If you want your air conditioning system to continue its high performance throughout Melbourne’s hot and humid climate, then you need to have it maintained. Proper maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduces energy bills, and ensures the comfort of your home. During this time, the technician will check and clean all the components while looking for any signs of damage. But how often should you maintain your AC unit to keep it in optimal condition? Let’s find out.
Maintenance Is Important in Florida
Melbourne experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature during summer hovers around 90°F. However, the humidity can make it feel even hotter. This means your AC unit works hard for most of the year and needs regular maintenance.
With the demanding climate, it is recommended that you have your AC unit professionally serviced twice a year. You should complete it before the summer season begins and once after it ends. A bi-yearly maintenance schedule ensures that your system is prepared to handle the intense heat of the summer months and can recover from the heavy workload in those cooler ones.
Now that you know when to have the unit maintained, what should happen during these visits?
Spring Maintenance
You should treat this visit as a pre-summer check-up. When this happens, a professional technician will inspect, clean, and tune up your AC unit to make sure it is ready for the peak cooling season. Your technician will likely check refrigerant levels, clean the condenser coils, inspect the ductwork for leaks, and ensure all electrical connections are secure. If there are any signs of problems, these issues must be addressed immediately. Remember, waiting could lead to a breakdown during the hottest part of the year. In that case, you could be left without a functioning air conditioner, leaving you miserable in the heat and humidity.
Fall Maintenance
After the heavy workload of summer, another maintenance visit is recommended. At this time, the technician will inspect the system and look for any damage, especially after the hot months. When the air conditioner has to run almost constantly, the compressor, fan motor, and belts might have signs of stress. Once again, if there are problems, the technicians can repair or replace those components. Also, the technician will clean the unit and make necessary adjustments to help prolong its life and improve efficiency for the rest of the year.
Monthly Maintenance Tips
While a professional maintenance visit is always recommended, there are a few tasks that you can do to help keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly in between those check-ups.
- Since Melbourne is by the Atlantic Ocean, sand, dust, and debris can enter your home. For that reason, you should change your AC filter every 30 days, especially during peak usage months. A clean filter allows for proper airflow, improves indoor air quality, and reduces strain on the unit.
- You might even want to take time to check around the outside of the unit. The condenser can collect leaves, dirt, and grass as the summer storms blow through the area. You will want to clean around it and make sure there is at least two feet of clear space. Any obstructions can affect the unit’s efficiency and cause problems down the road.
- Many service calls involve the thermostat. You can prevent any AC downtime by ensuring it is functioning correctly. Make sure to check the settings and see how your AC responds. If there are any issues, you can always upgrade to a programmable or smart device. These modern thermostats can also improve energy efficiency by optimizing cooling patterns based on your schedule.
Why Timely Repairs Are Important
Regular maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. However, if your AC unit shows signs of trouble, such as unusual noises, poor cooling performance, or frequent cycling, you must address these issues immediately. Unfortunately, they will only get worse over time. In turn, that can cause more extensive damage and higher repair costs.
In Melbourne, Florida, your AC unit is a lifeline during the hot months of summer. You might be stuck in an uncomfortable home while waiting for a technician when you delay any repairs. For that reason, if any problem arises, you should consult with a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Maintenance Visit Today
With a bi-yearly maintenance schedule, you can keep your AC running smoothly even during the hottest Florida summers. It is a small investment that pays off in lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and a longer lifespan for your AC unit. When you need a maintenance visit for your air conditioner system, make sure to contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in Melbourne, FL. We know the importance of these visits, especially when you put your unit to the test during the summer. Our trained technicians are ready to inspect your AC to keep it working at an optimal level. Contact us today for an appointment.