If your air conditioner had faithfully served you all summer, make sure to give it some TLC before putting it to rest for the winter.
As soon as the cooler weather hits, many homeowners fall victim to the "out of sight, out of mind" syndrome when it comes to their air conditioner.
Some tend to overlook the state of their AC system because they’re no longer using it.
If this sounds like you, understand that neglecting your AC system when it's not in use can result in some pretty pricey mechanical failures down the road when you try to turn it back on.
And there's no time like autumn to do a check.
“Fall is a great time to have your cooling equipment inspected and find out what shape it’s in,” advises Jon Graham, HVAC expert and CEO of Element Plumbing, Heating & Air in St. George, UT.
AC issues that may appear after a long summer
Months of heavy cooling can really bog down your air-conditioning unit. For instance, your air filter may be extremely clogged, which can lead to airflow issues.
When this happens, your system will have to work harder to reach the same temperature that it handled back in June.
“I’ve taken filters out in September that looked like they were sheets of felt. Essentially, this means the system is being smothered,” Graham explains.
In addition, your outdoor condensing unit is probably full of pollen, dust, grass clippings, and general lawn and yard debris, all of which forces your compressor to run much hotter than it’s designed to.
But how do you even know if there is a problem?
The clearest sign is air blowing into your home that feels warmer than it did a couple of months ago, especially if you haven’t changed your thermostat setting yet. That would indicate possible refrigerant or compressor problems.
Also, if there is ice forming on the AC coil or the refrigerant lines, there might be airflow or refrigerant problems.
Graham has been to a few homes with ice forming on the refrigerant lines and homeowners who were happy with the situation, believing that the system was doing a good job and able to work harder than normal.
They kept their systems running for two weeks with ice forming. By the time he went to their homes to do an inspection, the compressors were toast.
“They thought they were getting maximum cooling, but they now have to pay between $1,500 to $2,800 to fix the situation,” explains Graham.
Technician services for outdoor AC units are recommended. (Getty Images) Should you take DIY route or call in a pro?
There are ways to keep your AC unit in good shape without calling a professional.
"You may safely replace your air filters (or wash them, if they're the reusable type) every few months and keep your outdoor condenser clear of debris like leaves, overgrown plants, and clutter," says TJ Laury, co-owner of Ben's ProServ in Vineland, NJ.
You can also ensure your vents are clear of furniture, rugs, or clutter.
Beyond that, Laury recommends calling a pro. An HVAC technician can be particularly helpful if you notice performance issues like failure to cool, unusual and intermittent loud noises, and reduced airflow. Thermostat error messages and rising energy bills are other possible signs of trouble that warrant professional attention.
To save money on professional maintenance and repairs, consider joining a local HVAC company's maintenance plan for a couple hundred dollars a year.
"You may get discounts on repairs, priority access to emergency services outside of business hours, flexible scheduling, and possibly more, depending on the company," Laury explains.
Let's say a plan costs $250 per year and includes a $150 tuneup plus 15% off repairs. If you use the tuneup benefit and need a $2,000 repair, you’d get $450 in benefits and ultimately come out ahead.
Before you commit to to a maintenance plan, however, determine how much it costs, what's included, and how likely you are to use it. That can help you decide if it's worth it.
In addition, check with your utility company as it may offer rebates or other incentives for offseason tuneups.
Why it pays to address AC problems early
Minor problems can become big problems during peak use.
Let’s say your capacitor is getting weak and needs replacing. If you wait until July to fix it, not only will techs be swamped and may not be able to get to your home for a week, the repair may be more expensive.
“Capacitor replacements are inexpensive repairs. It may cost you $15 to $300 if you have it replaced in the offseason like October. That same repair in July, however, may be $400 to $600,” Graham says.
Or consider the availability of parts. Even if you can get service immediately, parts availability may be an issue.
Also, minor mechanical problems can reduce the efficiency of your system.
For instance, if you lose a half-pound of refrigerant in the offseason, your system may be reduced to 65% cooling capacity by summertime.
“Reducing your system’s ability to cool during peak season will result in higher energy bills. You’d be paying for wasted energy in addition to repair costs,” adds Graham.