With summer just around the corner, you can expect the days to get warmer in Hanford, CA. However, you should also prepare for more dangerously hot days and heat waves. Experts predict the City will have 24 days when temperatures may exceed 100º F, a number that’s almost twice as many as 30 years ago.

Considering your home has an air conditioner, you may think you’re ready to beat the heat. But how sure are you that your cooling system won’t break down during a scorching day?

If you’re not 100% certain, consider scheduling an AC tune-up ASAP.

This guide explores the top benefits of an AC tune-up in spring and why it’s crucial, so read on.

Learn About Your AC’s Current Condition

A comprehensive AC inspection is the first step in a spring HVAC maintenance program. During this step, a highly trained technician will check your system from inside to out, including the following components:

  • Air filters
  • Blower fans and motors
  • Condenser and evaporator coils
  • Condensate drain pan
  • Electrical connections
  • Parts that may require lubrication, such as bearings, gears, and seals
  • Refrigerant levels
  • Thermostat

If installed, the HVAC technician will also inspect your ductwork. It allows them to identify duct leaks that result in energy losses.

That said, the primary goal of an AC inspection is to determine if its components still function optimally. If not, the technician will create a strategic recommendation plan to address the issues. They’ll then discuss this with you after the tune-up.

Make Your System Perform Optimally Again

Dirt and debris build-up can cause your air conditioner’s performance to drop over time. For instance, clogs that hinder airflow can form on its air filters after about one to three months. That airflow obstruction can lead to insufficient cooling, making your home less comfortable.

Another example is when your air conditioner’s evaporator coils get coated with residue. This layer disturbs the AC’s process of absorbing heat and moisture from the air. As a result, the system may “produce” less cold air every cycle and fail to dehumidify the air efficiently.

When your AC fails to absorb moisture from the air, your home may feel muggy, even with the AC on. Note, though, that plumbing leaks and a leaking water heater requiring emergency repairs can also cause this problem.

But let’s say the problem is your air conditioner. In that case, a tune-up can help because it entails thoroughly cleaning your AC and its components. Once your system is clean, it can efficiently cool your home again.

Boost Your System’s Energy Efficiency

As mentioned above, clogs in filters obstruct airflow, while dirt on coils hinders heat and moisture absorption. Both cause an AC to produce less cold air, forcing it to work harder to meet your desired temperature setting.

Leaky ducts can also make your HVAC system work harder, as they can waste up to 40% of cooling (or heating) energy.

Either way, an air conditioner that has to work harder consumes more energy. The more energy it uses, the higher your cooling bills will be.

So, before your cooling bills spiral out of control, schedule an AC tune-up to help boost your system’s energy efficiency.

Find out if You Need AC Repair

As long as your air conditioner turns on and blows cold air, it’s good to go, right?

Not so fast. It may have a problem that can go unnoticed until it causes your system to fail.

An example is a refrigerant leak, which an untrained eye can easily miss since this invisible gas is also almost odorless and tasteless. The longer the leak remains unaddressed, the lower the AC’s refrigerant levels can get. That can result in your AC not blowing enough cold air (or even none at all).

Refrigerant top-ups are also expensive. The more “refill” you need, the higher your AC repair costs.

Thanks to the inspection it includes, an AC tune-up can help prevent or minimize the risks of such issues. By knowing what’s wrong with your system, you can have an HVAC technician correct it before it becomes a more expensive problem.

Make the Most Out of Your AC

On average, window air conditioners can last 5 to 7 years, while central AC systems can last 7 to 15 years. You’d want yours to be on the upper end, especially since new air conditioners cost a lot to install.

Spring HVAC tune-ups can help you achieve that goal since they help reduce or eliminate “unnecessary” workload on your AC.

Let’s use a clogged filter as an example, which forces the system to work harder due to the obstructed airflow. That extra work puts more strain on your system’s components, causing them to wear and tear faster.

So, by removing that additional strain, you can also reduce the risk of early system degradation and failure.

Better Heat Preparedness

Extreme heat conditions are periods of high humidity and temperatures exceeding 90° F for two days or more.

During such days, your body must work harder to maintain a healthy temperature. So, any added stress, even something as minor as walking, can make you more prone to heat-related illnesses (HRIs), such as:

  • Heat rash
  • Heat cramps
  • Fainting
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heatstroke

Heat-related illnesses can be debilitating, even deadly. The good news is that, according to the CDC, staying in an air-conditioned place as much as possible can help prevent HRIs.

That’s all the more reason to invest in an AC tune-up, as it helps ensure your air conditioner can cool your home and give you a refuge from the heat.

Prepare for the Heat With an AC Tune-Up

An AC tune-up can help your air conditioner perform well again, boost its efficiency, and prolong its life. Most importantly, it helps ensure your AC works properly, especially during extreme heat.

Our HVAC company, Comfort Now, has highly qualified, industry-certified technicians who can spruce up your AC. Since 2011, we’ve done the same for our other customers in Hanford, Springville, Porterville, and nearby areas. We offer 24/7 emergency service, provide five guarantees, and are proud of our many 5-star Google reviews.

So, if you’re ready to beat the heat with a well-maintained AC, speak with us today and request your free estimate!