Controlling the Humidity in Your Home

If you've recently had a new air conditioner installed, talk to the air conditioning contractor about the maintenance schedule your equipment needs to be on. An air conditioner is usually serviced once a year before summer starts. You might want to enter a service contract so the air conditioning contractor reminds you when it's time for a visit. Here are reasons the annual visit is important.

Dirty Equipment Might Break Down

An annual visit from an air conditioning contractor is part servicing worn parts and part cleaning the equipment. It's important to keep the equipment as clean as possible even though it's outside. Dirty copper lines make it difficult for the refrigerant to work properly. A dirty and clogged condenser reduces airflow and the parts might overheat.

A clean air conditioner operates more efficiently and works better to keep you comfortable. Equipment that's too dirty can even break down and lead to the need for repairs.

Your Refrigerant Can Be Filled If Needed

Low refrigerant is a problem because your AC can't work optimally if the refrigerant is leaking out and low. The air conditioner has to run longer to meet the thermostat setting and that drives up your power bill.

Plus, low refrigerant is a sign of an AC problem. Refrigerant isn't supposed to leak out, so if it is, the problem has to be fixed so the refrigerant can be replaced to the right level.

Your Warranty Is Protected

Your AC warranty might pay for things like a bad compressor if you have proof your AC was maintained properly. Compressor problems are an issue because the compressor is so expensive that the air conditioning contractor might recommend you replace the entire AC rather than just replace the compressor if it's old.

If you have documentation of annual cleaning and servicing and the warranty is still in effect, you might get help paying for a new compressor, and that could save a lot of money and make paying for annual visits worthwhile.

Impending Problems Are Identified

The last thing you want is for your AC to break down while you're out mowing the yard on a sweltering day and you're looking forward to going inside to cool off in the air conditioning. It doesn't take long for your house to get hot and stuffy, and it may not be safe to leave your windows open overnight.

By getting an annual service call, you might prevent a breakdown from happening in the first place. Equipment parts that look worn can be replaced before they go bad and that spares you from the unpleasant experience of a hot and miserable home.

For more information, contact an air conditioning contractor in your area.