How Often Should You Service Your AC in Greater Houston?

An air conditioning unit isn’t a luxury; however; it’s required for people living in the Greater Houston area. The summertime humidity & uncertainty associated with weather events mean an AC unit is put under more strain in this part of America than anywhere else.

The key question is:

How often should you have an AC serviced in the Greater Houston region?

The quick answer is: once per year; however two times are optimal.

Let’s break it down:

AC maintenance is essential in Houston, primarily because of:

Humidity

Extended cooling seasons (generally from March until the end of October)

Heavy usage of the AC system

Salt air exposure in certain areas

Unpredictable weather

Your AC unit doesn’t have much time to rest due to increasing temperatures & humidity, which makes proactive maintenance all that much more important. Although you may save some money today by not having a service performed, you will likely pay much higher costs if anything occurs later.

AC Service Schedule

At least once each year

You should have an annual AC service before the weather gets too hot. The interval would be every spring, usually between the end of March until the first of May.

This schedule is ideal for you to complete:

Identifying minor repairs before they become unmanageable

Increasing cooling efficiency

Lowering your electric bill

Extending the useful life of your AC system

Less Chance of Mid Summer Breakdowns

Twice a Year - Houston Homeowners Should Service Their AC

Many Houston homeowners find that servicing their HVAC system twice a year is beneficial.

Spring Time = AC Check

Fall Time = Heater Check

Even though it's not used often, inspection of the entire system keeps it running smoothly throughout the year.

What is Included in an AC Tune-Up?

Generally, an AC service by a professional will include:

Check Refrigerant Levels

Inspect Electrical Connections

Clean Condenser Coils

Check Thermostat Calibration

Inspect Air Filters

Test System Performance

Identify Worn Out Parts

A tune-up is not just a quick look, it is done to prevent future problems.

Signs You May Need to Call for Service Quicker Than Expected

Sometimes your system will not wait for your annual appointment. Call for service if you experience:

Weak Airflow

Air Conditioning Running All the Time

High Utility Bill

Unusual or Awful Noise

Warm Air Coming Out of Air Vents

Cold or Warm Air Not Uniformly Distributed Between Rooms

Musty or Burning Smell

In the heat of Houston, small problems turn into major issues quickly.

So, How Maintaining Your Air Conditioner Saves You Money?

Many homeowners skip maintenance because they think they are saving money. In fact;

Dirty systems use more electricity and require more repair.

Worn out parts place stress on the compressor.

Small leaks become much bigger repairs.

Systems that receive no service fail sooner.

Regular servicing of your Air Conditioning unit will extend its lifespan.

What Is the Lifespan of an Air Conditioner in Houston, TX?

Air conditioning units typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years in milder areas. In Houston, Texas, however, the average lifespan is about 10 to 15 years based on usage and proper HVAC maintenance!

One of the best ways to extend the overall lifespan of your air conditioner is by having regular AC maintenance done.

Conclusion

Due to constant usage, air conditioners throughout the Greater Houston area work much harder than those located in a milder area. It is important that you have your AC serviced at least once per year, twice is ideal. AC maintenance is a cost-saving form of insurance against significant repairs.

Do You Need Air Conditioning Maintenance in the Greater Houston Area?

At Anchor HVAC 360, we provide homeowners in the Greater Houston area with routine maintenance using an HVAC inspection and maintenance service tailored to the Greater Houston area. If your air conditioning has not received any services in the past year, now is the time!

Contact us to schedule your AC maintenance services today and keep your home cool, comfortable, and running efficiently throughout the summer months!