Your air conditioner works hard during Massachusetts summers, battling heat and humidity to keep your home comfortable. But like any complex mechanical system, it needs regular maintenance to perform at its best.
The Short Answer: At Least Once a Year
At minimum, you should have your AC professionally serviced once per year — ideally in the spring, before the cooling season begins. This ensures your system is ready to handle the demands of summer.
What Happens During a Professional AC Tune-Up?
A comprehensive AC tune-up includes:
- - Refrigerant check — Ensuring proper levels and checking for leaks
- - Coil cleaning — Dirty coils reduce efficiency by up to 30%
- - Electrical inspection — Tightening connections and testing components
- - Thermostat calibration — Ensuring accurate temperature readings
- - Drain line clearing — Preventing water damage from clogged condensate drains
- - Filter replacement — Essential for airflow and air quality
- - Overall system performance test — Measuring airflow, temperature split, and efficiency
DIY Maintenance Between Professional Visits
Between annual tune-ups, there are things you can do yourself:
- Change your filter every 1-3 months — This is the single most important thing you can do
- Keep the outdoor unit clear — Maintain at least 2 feet of clearance around the condenser
- Check your thermostat — Make sure it's working and programmed correctly
- Listen for unusual sounds — Grinding, squealing, or banging warrant a service call
The Cost of Skipping Maintenance
Neglecting AC maintenance doesn't just risk a breakdown — it costs you money every day your system runs inefficiently:
- - 5-15% efficiency loss per year without maintenance
- - Higher energy bills from a system working harder than necessary
- - Shortened lifespan — well-maintained ACs last 15-20 years vs. 10-12 without maintenance
- - Voided warranty — most manufacturers require annual maintenance to honor warranties
Mass HVAC Maintenance Plans
Our maintenance plans make it easy (and affordable) to keep your system in peak condition. Plans include bi-annual tune-ups, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs.
Schedule your AC tune-up today. Call Mass HVAC or book online.
