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Summers in El Centro, CA, are hot and dry. With daytime temperatures frequently soaring over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s imperative to have reliable air conditioning. The best way to start the summer season is by scheduling professional AC maintenance. If you haven’t scheduled your air conditioner’s tune-up already, here are five signs that you should do so now.
1. It’s Been More Than 12 Months
AC manufacturers recommend scheduling professional maintenance once each year. If your air conditioner is still under warranty, your AC manufacturer usually requires it. An annual AC tune-up in El Centro keeps cooling systems warranty-compliant. It’s also the best way to ensure reliable and efficient performance.
A properly tuned AC has a lower likelihood of experiencing dangerous mid-season breakdowns. It will also use less energy to create and maintain the indoor conditions you want. Additionally, regular service reduces wear on the system, which helps increase its longevity.
Some of the problems we often encounter during an AC maintenance visit include:
- A clogged condensate drain
- A refrigerant leak
- Dirty evaporator or condenser coils
- Broken or worn components
2. Weak Airflow or Warm Air
If you have warm air flowing from your vents or weak airflow, professional maintenance could solve the problem. The issue may be as simple as an incorrect thermostat setting. But it might also be due to dirty components, insufficient refrigerant, or a thermostat malfunction.
During AC maintenance service, HVAC technicians test and optimize airflow. These visits are also an opportunity for our team to identify and address emerging issues before they escalate into more serious and expensive repairs.
3. Foul Odors and Strange Sounds
When you turn your air conditioner off for the winter season, residual moisture in its condensate drain creates the ideal environment for algae, mold, and other growths. Not only can these things clog your condensate drain, but they can also contribute to foul, funky odors during AC operation. HVAC technicians remove these buildups and carefully disinfect drain lines, drains, and drain pans. Call us if you notice unusual odors from the registers.
You should also be alert to unusual noises. Many modern air conditioners offer whisper-quiet operation. As they age, they may grow increasingly noisier. However, even if you have an older air conditioner, loud, jarring sounds are a sign of distress.
If you hear rattling or clanging noises, your AC might have a loose bearing or a bent fan blade. These noises can also be from broken or loose components. Shrieking and hissing sounds at the compressor unit indicate refrigerant loss. Ignoring these sounds and continuing to use your AC can result in further damage, including compressor failure.
4. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
One very important part of AC tune-up service is ensuring electrical safety. HVAC technicians check for damaged wiring, faulty circuits, and failing AC capacitors. Catching and correcting these problems early can extend your air conditioner’s lifespan.
In cooling systems, tripped circuit breakers are frequently the result of overheating. When ACs have airflow obstructions, unchecked refrigerant leaks, or dirty coils, their operational stress rises. They shut themselves off as a precaution to prevent their fan motors from burning out. Simply resetting the circuit breaker and ignoring the need for AC maintenance or repair could lead to premature failure of the cooling system.
Maintenance Tasks You Should Perform Regularly
Homeowners should perform several ongoing AC maintenance tasks throughout the cooling season. You should inspect your air filter monthly and replace it every one to three months as needed. With El Centro’s dry, dusty air, standard air filters typically last just 30 to 60 days. You should also clear your condenser’s perimeter and keep it clear all summer long. Your AC condenser needs 22 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
Why Professional Tune-Up Service Matters
Even when you stay on top of these DIY maintenance tasks, your AC still needs a professional tune-up every 12 months. The best time to schedule this service is early-to-mid spring, before you rely on your AC daily.
During AC tune-ups, HVAC technicians will:
- Test and calibrate thermostats
- Replace worn parts
- Lubricate moving parts
- Clean indoor and outdoor components
- Check for refrigerant leaks
These and other measures prime ACs for the demands of summer and reduce the risk of home cooling emergencies. Arctic Air Conditioning & Heating is a top choice for AC tune-up service in El Centro and the surrounding communities. We also provide expert AC replacement, installation, and repair services. To help homeowners save, we offer an affordable HVAC preventative maintenance plan. Our Comfort Club members enjoy covered tune-ups, discounted repairs, extended repair warranties, and many other perks.
To schedule AC maintenance in El Centro, contact Arctic Air Conditioning & Heating now.
