Does your AC unit require maintenance?
Almost 120,000 air conditioner maintenance service companies operate in the United States. The sheer number of choices means you will find a reputable business. However, your lack of knowledge makes it a disadvantage instead.
In this AC Maintenance guide, we will share tips to find the best expert for your home. Read on and enjoy the best services around:
1. License and Experience
An air conditioner maintenance service must have proper credentials to operate in your area. After all, servicing your AC unit needs serious planning. Pay utmost attention since it’s an expensive piece of equipment.
Do your research and look at whether the AC Maintenance expert has experience and certifications. They must have an insurance policy to cover the necessary maintenance tasks.
Without proper licenses and insurance, you will pay for accidents during the maintenance process. It is common for a more inexperienced AC Maintenance company to hurt themselves while fixing air ducts or condensers.
A good starting point is to ask your family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations. They will speak from their experience, giving you insight into what it’s like to work with these companies. They will also tell you about AC maintenance contractors offering urgent fixes.
2. Study the Company’s Services
After discovering your local AC maintenance companies, you will likely have a shortlist of candidates. The next vital step is to study their scope of services. A reputable contractor will cover fundamental AC maintenance service tasks.
Some of these include:
- Resolving leaks
- Cleaning air ducts
- Fixing condensers and refrigerants
As the customer, you must know the specifics of the service package. It includes warranties and aftercare services. Learning about these facts allows you to determine whether they can meet your maintenance needs.
3. Learn About the Maintenance Plan
Do you have multiple air conditioners in your house? Regardless of their brand, it is best to pick one maintenance company for everything. Learn about their maintenance plan afterward.
A good air conditioner maintenance service always has an annual or bi-annual maintenance plan. It is a vital component of the after-sales service. If you bought your AC unit from a specific company, check their conditions.
The maintenance plan includes checking the entire system every six months at least. Their primary objective is to detect leaks. Avoid AC contractors with vague maintenance plans since they will likely underperform.
In the long run, you might need the repair company once again. However, when their maintenance program lacks other services, look for a different contractor.
4. Consider Their Location
The maintenance expert’s location matters more than the cost of their services. All the great qualities we have stated so far are only applicable when you pick a local AC company. Otherwise, expect misunderstandings and delays whenever you avail of their services.
A contractor far from your home will likely be late for everything. Sometimes, it will take them days to reach your property and maintain your AC unit. The worst part is some purposely delay their service since they focus on customers near their location.
5. Focus on Energy Efficiency
Sustainability and energy efficiency are on the rise. Regardless of your concern for the environment, you will reap benefits from using energy-efficient AC units. Your maintenance contractor choice often determines whether you make the most out of your electricity bill.
Find an AC maintenance company offering greener options. They must also resolve your HVAC system issues without compromising the environment.
6. Think About Emergency Maintenance Services
Preventative maintenance is better than repairing the AC unit after it fails. It is cheaper to fix a minor leak than a full-blown breakdown.
However, anything can go wrong with your air conditioner. It usually happens when it is near the end of its operational lifespan. For example, your air conditioner can leak the very night you are having guests over.
Worse, more serious emergencies can happen. In some cases, you spend the night with no electricity after the AC unit tripped the circuit breaker. The ideal maintenance company must offer timely services when these situations arise.
7. Reasonable Prices
When you are on a budget, balancing between quality maintenance and reasonable costs is a must. A good company will only charge you for the necessary maintenance tasks. They should base their rates on service complexity.
A lot of companies will offer services for lower prices. However, it is often a guarantee their maintenance quality is subpar. Never settle for the first company on your list, especially when they are also the cheapest.
Contractors with reasonable quotes will give more value to your invested money. It becomes more advantageous as the maintenance project becomes more complex.
Signs Your AC Unit Needs Maintenance
Now you know how to look for in an AC maintenance service. However, they are useless if you have no idea when to call for help. Here are some signs your AC unit needs maintenance:
Warm Air
Are you feeling warm air blowing out of your unit? Check the thermostat and ensure it isn’t in cooling mode. Set it lower than your current home temperature. If the issue persists, it is likely because of a compressor issue.
Insufficient Airflow
Poor airflow is often because of blockages. It prevents air from moving around your ductwork. Other potential issues include:
- Clogged air filter
- Broken motor
Ask your chosen AC maintenance expert for advice. They will likely recommend installing an energy-recovery ventilator.
Water Leaks
AC units rely on refrigerants for cooling your house. The process often produces condensation. However, something is wrong when these liquids leak into your home.
Call an AC maintenance company to fix your cooling system. Otherwise, it will result in serious structural problems.
Hire an Air Conditioner Maintenance Service Now
These are some AC maintenance tips to find the best company for your home. Never let a minor issue escalate to a more severe problem. Call an expert when you encounter the signs we listed above.
Did this guide help? If so, consider reading our other posts today.
