Getting Ready For Summer? What To Know About Your AC

As the warmer months get closer, you may be excited for hot weather and outdoor activities. While warmer weather is something that many look forward to, it can get uncomfortable inside your home when temperatures start to rise. Having a working air conditioning system is a must in many parts of the US. This is why you should start taking steps to ensure that your AC is ready to go before the heat moves in. Here are three things to know about your air conditioning system:

The Age of the System

One of the first things that you should be aware of is the age of your current system. The average lifespan of an air conditioning system is between 15 and 20 years. As your system ages it may not cool as efficiently as it used to. Older systems also tend to require more repairs, and may lead to higher energy bills due to their lower energy efficiency. As your current system ages, it's important to start looking for signs that it needs replacement -- especially if it's nearing the 15-year mark. Funny smells, strange noises, and unequal cooling are all signs that it's time for AC repairs or replacement.

Maintenance is Needed

When it comes to your air conditioning system, simply replacing the filter as needed is not enough to keep it running as well as possible. In order to keep your system in good shape, annual maintenance visits from a professional are a must. These visits cost on average between $70 and $100. Typically these visits include filter replacement, cleaning of the evaporator coils and the condenser, combing the coil fins, unclogging drains, and more. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your system and also keep it running as efficiently as possible.

Repairs Should Be Done ASAP

When you first turn on your air conditioning system for warmer weather, it's important to be on alert for any issues. If you notice that something is amiss, getting it checked out as soon as possible is key. Small problems can quickly turn into large, expensive problems if issues with your system are left unchecked. The average cost of AC repair services is between $163 and $533. Getting your system repaired at the first sign of trouble will ensure that it runs effectively through the hotter months of the year.

While warmer weather is something that you may be looking forward to, it's important to take a look at your air conditioning system before temperatures start to rise. First, consider the age of your system and be on alert for signs of trouble if it's reaching the end of its average lifespan. Maintenance is also a must at least once per year. If there are signs of trouble, having your system repaired as soon as possible is a good idea.