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When Do You Need To Clean Or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

Whether your air conditioning unit is showing any signs of wear or not, it’s a good idea to have it cleaned and serviced once a year. We recommend getting your AC installation inspected with thorough AC services in the spring so that it works at peak energy efficiency during summer – when you need it the most.

As your air conditioner runs, it gathers dirt and dust in the main areas that impact its effectiveness, like the condensing coils and air filters. If you don’t get your AC maintained, your AC unit can lose 5% of its operating efficiency every year because of this debris buildup.

This means it will fail to cool your house as effectively as it could if it were clean and well-maintained.

Your AC unit works 24×7 to keep your house cool so naturally it needs regular maintenance to perform optimally.

How Often Do You Need To Clean Or Replace Your AC?

Regular maintenance of your air conditioner is essential for optimal performance and longevity. In this article, we’ll discuss how often you should clean or replace your air conditioner to ensure it works efficiently and effectively.

Benefits of Regular AC Repair and Maintenance

ac repair

Here are some advantages of performing an annual tune-up on your AC unit:

Longer Lifespan: On average, an air conditioner lasts 10-20 years but some can last as long as 30 years. How long your system lasts totally depends on how well you maintain it.

If your AC doesn’t receive any care, it may not even last 10 years. And an older AC is very similar to an old car – both become less efficient and use more energy to operate.

Reduced Electricity Bills: With yearly AC maintenance, an AC unit is bound to perform more efficiently. This means lesser energy bills for you.

Fewer Repair Bills: Any problem that could potentially turn into a breakdown can be caught early and repaired by your service specialist.

Greater Comfort: When you are taking good care of your AC unit by repair, you know that you can get the parts replaced before they wear out completely and damage the AC. This will give you peace of mind, knowing no huge repair/replacement bills are going to surprise you.

Keeping Your AC Unit Healthy Between Service Calls

In between the yearly tune-up visits, you can follow some tips to keep your cooling system running smoothly:

  •       When you are not home or out on a vacation, turn up the thermostat so as to lessen the load on your AC.
  •       Inspect the outdoor AC unit for damage every once in a while and keep the surrounding area free of debris, leaves, weeds, etc.
  •       If you notice any leaks, weird noises, or sudden change in air temperature that doesn’t match the thermostat, call for AC repair technicians.
  •       Check the indoor dryer vents for any debris, dirt, or other obstructions, and get them cleaned out on a monthly basis.

In addition, make sure you replace the air filters every month. If the filters get clogged with dirt and dust, your AC will need to work way harder to cool your home. This not only increases your utility bills but also damages the motor of the system.

Also, dirty air filters of dryer vents hold a lot of harmful contaminants that can compromise indoor air quality. This can cause you and your family to suffer from flu, cold, or breathing issues.

Get Excellent AC Repair and Installation Services within 24 Hours

Is your AC unit behaving erratically? Do you think your home’s air quality is not what it used to be? This could be due to an old or damaged air conditioner. Call United Home Services toll-free at 800-399-4248 or write to us online for your AC repair or cleaning requirements.

When it comes to keeping our homes healthy and our air clean, few services are as critical as air duct cleaning. If you’re anything like me, the thought of unknown particles circulating through the air my family breathes is enough to spur me into action. But not all service providers are created equal. This is where unlocking the mystery of certifications and standards in duct cleaning becomes crucial.

Why Certifications Matter in Duct Cleaning

Think of certifications as a safety net for your home’s air quality. I learned this the hard way when a friend opted for a bargain deal on duct cleaning, only to find her home’s air quality worse after the service. It turned out, the company wasn’t certified, and they had actually loosened more debris and contaminants than they removed!

Certifications in duct cleaning mean that the technicians cleaning your air ducts have been trained to adhere to the highest standards of operation. This training ensures that they not only clean effectively but also safely, reducing the risk of damage to your ductwork and ensuring that no harmful contaminants are spread throughout your home.

Key Certifications in Duct Cleaning

NADCA Certification

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) sets the gold standard for duct cleaning professionals. NADCA-certified providers have undergone rigorous training and adhere to strict guidelines for cleaning to the highest industry standards. When a technician shows up with NADCA certification, you can feel confident they know their craft inside and out.

HVAC Certifications

While not exclusive to duct cleaning, HVAC certifications indicate a comprehensive understanding of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which is critical because your ductwork is part of a larger system. Technicians with these certifications understand how to optimize your entire HVAC system’s performance, not just clean your ducts.

Understanding Industry Standards

Industry standards are not just bureaucratic red tape. They’re developed by experts and are designed to ensure services are delivered safely and effectively. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t necessarily certify duct cleaners, but they provide guidelines on what constitutes a proper and safe duct cleaning. Following these standards is a key part of navigating the duct cleaning world like a pro.

How to Verify Certifications and Standards

So, how do you ensure you’re hiring someone trustworthy? Start by asking potential service providers about their certifications. A reputable technician won’t hesitate to share their qualifications. You can also look up their credentials online or check with the issuing organizations.

For example, when I needed my ducts cleaned last spring, I made sure to ask for the certification numbers and looked them up on the NADCA website. It gave me peace of mind knowing that the professionals I was letting into my home met all the necessary industry standards.

The Benefits of Choosing a Certified Duct Cleaner

Choosing a certified duct cleaner comes with numerous benefits. First, there’s the assurance of quality and safety. Certified cleaners use the latest and most effective tools and techniques to remove contaminants from your ducts without risking damage to your system or dispersal of pollutants.

Moreover, regular maintenance by certified professionals can extend the life of your HVAC system and improve its efficiency, which can save you money on energy bills. I noticed a decrease in my energy bills after having my ducts properly cleaned—a win for both my wallet and the environment.

Red Flags and Common Misconceptions

It’s important to be aware of the red flags. Be wary of services that offer “too good to be true” deals or don’t provide clear information about their certifications and procedures. Also, ignore the myth that “cleaning your ducts disrupts your home.” Professional cleaners ensure that the process is as non-intrusive as possible.

Conclusion

Investing in a certified duct cleaning service is not just about maintaining your HVAC system; it’s about ensuring the health and safety of your home environment. Just like choosing a doctor or a mechanic, the qualifications and reputation of duct cleaning professionals matter.

Remember, when it comes to the air you breathe, you deserve the best. Don’t hesitate to reach out to certified professionals who can provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your ducts are not just clean, but thoroughly and safely maintained.

Feeling ready to breathe easier? Reach out to your local NADCA certified duct cleaning service today and take the first step towards cleaner, healthier air in your home!

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