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Month: May 2020

Do I Really Need an AC Tune-Up?

Home ownership comes with a great deal of responsibilities and an ever-growing to-do list. Add to that the responsibilities of a career and a family, and you see why modern life runs at a constant, fast pace here in Tucson. It’s easy to bump things like an air conditioner tune-up down the priority list, both in terms of time and money. It’s very likely you have higher priorities requiring more urgent attention than an air conditioner that seems to be working just fine.

Our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services understand that line of thinking but want to be sure you realize the long-term benefits of regular maintenance and tune-ups for your air conditioning system. In many cases, a small, short-run investment can save time, money, stress, and hassle down the road.

Extend Your Air Conditioner System’s Life

Just like all appliances, air conditioners have an average lifespan. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioners have an average life of 15 to 20 years. If you consider air conditioning systems that are abused or neglected may not make it to quite 15 years while those that are well maintained may exceed 20 years, you have a significant span of time when you won’t need to invest in a new unit.

An air conditioner tune-up can help more permanent components last longer, because they are not working hard to battle things like dirty filters and unlubricated parts. A new air conditioning system is a costly investment; make it last as long as possible with a regular air conditioner tune-up.

Minimize Emergency Repairs

In many areas of the country, the hottest days of the summer require air conditioning to keep families safe and comfortable. A regular air conditioning tune-up can catch problems before your air conditioning simply stops working. If your air conditioner is pushed to that point, you may incur high emergency-repair costs and face stressful, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous heat.

An average repair bill may be two to 10 times higher than a maintenance call. In addition, many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies and contractors get much busier in the hottest of days because of other emergency calls.

Reduce Energy Bills

Installation, maintenance, and repair costs are only part of the equation when it comes to your air conditioning system. The ongoing cost is in terms of your monthly energy bills.

If you are running an inefficient, dirty air conditioning system, it will not be operating efficiently, which means you are paying more than you need to in terms of energy bills as well as using precious natural resources at a faster rate. Regular maintenance and tune-ups are usually reasonably priced, and you will recoup much of the cost on lower energy bills.

Take Advantage of Expert Eyes

A reputable HVAC company, like ACS Air Conditioning Services, will employ trained, experienced technicians who bring expert eyes to your system along with a tune-up checklist. In a short period of time, usually an hour or two, you will be able to take advantage of an experienced professional who will give your air conditioning system a complete inspection, cleaning, and examination.

Many tune-ups include:

  • Cleaning and inspecting air conditioner condenser coils
  • Checking and adjusting coolant levels to achieve efficient operation
  • Lubricating all bearings, components, and other moving parts
  • Inspecting air duct work for leaks and damage
  • Tightening connections within electrical system
  • Observing condition of blower motor and belt, and repairing or replacing, if needed
  • Testing thermostat
  • Changing or cleaning filters
  • Checking fittings and safety equipment

Contact Us for Your Tune-Up

Boost air conditioning tune-ups a little higher on your priority list. Call ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tucson, AZ, to schedule an appointment. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today. It will definitely pay off for you.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noise?

It’s normal for your air conditioner to create some noise when running—that simply means it’s working. Although older units are typically louder than newer ones, all air conditioning noises are not the same.

Despite your air conditioner’s age, any sound coming from the unit can still be bothersome. If your air conditioner is producing an unusual sound, that could mean trouble. So instead of risking injury to you or your system by poking around the unit yourself, play it safe and call a professional to come inspect it for you.

To avoid any of these potential issues, we at ACS Air Conditioning Services recommend getting a maintenance inspection at least once a year to determine the health of your air conditioner, regardless its age or noise level. According to ENERGY STAR®, “proper maintenance by a qualified professional technician is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent future problems.”

Air Conditioner Common Noises

We have heard our fair share of unusual hums, buzzes, and clatter coming from air conditioners throughout the years, so below is a list of the most common noises we have found and the problems they can indicate.

Rattling

A distinct rattle could be the cause of a loose bolt, screw, fastener, or another small part that fell into the vents. It could also be your compressor or an issue more serious than a loose part. If you suspect any of these, you need one of our skilled technicians to look into the problem further.

Grinding

A grinding or noticeable rubbing or scraping sound most likely means there is a problem with one of the fan motors. It’s also possible the noise can be originating from a worn bearing or a loose or damaged belt. This is sometimes more commonly associated with older air conditioning systems.

Popping

A popping noise might be coming from your air ducts when your air conditioner turns off and on. This usually indicates a problem with your ductwork and not necessarily a problem with your central air. Even though these potential problems can be easily confused, ductwork still ages the same as any other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and requires routine maintenance to be sure it’s functioning efficiently and effectively in your home.

Hissing

If you hear a hissing, it’s likely this type of noise is generating from within your ductwork, so let one of our knowledgeable technicians take a closer look. We can pinpoint the source and tell you if there is a bigger issue involved, such as a refrigerant leak, where a more detailed repair would be necessary.

Your air conditioner is a complex piece of machinery with many moving parts and, like a car, it requires regular maintenance by experienced professionals like ours at ACS Air Conditioning Services to diagnose and treat any potential problems. Don’t ignore the signs if you suspect there could be an issue with your air conditioner. Give your unit the proper attention it needs to operate in prime condition for years to come.

We Want to Help

Trust your ears and judgment. If your air conditioner is making an unusual or harsh noise and you live here in the Tucson, AZ, area, call us at 520-230-5668 or schedule your service online today.