Your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in your home, especially if you live in a climate that gets hot and humid during the summer months. While AC units are designed to last for many years, they will eventually need to be replaced. In the meantime, it’s important to keep your AC unit well-maintained so it can continue to provide efficient cooling for your home.
One of the most important things you can do for your AC unit is to have it serviced regularly. But how often should you have your AC unit serviced? Our standard suggestion is to get your AC unit professionally serviced once per year. However, because each air conditioning unit is different, there is no one-size-fits-all guideline. As a result, there are a few factors that can influence the answer.
1. Age of the Unit
One of the main factors that will influence how often you need to have your AC unit serviced is the age of the unit. As your AC unit gets older, it will become less efficient and will require more frequent servicing.
If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, you may need to have it serviced two or three times per year. If your unit is brand new, you may be able to get away with having it serviced once per year before the summer season begins.
2. Type of Unit
Another factor that can influence how often you need to have your AC unit serviced is the type of unit you have. Central air units will typically need to be serviced more often than window units, for example.
Additionally, if you have a particularly high-end AC unit, you may need to have it serviced more often than a basic model. This is because higher-end units are often more complex and sensitive, and thus require more frequent maintenance.
3. Usage
Of course, another factor that will influence how often you need to have your AC unit serviced is usage. If you use your AC unit frequently, it will require more frequent servicing. Conversely, if you only use it occasionally, you can probably get away with having it serviced less often.
If you live in an area with a climate that requires frequent use of your AC unit, you should have it serviced at least once a year. But if you use your AC unit sparingly, you can probably get away with having it serviced every other year.
4. Frequency of Other Tasks
In addition to professionally servicing your AC unit, there are a few other tasks that you may need to do on a more frequent basis. For example, you’ll likely need to replace your air filter every few months. Additionally, you may need to clean the coils on your AC unit every few months as well. These are relatively simple tasks that you can likely do yourself, and they generally don’t require a professional AC technician.
If you don’t do these tasks regularly, your AC unit will likely need to be professionally serviced more frequently than once a year.
Other AC Service Considerations
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when deciding how often to have your AC unit serviced.
For one, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your AC unit and to be aware of any changes in its performance. If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to have your unit serviced sooner rather than later.
Additionally, timing matters. You should aim to have your AC unit serviced before the start of the summer season – ideally in early or mid-spring. This will help ensure that it’s in good working condition and can handle the increased demand.
Finally, remember that it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to AC unit servicing. If you’re unsure about how often to have your unit serviced, it’s always better to play it safe and have it serviced more often than necessary.
At the end of the day, the frequency with which you have your AC unit serviced will depend on several factors. But by following the guidelines above, you can ensure that your unit is well-maintained and can continue to provide efficient cooling for your home.
If you need help determining how often to have your AC unit serviced, the HB Home Service Team can help you find a service schedule that fits your needs. In addition to providing quality cooling services, we offer heating, plumbing, air quality, and electrical services to help you keep your central Pennsylvania or Baltimore home running smoothly all year long. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a service appointment.
