Spot the Warning Signs for Overdue AC Maintenance
When your air conditioner seems to be running just fine, it’s easy to push maintenance to the bottom of your to-do list. However, your cooling system can develop hidden issues long before symptoms appear. A dirty air filter, worn-out parts, or low refrigerant can quietly overwork the unit, reduce efficiency, and shorten its lifespan. Without regular care, these minor problems can turn into a major breakdown.
Regular AC maintenance service is the best way to prevent breakdowns, but how can you tell if your system needs attention? Learn to recognize the early signs, and you’ll preserve indoor comfort and avoid costly repairs.
What Is an HVAC Tune-Up?
An HVAC tune-up involves much more than simply checking whether your air conditioner or furnace turns on. It’s a detailed inspection, cleaning, and adjustment of your heating and cooling system.
The first step of AC unit maintenance is to examine every major component and make sure it’s operating efficiently and safely. This is your chance to catch developing issues before they present symptoms. If your technician discovers any worn or failing parts, such as a loose fan belt or an undercharged refrigerant system, you have the chance to address them before they cause problems.
Careful cleaning is another important step. This removes dirt and dust buildup that can block airflow, reduce cooling power, or degrade your indoor air quality. System adjustments are also a part of central AC maintenance. The technician may tighten, lubricate, and balance certain components to make sure they operate smoothly and harmoniously.
Why HVAC Maintenance Really Matters
Skipping home AC maintenance might not cause immediate problems, but it can create a chain reaction of issues that add up over multiple seasons. A major, avoidable breakdown on a hot summer day is a likely outcome of neglecting your air conditioner.
On the other hand, a well-maintained system runs dependably, with tuned-up components able to handle hot, humid weather like a champ. The unit also operates more efficiently, meaning it uses less energy to deliver the same amount of cooling power. This translates to lower monthly bills and a smaller environmental impact.
Annual service also helps your AC last years longer. Just like a car that receives regular oil changes, a maintained unit can rack up higher “mileage” than a neglected one. Some manufacturers even require proof of annual AC maintenance to honor warranty claims, so missing a tune-up could cost you later if a covered part fails.
Indoor air quality is another reason to schedule regular AC system maintenance. Dust, mold, and other allergens can collect inside the system and circulate throughout your home. Cleaning the coils, changing the filter, and checking the ductwork helps keep your indoor air healthier.
8 Ways to Tell Your HVAC System Needs Maintenance
Just because your cooling system is still running doesn’t mean you should skip annual AC maintenance. Here’s how to tell the unit might be underperforming:
- Strange sounds coming from the AC: Your system should run with a consistent, low hum. Grinding, banging, squealing, or rattling noises often mean parts are loose, belts are worn, or a motor is struggling.
- Spike in your utility bills: If your cooling costs are noticeably higher than the same month last year, your system may be working harder than necessary. Dirty components, blocked airflow, or failing parts can all make your AC run longer to achieve the same results.
- AC blows warm air: Warm air coming from the vents is a clear sign of trouble. It could be a refrigerant leak, compressor failure, or thermostat malfunction, all of which require professional diagnosis and repair.
- AC is giving off a bad odor: Musty smells suggest mold is growing in your AC or ductwork, while a sharp, burning odor may indicate electrical problems. Ask a technician to check out any unusual smells for safety reasons.
- Weak air flow: If the air coming from your vents feels faint, the blower motor might be failing, or the ductwork could be obstructed. If replacing the filter doesn’t help, hire a technician to investigate further.
- AC is unable to control room humidity levels: Air conditioning should naturally dehumidify the air. If rooms feel sticky or damp, the system may be undersized, oversized, or experiencing a mechanical failure that affects moisture control.
- Water is leaking from your AC: Some condensation is normal, but pooling water or visible leaks point to a blocked drain line or frozen coil. Have your unit inspected promptly to avoid water damage.
- Worsening air quality: If your home feels dustier or your allergies worsen when the AC runs, your system may not be filtering air effectively. Dirty coils, a clogged filter, or other neglected maintenance tasks could be to blame.
What Does an AC Tune-Up Include?
When you hire Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling to maintain your air conditioner, expect us to perform the following services:
- Inspect and replace the air filter if needed
- Clean the condenser and evaporator coils
- Measure refrigerant levels and add more if required
- Tighten all electrical connections
- Lubricate moving parts
- Test the system’s starting and operating cycles
- Clear the condensate drain line
- Inspect the blower motor and fan
- Measure airflow and verify temperature output
- Recommend energy-saving thermostat settings
How Often Should You Get an AC Tune-Up?
The general recommendation is to schedule annual AC maintenance in the spring before the weather turns hot and the system is running every day. This is the perfect time to bring your unit out of winter hibernation and address issues before cooling season starts.
Stay Comfortable this Summer
Donovan & Jorgenson has been serving the Milwaukee area since 1985. We are proud to be Wisconsin’s largest employee-owned HVAC company with the most NATE-certified technicians in the state. Our team is known for outstanding customer service and for helping homeowners understand their HVAC systems so they can make informed decisions. Schedule your next AC maintenance visit in Mukwonago, New Berlin, or West Allis today. We’ll keep your system running at its best all summer long!
