If you have air conditioning installed in your home, you’ll know how essential it is to a comfortable living environment during the summer months. However, air conditioners require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently.
Neglecting this maintenance can lead to higher energy bills, decreased performance and, in the worst case scenario, costly breakdown. That’s why it’s important to have your domestic air conditioning serviced at regular intervals.
In this post, we cover what you can expect from a typical air conditioning service for your home system, and tips on finding a reliable service provider.
It’s understandable in the current economic climate that you might be looking to cut costs, and if there’s nothing evidently wrong with your AC it can be tempting to just ignore it.
However, the benefits of regular servicing are well worth the investment, and can actually save you money in the long run:
Improved efficiency: regular maintenance of your air conditioning system can help it run more efficiently, reducing your energy bills, lowering your carbon footprint and extending the lifespan of your equipment. A well maintained system can also cool your home more effectively, ensuring you’re comfortable even on the hottest days.
Breakdown prevention: by having your air conditioning system inspected and serviced regularly, you can catch small problems before they become major issues. This can help prevent costly breakdowns and repairs, and ensure that your system runs smoothly all summer long.
Improved air quality: over time, dust, dirt and other contaminants can build up in your AC, leading to poor indoor air quality. Regular serving can help clean and sanitise your system, improving the air quality in your home and helping to reduce allergy symptoms and other respiratory problems.
Essentially, having your domestic air conditioning serviced regularly is an important part of keeping your home comfortable and ensuring that your system runs both efficiently and reliably.
A typical air conditioning service involves a thorough inspection and cleaning of your system. Here are some of the key tasks an engineer will carry out when they visit your home:
Cleaning the air filters: air filters are an essential part of your air conditioning system, working to remove harmful particulates from the air that enters your home. They can become clogged over time, so during a service the technician will clean or replace these as necessary.
Checking refrigerant levels: the refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your system. If the levels are too low, the system won’t be able to cool your home effectively. A service will include refrigerant level checks with tops us where needed.
Cleaning the coils: just like the filters, the evaporator and condenser coils can become dirty over time, reducing their efficiency. The technician will clean these too and make sure they’re in good working order.
Checking electrical connections: your air conditioning system relies on a complex network of electrical connections, and loose or damaged wires can cause your system to malfunction or even become dangerous. The technician will check these connections and tighten or replace any wires as needed.
The frequency of air conditioning service depends on several factors, including the age of the system and how often it’s used. As a general rule, it’s recommended that you have your domestic air conditioning serviced at least once a year, however, some manufacturers may recommend more frequent servicing or maintenance, so it’s a good idea to consult your system’s manual or talk to a qualified HVAC technician about the needs of your specific system.
If you use your air conditioning frequently or live in an area with a lot of pollution you may need to have your system serviced more often to keep it running efficiently. Additionally, if you notice any signs of trouble such as reduced cooling performance or unusual noise or odours, you should have it serviced right away.
There’s a lot of domestic AC contractors out there, and it can be difficult to separate the good from the bad. Here’s a few tips to help you find a trustworthy provider:
Look for certified professionals: when choosing an air conditioning service provider, look for professionals who are certified by reputable industry organisations, such as the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) or the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). These certifications indicate that the professional has received the necessary training and has met certain standards of excellence in their field.
Check references and reviews: before hiring an air conditioning service provider, check their references and online reviews to see what past customers have to say about their experience. Look for providers with a strong track record of quality work and excellent customer service.
Consider experience and expertise: look for providers who have extensive experience working with your specific type of air conditioning system. A provider who is familiar with your system will be better equipped to diagnose and repair any issues that arise.
Get multiple quotes: it’s always a good idea to get quotes from several different service providers before making a decision. This will help you compare prices and services and ensure that you are getting a fair deal.
At Loughborough Air Conditioning we have over 20 years experience installing, servicing and repairing AC systems from leading manufacturers like Fujitsu, Panasonic, Samsung, Carrier and Daikin.
Our engineers all carry the ACRIB SKILLCard and we’re also accredited by Trustmark - the only Government endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople in the UK.
