You may have heard that your air conditioner and heater will last longer if they’re maintained correctly, but what does that mean? Before you can do your regular maintenance chores, you need to know what they are and when to call in a professional. Here’s how professional maintenance keeps your system in peak condition and what you can do to keep your HVAC running smoothly between appointments.

What Is an HVAC Tune-up and Why Does It Matter?

Maintenance, service, or a tune-up: whatever you call it, air conditioner and heater maintenance are important parts of caring for your HVAC. When you schedule service, an HVAC technician will inspect your system. They look for signs of potential problems that could end up as money-burning headaches if they’re left to escalate. A technician will inspect parts of your AC and heater for signs of wear and tear or common problems that may lower your cooling and heating efficiency.

Regular maintenance is all about prevention: catching problems when they’re small so they don’t become bigger later. In Las Vegas, where our air conditioners are under constant strain, it’s even more important to have your AC inspected regularly. In some climates, your AC and heater each get a break for half the year. But with Nevada’s extra-long cooling season, constant use could wear through parts faster than you’d expect. An inspection helps prevent your air conditioner from breaking right when you need it most. Regular check-ups are particularly vital for heat pumps, which have to do work in the heating and cooling seasons.

In the long run, a tune-up also saves you money by making your system more efficient. Worn parts, clogged filters, unseen leaks, and more tiny problems all chip away at the unit’s efficiency. A tune-up corrects many of these problems and catches others in time for AC repairs to be minor.

Building a Regular HVAC Service Plan

So, now that you know how important regular HVAC service is, how does it fit into your schedule? Here’s when to plan for professional maintenance and what you can do in the meantime:

Scheduling HVAC Annual Service

In the best-case scenario, you should have your HVAC tuned up twice a year. Aim for once in spring, before the heat gets too intense, and once in fall, after your air conditioner’s done most of its heavy lifting for the season. If you can only get your HVAC serviced once annually, choose spring. That allows your technician to catch any problems before the heavy cooling load of a Las Vegas summer can make them worse.

Maintaining Your Equipment Between HVAC System Tune-ups

Regular maintenance isn’t all about professional service. You can maintain your HVAC too! Here’s what you can do to keep your air conditioner and heater in good condition:

  • Change your air filters. Clogged and dirty filters can bog down your HVAC’s efficiency, making the system work harder for the same results. Change your air filters at least every 90 days; change them more often if you have pets, allergies, or asthma.
  • Keep your outdoor unit clear. Not only should you not cover your unit, even in the hot desert sun, but you should also keep it clear of debris. Blocked airflow can do everything from lowering efficiency to damaging your air conditioner or heat pump. Check your unit regularly for sticks, leaves, and other debris, especially after a storm.
  • Don’t forget your humidifier. The dry air in Las Vegas means plenty of homes have a whole-home humidifier to stay comfortable. Check your humidifier every month for buildup, and clean it with vinegar if you need to.
  • Check your bill. If you don’t notice problems with cooling or heating, you may notice an HVAC issue by the spike in your energy bill. Schedule repairs if you notice an unexplained surge in your energy consumption.

Enjoy HVAC Tune-up Specials as Part of our Club Membership

If you want to make annual maintenance even easier, enroll in a Club Membership! The cost of membership includes both an annual cooling inspection and an annual heating inspection, covering your spring and fall tune-ups. Additionally, you’ll get a discount on certain parts and repairs. Plus, with priority scheduling, it’s never been easier to correct problems and get your annual maintenance on the calendar.

Schedule HVAC Tune-up Service Near Me in Las Vegas

Take good care of your HVAC and it will keep you comfortable for years to come! One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Las Vegas sends expert technicians when you schedule an appointment. They can inspect your system, ensure everything works as intended, and fix minor problems before they worsen. Keep your air conditioner running all summer long; with professional maintenance, it can take the heat! Call (702) 602-8801 or book online today to get your regular maintenance schedule underway.