- Extending the lifespan of the unit
- Prevents the growth of microbes, mold, mildew, and other air contaminants.
Do You Need to Service Your AC Right Now?
Not sure whether it’s time to book an air conditioner service? Use this quick guide to decide.
You should schedule AC servicing now if ANY of the following apply:
- It has been six months or more since your last AC tune-up
- Your AC is not cooling as efficiently as it used to
- You’ve noticed higher energy bills without increased usage
- Airflow feels weak or inconsistent
- Your system runs longer than usual to cool your home
If yes to one or more:
A professional AC tune-up can restore efficiency, reduce energy costs, and prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak summer months.
You may wait (for now) if ALL of the following are true:
- Your AC was serviced recently
- Cooling performance is consistent
- Energy bills are stable
- No unusual noises, leaks, or airflow issues are present
If yes to all:
Continue basic DIY maintenance such as filter changes and keeping the outdoor unit clean, but plan your next service ahead of peak season.
Still unsure?
A professional inspection is the safest way to determine whether servicing is needed now or can be scheduled later.
To help homeowners prepare for extreme heat, Texas Strong Mechanical is currently offering a Seasonal $49.95 Air Conditioner Tune-Up for a limited time.
If it has been a while since your last service or if your AC shows any of the signs above now is the right time to book professional AC maintenance.
Call (832) 419-4488 to book your visit today.
What is the process of an air conditioner servicing?
An air conditioner servicing includes a thorough inspection of your HVAC system. The technician will check all the major components, like compressors, condenser coils, air filters, etc. Then, he will complete the cleaning process of the air conditioner. Also, the technician will perform any necessary repairs or refill the refrigerant if required.
The common services of an air conditioner servicing include:
- Clean the air filter.
- Inspect the electrical components and check for loose connections and wiring.
- Lubricate moving parts.
- Calibrate the thermostat
- Inspect the drainage system
- Tune up and clean the air handler and blower for improved airflow.
- Clean the condenser coils and the evaporator coils.
- Check the refrigerant level
- Clean and straighten the fins.
Some DIY tips for air conditioner maintenance
Getting your AC tune up services by professionals twice a year is best. Besides that, there are certain methods you can apply yourself before searching “ac check up near me.” Some of the DIY methods that can lower your ac repair and ac maintenance cost include:
Frequent changing of the air filters
Air filters should be changed regularly to avoid dust build-up. On average, you should replace your air filters at least once every three months. If your surroundings are dusty or you have pets, you need to change them more frequently.
Cleaning the condenser area
Keep the proximity of your outer condenser unit clean. By doing this, you will prevent damage from falling trees, stones, or animals chewing on the electrical wires. This will ensure smooth running of the outer condenser and machinery.
Cleaning the air vents and vent covers
Central ac systems have a complex ductwork. The air flows through these ducts and finally exits from air vents located on walls or ceilings. Clean and detect any mold development in the air vents and vent covers. Do this regularly to avoid any mold, mildew, or debris accumulation in the air vents.
