Is AC Maintenance Necessary?

Just like any other operating machine, your air conditioner consists of multiple components that work together to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the Burlington, North Carolina summers. If you ever wonder whether maintaining your air conditioner is worth paying for, the simple answer is yes. AC maintenance is necessary because it ensures optimal performance and longevity of your unit as well as saving you money by operating at a more energy efficient level.

How Do Air Conditioners Work?

Air Conditioners operate by removing heat from the air inside and releasing it outside. The compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil, and refrigerant are an AC unit’s primary parts. To help you understand how AC units work to produce cool air, we have briefly broken down the process into a few steps:

1. The evaporator coil takes in heat. Through a vent, warm air from inside your home is drawn in and forced over the cold evaporator coil, which is the indoor station that removes heat from the air and cools it. The cold air is distributed throughout your home by air ducts after being blown into them by a fan.
2. The refrigerant temperature is raised by the compressor. The volume of the gas is reduced by the compressor. Typically, this is accomplished by tightly compressing the gas between two solid objects.
3. Heat is transferred outside. When the refrigerant reaches the condenser (which is outdoors), it is now a superheated vapor and is exposed to the outside air. The heat from the refrigerant is absorbed by the outside air, which lowers its temperature and transforms it from a gas back into a liquid.
4. The refrigerant cools down and the process repeats itself. When the heat from the refrigerant has been transferred outside, the cold refrigerant returns inside to the evaporator to complete the cycle once more. The procedure is repeated until your home’s interior temperature reaches the desired setting.

Types of Air Conditioning Units

If you are familiar with HVAC units, you are probably aware that there is more than one kind of air conditioning unit that serves a purpose for a specific household depending on need, infrastructure, and environmental factors. The three most common types of air conditioning units are:

• Central AC Units
• Ductless Mini Split Systems
• Portable AC Units

Central AC Units

Central air conditioning units are designed to cool entire homes or buildings by distributing cool air throughout the space via a duct system. Central AC units are most popular in places with high humidity levels because of their ability to cool down larger spaces. To operate efficiently, central air conditioning units typically require professional installation and routine maintenance.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

Ductless mini split systems differ from central units because they are made up of an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor air handling units mounted on the walls or ceilings of each room or zone. Indoor air handling units direct cool air into the room, eliminating the need for ducts. Because they allow for precise temperature control in each room and can be turned off in unoccupied areas, ductless mini split systems can be more energy-efficient than central AC units. If you seem to always be feuding over your home’s temperature, installing a ductless mini split in your room of preference might be the solution.

Portable AC Units

Portable units usually require a window or similar opening to vent the hot air outside, and some models include a kit to help seal the opening and prevent warm air from entering the room. These units typically have wheels and a handle which makes it easier for them to be moved around.

How Often Should I Get My AC Maintained?

Now that we have established that no matter what AC unit you own, it must be regularly maintained, we are here to help you decide how often you should schedule a maintenance appointment. At Barber Heating and Air, we recommend that homeowners get their AC serviced at least once a year. Ideally, your preventative maintenance appointment should take place prior to the start of the cooling season to ensure that the unit is in good working order when you need it the most. However, if you missed your maintenance appointment, don’t wait for something to break and then call your technician. Acting proactively when it comes to HVAC maintenance is key!

What Are The Benefits of AC Maintenance?

As mentioned before, getting your AC maintained brings many benefits to the table as well as it prevents future issues from arising at the most inconvenient times. Some other benefits of preventative maintenance include:

• Improved indoor air quality levels
• Fewer repairs
• Longer lifespan of your unit
• Peace of mind

Call The Pros

At Barber Heating and Air, we provide assistance with any of our AC repair, replacement, and maintenance services! Give us a call today to schedule a preventive maintenance appointment with one of our knowledgeable technicians.