Air conditioners are a vital part of modern life. They provide relief from the oppressive heat in summer, and they help maintain a healthy indoor environment. But air conditioners are mechanical devices, and like all mechanical devices, they need to be serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Regularly scheduled air condition services are the best way to ensure this. Here are a few reasons why it's so important:

1. It's Part of Preventive Maintenance

If your system is in good working order, you'll save money on repairs and replacement parts. Preventative maintenance measures include changing filters, lubricating moving components, repairing any malfunctioning parts, and adding refrigerant if needed.

Most service providers offer a yearly maintenance program for an incredibly low price. These air condition services are inexpensive compared to the enormous costs of replacing your air conditioning unit or repairing extensive damage caused by neglect.

2. Improve Efficiency

Proper maintenance ensures that components are working at maximum performance levels. This will save you money and increase the ventilation rate of your heating and air conditioning system. Properly maintained units generally run 12–15% more efficiently than systems that are not maintained properly.

3. Protect Your Family's Health

Regular maintenance and service are important to help you prevent allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other illnesses caused by poor indoor air quality. Routine inspections will keep your system in top shape—eliminating the risk of contaminated air in your home. When made regularly, an evaluation will help ensure that your system is running smoothly.

A technician will check for potential leaks or cracks in the cooling coils and ductwork, keeping your system working effectively without causing undue strain on any component. If needed, technicians will clean or even replace the filter—ensuring optimal performance and eliminating contaminants from entering the air vents.

A clean filter will also help you save money on energy bills, as a dirty air filter can reduce the efficiency of your unit by up to 30%. Schedule routine maintenance today if you want to be sure that your family is breathing fresh, clean air all summer long.

4. Increase the Lifespan of Your System

An air conditioning system with years of seasonal use and exposure to extreme temperatures and one that is not properly maintained may begin to break down after just a few years. In fact, many homeowners only get about five full seasons from their systems before they need an upgrade or replacement. It's best to have your system regularly inspected so you can catch any potential problems before they become more costly—and reduce the chance of undue stress on key components over time.

This ensures that your equipment has the highest chance for success in keeping you and your family comfortable all summer long.

5. Prevent Potential Breakdowns

If your system hasn't been well-maintained, it may begin to break down on you—leaving you without air conditioning during the hottest and most humid months of the summer.

6. Save Money on Energy Costs

Regularly scheduled maintenance helps ensure that your unit is operating at its highest efficiency possible. This means that you'll save money on energy bills every month. A properly maintained HVAC system can reduce energy costs by up to 12%, and annual maintenance services can help you save thousands of dollars over several years.

7. Protect Your Investment

A properly maintained HVAC system has an increased chance of lasting through multiple seasons before you may need to replace it or upgrade it. Avoiding costly repairs while preventing potential health issues and improving your comfort level all summer long is an excellent way to protect your investment in the long run.

So how often should you schedule routine maintenance?

Standard guidelines recommend that you schedule air condition services at least twice a year and more frequently if your system is older or has seen heavy use over the years. This ensures that your AC equipment will never fail when you need it the most.

Don't Forget the Cleaning and Inspection

If you don't have a regular air condition services routine in place or you need to get one started, contact us online or give us a call today. Joe East One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning also offer air conditioning installation and HVAC repairs. We are a fully licensed and insured air conditioner contractor, and all our technicians are NATE-Certified.