As an HVAC expert with over 20 years of experience, I have seen firsthand the consequences of neglecting to clean and maintain air conditioning units. Many homeowners underestimate the impact of a dirty or clogged AC unit, but the truth is, it can lead to serious problems and costly repairs. One of the most common issues that arise from not cleaning your AC unit is a burned out condenser. The condenser is responsible for allowing air to flow properly through the unit, and when it becomes dirty or blocked, it can't do its job effectively. This not only reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner, but it can also cause damage to the unit itself. Another consequence of neglecting to clean your AC unit is a frozen system.
If you haven't cleaned or changed the filter in a while and notice that your AC isn't releasing cold air like it used to, it could mean that the system has frozen. Dirty filters restrict the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the unit and eventually form ice on the coils. This not only affects the performance of your AC, but it can also lead to higher energy bills. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, a dirty filter can make their symptoms much worse. Clogged filters can cause allergens to build up in the duct system and be released into the air you breathe every time the system starts up.
The purpose of an air filter is not only to adjust the temperature in your home, but also to eliminate particles that could cause health problems. By neglecting to clean or replace your filter, you are essentially leaving pollen, allergens, dander, and dust scattered throughout your home and breathing them in. The most important maintenance task for ensuring the efficiency of your AC unit is to regularly replace or clean the filters. Dirty and clogged filters reduce the amount of air flow and significantly decrease the system's efficiency. When airflow is obstructed, air can bypass the filter and deposit dirt directly on the evaporator coil, affecting its ability to absorb heat.
By simply replacing a dirty filter with a clean one, you can reduce your AC's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.In addition to reducing efficiency, poorly maintained AC units also have to work harder than clean and well-functioning ones. This can lead to premature failure and excessive energy consumption. That's why it's important to have your AC unit inspected and maintained by a professional HVAC technician at the start of each cooling season. At Hero Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our team of experts has over 100 years of combined experience and can handle any job, big or small. Regular maintenance not only ensures that your AC unit operates efficiently, but it also helps keep your energy bills low.
I cannot stress enough the value of investing in air conditioning maintenance to extend the life of your unit and prevent breakdowns. Neglecting this important task can result in an inefficient system that breaks down frequently and ultimately leads to higher energy bills. In addition, overlooking air conditioning maintenance can also mean that your HVAC system is nearing the end of its lifespan and will need to be replaced soon. This is a costly expense that can be avoided by simply taking care of your AC unit on a regular basis. Don't wait until it's too late to clean and maintain your AC unit. Make it a priority to schedule regular maintenance with a professional HVAC technician.
Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also ensure that your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long.
