Suburban Chicago summers can get hot, and your air conditioner becomes your best friend. You need it to work properly so that you’re not living in an oven, with your family sweating it out. Having an A/C tune up in the spring can ensure that your A/C will do its job all summer long.
What’s Involved in an A/C Tune Up?
Regular tune ups of your A/C system can keep it working properly, reduce your energy costs, and prolong the life of your system. Regular servicing can also detect any underlying problems that may need attention before they get worse.
Some maintenance you can do yourself, such as changing filters and keeping your outdoor unit free of debris.
Professional annual servicing of your system, however, is important. An A/C tune up involves:
- Checking refrigerant levels and looking for leaks
- Cleaning components
- Cleaning or replacing air filters
- Inspecting all parts and making any necessary adjustments
- Lubrication of moving parts
- Thermostat testing
- Inspection of the wiring
Benefits of an A/C Tune Up
Having an A/C tune up in the spring will take care of any winter damage, and will involve cleaning up any debris out of the system, such as the fall leaves. But beyond taking care of what the seasons brought, an A/C tune up has several benefits.
Increased Efficiency
When your A/C is clean and has had the proper maintenance, it works at its maximum efficiency level. This keeps your energy bills under control, even during the hottest months of the year.
Fewer Repair Bills
Keeping your A/C clean and maintained will prevent many issues that require repairs. This will save you money, making a tune up a good investment.
Identify Need for Repairs
During the tune up, the technician might discover the need for certain repairs. This can help to prevent your A/C from breaking down or not working well once it’s in use. The last thing you want is a broken air conditioner when the temperature is spiking. Identifying the need for repairs early also prevents them from becoming worse or causing more damage.
Extends the Life of Your A/C
Keeping your A/C properly maintained will ensure that it has a long lifespan. Most air conditioners last about 20 years but can last longer if they are taken care of. Air conditioners that are not maintained will likely not make it to the 20 year mark.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
A maintained air conditioner does a better job at filtering pollutants out of the air, giving you better indoor air quality. If it’s not maintained, it circulates the pollutants instead of protecting you from them.
Consider an A/C Upgrade
Air conditioners, as mentioned, typically last about 20 years, but just like every other appliance in your home, air conditioning units eventually wear down and need replacement. Some signs to watch for include a frequent need for repairs, higher energy bills, noises or odors from the unit, leaks, and weak air flow.
If your A/C is more than 20 years old, you may also want to consider upgrading to a modern, more efficient system. You’ll see a return on your investment over time with reduced energy costs.
Types of A/C Systems
If you’re looking for options for your A/C needs, there are 2 common choices.
- Central Air Conditioner: Central air is the most common type of cooling system, using fans and ducts to distribute cool air.
- Heat Pump with Ductless Mini-Splits: A heat pump is an all in one heating and cooling solution, and can use mini-splits, which are small wall units, to distribute warm or cool air without the need for ductwork.
If you choose a new air conditioner, you’ll reap many benefits including:
- Lower energy bills
- Better air quality
- Longer life span than older units
- Less noise
- Humidity control
Heat pumps, however, have become a popular option because they offer even more efficiency and improved air quality. Heat pumps work by redistributing air rather than heating or cooling it using energy. In the winter, the heat pump captures warm air from the outside to transfer it in. In the summer, the heat pump captures warm air from the inside and transfers it out.
These systems don’t create ashes, smoke, or other harmful debris that you need to clean from your air, making them ideal for keeping your home safe and comfortable. They also don’t contain hot surfaces that can burn you or your family.
Additionally, these systems dehumidify your home. This is great for the summer when the air becomes heavy with moisture.
Heat pumps can be ducted or ductless. Ducted heat pumps distribute air via ducts, while ductless heat pumps use wall mounted units, called mini-splits, to distribute the air.
Heat pump benefits include:
- Energy efficiency
- Environmental friendliness
- Better air quality
- Increased home comfort
- Both heating and cooling capabilities
- Space efficiency
- Dehumidification
TR Miller Is Your A/C Tune Up Partner
TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical has been serving the HVAC needs of suburban Chicago residents since 2008. We are a family-owned company, so we understand the needs and concerns of our customers. Our certified technicians are highly trained in HVAC maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and replacement and our entire team is dedicated to ensuring your family’s comfort and safety.
Give us a call before spring hits, and we can thoroughly inspect your HVAC system, clean it, and perform any maintenance or repairs that are required. With TR Miller as your HVAC partner, you can rest assured that your HVAC system will perform properly and at maximum efficiency throughout the spring and summer and the rest of the year.
