The air conditioning system works hard to keep your home cool and comfortable in Jacksonville’s hot and humid climate. Like any complex mechanical system, it needs regular maintenance and inspections to ensure reliable operation. Making AC inspections part of your home maintenance routine can prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs or replacements.
Save Money Through Preventative Care
Replacing an AC unit is a major homeowner expense that often costs thousands of dollars. By keeping your system well-maintained with annual checkups, you can extend its lifespan and avoid costly breakdowns. Technicians inspect components for wear and tear and can catch small problems before they spiral into bigger, more expensive issues. A little preventative care goes a long way when it comes to saving money on home HVAC costs over time.
Enjoy Greater Energy Efficiency
Issues like low refrigerant, dirty coils, and faulty parts force your AC system to work harder to cool your home, wasting energy. An inspection helps ensure all components are working as intended. Technicians check refrigerant levels, clean coils if needed, tighten connections, lubricate parts, and more. Your system will run more efficiently when operating at its best, which translates into lower electricity bills.
Breathe Healthier Indoor Air
A neglected AC system can lead to mold, mildew, and dust buildup within the ductwork. Technicians thoroughly inspect the condition of your ducts to check for any air quality issues. As part of the inspection, they may recommend duct cleaning or sanitization if excessive debris, mold, or other contaminants are present. Better indoor air means better comfort and health for your family.
Customize Your Inspection Plan
Rather than a single annual inspection, some homeowners prefer biannual or quarterly inspections based on usage patterns. The frequency you choose mainly depends on the age of your AC unit, but environmental factors also come into play. For example, coastal homes often require more frequent inspections due to corrosive sea spray and humidity. Talk to your HVAC company about customizing an inspection plan tailored to your needs.
Extend Equipment Lifespan
The complex components that make up AC units inevitably wear down over years of use. However, a consistent inspection schedule helps slow that aging process through preventative maintenance. By tackling small issues as they pop up, you can keep your system operating reliably for its full-designed lifespan. Units that are regularly inspected and tuned up can provide five or more additional years of cooling comfort compared to neglected systems.
Added Peace of Mind
There’s nothing worse than having your AC fail right when seasonal temperatures hit their peak. By scheduling periodic inspections, you minimize the chances of an unexpected breakdown. Trained technicians can catch the majority of problems before total failure occurs. Rather than dealing with last-minute emergency repairs, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from a reliably operating, well-maintained AC system.
Ensure Proper Airflow
Over time, airflow issues can crop up that reduce your AC system’s cooling capacity. Technicians use advanced tools to measure airflow from vents and make sure it meets manufacturer specifications. If the airflow is lacking, they can troubleshoot the issue, which may involve adjusting ductwork, replacing filters, or servicing fan components. Proper airflow is key for room-to-room cooling consistency.
Prevent Humidity and Moisture Issues
Excess moisture is another symptom of an AC system not operating at peak performance. When cooling issues arise, humidity levels inside your home can spike. Technicians check for signs of moisture buildup during inspections, allowing them to take corrective actions like fixing refrigerant charges or insulating ducts. Keeping humidity under control not only feels more comfortable but also hinders mold growth.
Confirm Safety Switch Operation
Your AC system likely contains multiple safety switches designed to shut down the unit if certain temperature or electrical thresholds are exceeded. But worn switches can fail to trip when needed. During inspections, technicians methodically test each switch to confirm it is functioning properly. Catching a faulty switch prevents potential compressor damage later.
Evaluate Air Filter Needs
Clogged air filters force AC systems to work extra hard pushing air through restricted ductwork. Technicians determine if your existing filter type and grade make sense for your home’s needs. They may recommend upgrading to a better filtration level to reduce strain on your system. They can suggest the optimal filter change interval based on runtime hours and usage patterns.
Verify Condensate Drainage
Standing water from clogged condensate drains can cause mold, corrosion, and even indoor leaks. As part of inspection procedures, technicians pour water down drain lines to confirm they’re clear of obstructions. If not, they’ll use pressurized air, wire brushes, or liquid cleaners to open clogged lines and restore proper drainage.
Assess Ventilation Needs
Today’s tighter home construction calls for mechanical ventilation to maintain healthy air exchange rates. If your home lacks a dedicated fresh air intake, technicians may recommend adding one tied into your AC ductwork. Bringing in filtered outside air improves indoor air quality while reducing strain on your cooling system so that it doesn’t have to work as hard.
What to Expect During an Inspection
A comprehensive AC inspection consists of several diagnostic tests and visual checks performed by a certified HVAC technician. Expect the process to take 30 to 90 minutes. The technician will assess the physical condition of the condenser unit outside as well as evaluate ductwork and other components inside the home. Specific inspection items typically include:
Condenser Coils
Damaged or dirty condenser coils impair heat transfer and refrigerant flow. Technicians will clean debris from coils and check fins for dents.
Electrical Connections
Loose wiring leads to reduced performance over time. Connections at contactor points are tightened to reduce electrical resistance.
Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant directly reduces cooling capability. Technicians confirm levels are in line with manufacturer recommendations.
Blower Components
The blower and fan require lubrication and cleaning to limit noise/vibration issues. Bearings are lubricated while blades are cleared of debris buildup.
Drain Line
Clogs in the drain line lead to water retention, which can damage parts. Technicians confirm the drain line flows freely without obstruction.
Air Filters
Dirty filters make the system work much harder to push air. Filters are checked and changed if excessively dirty.
By thoroughly evaluating these and other components, technicians can spot minor issues before they escalate into major, expensive problems down the road. They also provide recommendations if parts need repair or replacement.
Let the Experts Handle It
While there are a few external checks you can perform yourself between professional inspections, it’s best to let a certified technician handle the full diagnostic process. They have the advanced tools and HVAC expertise to thoroughly assess the condition of all components and make the appropriate fixes to any issues. Don’t take chances trying to inspect or repair complex systems on your own. Partner with professional technicians to ensure your AC continues providing comfortable cooling for years to come.
J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing has over 25 years of HVAC experience in Jacksonville, FL assisting homeowners. Our NATE-certified technicians undergo regular training sessions to stay current with ever-evolving AC technology. Not only do we work with air conditioners, but we also install, maintain, and repair furnaces, heat pumps, and other heating sources. We can also check your ductwork, handle your thermostat, and improve your indoor air quality.
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we perform AC maintenance and inspection tailored to your specific AC unit and home setup using industry best practices. Our goal is always to catch issues before they become major headaches, saving you money and hassle over the long run.
