Here’s why regular air conditioner servicing is important

How to know when your AC needs servicing

When your air conditioner really needs servicing, you’ll likely see a few tell-tale signs that indicate the problem. Some of these are fairly obvious, while others may be subtle and could require further investigation or very specific types of fixes and servicing. 

Noise

Your AC could be making odd noises, or vibrating too much. An efficiently functioning AC will typically run quietly, or with a very faint and constant hum. Loud rattling sounds could indicate parts that have come loose, while sounds such as gurgling could indicate condensation not being able to drain out properly.

Smell

The cool air from your AC could have a smell, suggesting that there may be impurities or some kind of unhealthy build-up somewhere within your air conditioner. A damp, musty smell could indicate too much humidity, while chemical smells could suggest coolant leakage.

Lack of cooling

This one is the most obvious; if your AC doesn’t feel as cool as when it was new, it’s likely time to get it serviced. Air conditioners do tend to lose some of their cooling efficiency over time, and seasonal changes could be hard to understand immediately, but if your typically comfortable temperature settings don’t seem to work as well, your AC may need to be serviced.

Leakage

Some water output from your AC is completely normal and part of the cooling process, but if your AC is leaking or dripping from the inside unit or in any other strange location, you might need to have it serviced. This can be due to blockages in the condensation drainage system, and can be disastrous for the delicate electrical components in the AC.

ALSO READ: 7 reasons why your AC could be leaking water

Fan not moving fast enough

Blockages in the fan system could be hampering the cooling ability, and you may need to have your AC cleaned. This will usually reflect with a lack of cooling ability, or even through knocking noises in the outside unit.

Benefits of regular air conditioner servicing

Factors to consider when selecting an AC service provider

There are plenty of AC service providers, but it helps to do your research and select the right one. This will ensure that your AC is always running efficiently and smoothly, since a reliable and trusted AC service provider will be well equipped with the know-how and resources to keep your AC in good shape. That said, here’s a checklist of things to look out for in a good AC service provider.

Training and tools

A good AC service technician will have the right tools to carry out the service, as well as professional training and experience in how to access the parts of the AC safely. They will also be able to identify any problems quickly. Additionally, they should have access to the right coolant for your AC, and be able to safely carry out the gas refilling procedures.

ALSO READ: How to protect yourself from the side-effects of ACs

Safety precautions

The technician should take all safety precautions before servicing the AC, including monitoring the power supply, accessing the outdoor unit safely, and carefully removing any parts or the entire inside unit as needed. Chemicals such as the refrigerant also need to be stored and handled properly.

Professionalism

A good AC technician should be able to service the AC, as well as identify and repair any issues in a timely and straightforward manner. A well-prepared technician will also likely have any required spare parts to be able to complete the service quickly and efficiently. Many services also offer reviews to help you choose the right service provider, and a good service provider will charge you a reasonable service fee along with proper pricing of any spare parts used.

Customer care

If you face any issues post service, a good service provider should be able to troubleshoot on call immediately, and dispatch a technician in case the issue is severe and needs immediate attention. A good service network will ensure that a technician can reach you quickly if needed.

Ways to keep your AC running efficiently and for long

The best way to keep your AC running efficiently is to service it periodically. This will help identify and tackle any issues before they become major issues, or lead to any malfunctions or damage. It is recommended that you service your AC every 4-6 months, and definitely have your AC looked at right before the start of warm seasons where you expect to use the air conditioner more than usual.

Regular AC servicing, which is correctly and professionally carried out, is the key to keeping your AC running efficiently and effectively for many years. If handled and serviced properly, you can expect your AC to work well for up to 15 years from your purchase.