If you are tired of paying expensive utility bills every month in San Diego, CA, AC maintenance may help with your problem. Most homeowners are unaware that a simple AC tune-up can help improve the energy efficiency of their unit, which results in lowered utility bills. In addition, since AC maintenance includes looking at worn-down parts and evaluating components that need repair, it can also prevent expensive, unexpected breakdowns. Therefore, scheduling an AC maintenance visit once a year in San Diego can save you a lot of grief and unwanted HVAC repair.

At Tarpy Plumbing, Heating & Air, we are aware that most homeowners are unsure about the details of an AC tune-up. Therefore, in the section below, we’re going to answer some of the most common questions with regard to this matter.

Can I Do My Own AC Maintenance?

There are several air conditioning maintenance tasks that any homeowner can carry out themselves. For example, you can regularly inspect your air conditioning system, look for leaks, strange noises, or anything unusual, as well as replace or clean the air filters. However, performing a thorough AC tune-up, including compressor tests, internal components inspection, or components lubrication, calls for the skills and experience of an HVAC technician.

There are actually two main benefits of having your AC system inspected and tuned up by a professional.

  1. It eliminates the risk of breaking parts or sustaining an injury.
  2. A professional HVAC technician can foresee various issues that may occur with your system or point out necessary air conditioning repairs.

So, as a small conclusion here, it’s never a bad idea to have your AC unit serviced by a qualified HVAC technician. If you’re in San Diego, don’t hesitate to call us.

How Long Does The Average Air Conditioning Maintenance Take In San Diego?

In general, the average AC maintenance process shouldn’t take more than an hour. Each technician usually has a checklist that they cover when performing maintenance to an HVAC system. However, issues more or less significant can always occur. For example, if your air conditioner hasn’t undergone maintenance in a long while, deeper and more thorough cleaning may be necessary. Or, the AC system may need its refrigerant recharged. In this case, the whole task may take up to two hours.

What Does AC Maintenance Typically Include In San Diego?

As we’ve mentioned above, most HVAC professionals have a specific list of tasks that they cover when they perform maintenance to an air conditioning system. This list usually includes:

  • Cleaning or replacing air filters
  • Inspecting and cleaning the condensate drain and pump
  • Inspecting electrical components
  • Inspecting ductwork and checking for refrigerant leaks
  • Inspecting and (if necessary) recharging refrigerant
  • Lubricating motors and moving parts
  • Cleaning the condenser coil
  • Tuning the thermostat
  • Pointing out any necessary repairs

This whole list of tasks is designed to ensure the maximum health and performance of your air conditioning system. If regular maintenance isn’t carried out, it can lead to increased energy bills, lower indoor air quality, as well as expensive AC repair at an inconvenient time.

What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Tune Your Air Conditioner In San Diego?

The San Diego area is known for its dry and hot summers. So, in order to avoid an inconvenient air conditioning repair and make sure that your AC system is ready to tackle the summertime heat, it’s best to schedule your maintenance before the temperatures reach around 70 degrees. That would be between March and May.

How Often Do AC Units Need Maintenance?

Your air conditioning unit and the overall system should undergo maintenance and tune-up at least once per year. Our experts recommend it. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends it. The manufacturer of your AC unit probably recommends it too and failing to do so may even void your warranty.