When was the last time you had your A/C checked? If you can’t remember, that’s a RED FLAG! A/C systems should be checked at least annually and most manufacturers actually require it in order to stay within your system’s warranty. Not only is proper air conditioner maintenance essential to keeping your AC running efficiently, but it can also prolong its lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 4 consequences of neglecting annual air conditioner maintenance.

1) Poor Air Quality

Neglecting proper air conditioner maintenance can lead to a number of issues with air quality in your home. Poor air quality can be caused by clogged air filters, which reduces the amount of air flow, leading to an increased level of dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that can adversely affect the environment. This can also cause a buildup of bacteria and mold, both of which can cause serious health problems. Investing in regular maintenance for your air conditioner is essential for ensuring good air quality in your home or business.

2) Higher Energy Bills

It’s easy to overlook the importance of proper air conditioner maintenance. But, neglecting it can have serious consequences on your energy bills. Without regular maintenance, your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, resulting in higher electricity bills. Your air conditioner needs to be kept clean and well lubricated to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency. When filters get clogged, coils get dirty or evaporator fins become blocked, your air conditioner has to work harder, using more energy and costing you more money in the process. Regular maintenance ensures that your air conditioner is running at optimal efficiency, saving you money on energy costs in the long run.

3) Reduced Lifespan

Neglecting air conditioner maintenance can drastically reduce your system’s lifespan. Without regular check-ups, the parts of your system can start to wear out faster than they normally would. These parts may need replacing sooner, resulting in a shorter lifespan for your AC unit. Regular maintenance also helps identify problems early on, so that you can take action before the damage becomes too severe. Don’t let neglecting your AC maintenance result in an early replacement!

4) Breakdowns and Emergencies

One of the most dangerous consequences of neglecting air conditioner maintenance is the increased chance of system breakdowns and emergencies. Without proper and regular maintenance, components can quickly become worn or malfunction, leading to unexpected breakdowns or even complete system failure. Having to repair or replace your air conditioning unit due to neglect can be an expensive and time-consuming process, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the damage. On top of that, if you’re dealing with a breakdown in the middle of a heatwave, you’ll have to wait for a technician to be available before you can cool your home down again. To avoid having to deal with unexpected breakdowns and emergencies, it’s important to stay on top of regular AC maintenance and inspections.

Neglecting air conditioner maintenance can have a number of serious consequences for your home. To protect yourself from these issues, ensure your AC unit is inspected, serviced, and cleaned regularly by our Peter Levi team of experts. Doing so will help improve your system’s performance and efficiency while minimizing the risk of future breakdowns.

If your electrical bill has been steadily increasing, you might be wondering what is causing the sudden jump. Unfortunately, one of the most common culprits is your air conditioning system. From an inefficient compressor to a faulty thermostat, there are several things that can cause your electricity bill to skyrocket. In this blog post, we will explore four of the most common reasons why your A/C system could be the cause of your expensive electrical bill.

Your Air Filter Is Dirty

Are you noticing that your electricity bill is steadily increasing? There could be a few culprits behind the increase, and one of the most common causes could be that your air filter is dirty. A clogged air filter can lead to a variety of problems, including high electric bills. When your air filter is dirty, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through the system. This increased workload results in your system running longer, which means more electricity is needed to power it. This extra energy use directly translates into an increased electricity bill.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Is your electric bill soaring despite having your air conditioner running the same amount? You might want to take a closer look at your air conditioner’s refrigerant levels. If you’re not sure what refrigerants are or how they work, don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Refrigerants are special types of fluids that absorb heat, allowing your AC unit to cool your home. When there isn’t enough of it, your air conditioner has to work harder and longer to reach the temperature you set on your thermostat. This causes your electric bills to rise and puts more stress on your AC system, leading to potential breakdowns. If you suspect low refrigerant levels, contact a qualified technician to inspect your AC unit and determine if a refill is necessary.

Faulty Thermostat

Your thermostat may not seem like it’s part of your air conditioning system, but a faulty one can still drive up your electric bills. A faulty thermostat can cause your air conditioner to run continuously and may also cause it to cycle too often, using too much energy. To avoid this, make sure you check the thermostat on a regular basis. Inspect it for wear or damages, and replace it if necessary. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, then contact an experienced technician who can help diagnose the issue and ensure that everything is running correctly.

Lack of Maintenance

When it comes to explaining why your electric bill is going up, one of the most common culprits is a lack of maintenance. A/C systems require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently and safely. If you haven’t had your system serviced in a while, chances are it’s not running at its best. Regular maintenance checks can help identify potential issues before they become costly problems. This could include anything from a leaky gasket to clogged air filters or ducts. Your HVAC technician will be able to tell you if any components need to be replaced or serviced. They may also be able to suggest ways for you to reduce your energy usage, such as installing a programmable thermostat or switching to more efficient lighting.

Your air conditioning system is one of the biggest culprits behind skyrocketing electric bills. When your air filter is dirty, refrigerant levels are low, your thermostat is faulty or you lack proper maintenance, your A/C system can end up using a lot more energy than it should. Taking the time to regularly maintain your air conditioning system, replace the filter and keep an eye out for signs of faulty components can help reduce your electric bill by ensuring that your A/C system is running efficiently. Ready to give your system some TLC? Our Peter Levi team is here to TAKE CARE OF IT today!

While some people believe they should cover their HVAC system’s outdoor unit over the winter to protect it from the elements, doing so can cause more problems than it solves. For example, covering your outside AC unit can increase the risk of mold and rust developing in the system. So instead of covering your exterior unit, follow these top five maintenance tips to prepare your AC for the winter. 

Step 1: Shut Off Your AC’s Power

Before you perform any air conditioner maintenance, the first step you should take is to shut off your AC’s power. Turning off your AC power serves two purposes. First, it protects you from electrocution. Second, ensures your AC doesn’t accidentally turn on over the winter.

To turn off your AC safely, you’ll need to find the exterior power circuit. This unit is likely mounted on the side of your home. After you’ve found the circuit, open its cover and look for the switch that controls your AC unit’s power. Flip this switch to shut down your AC. Then, check your AC to make sure it’s stopped running before you perform any other maintenance.

Step 2: Inspect Your Air Conditioner’s Condition

While air conditioners are built to withstand harsh conditions, they can still be damaged. Since the winter can place more strain on your condenser and make any existing problems worse, it’s best practice to check your outdoor unit for signs of damage. 

During your inspection, ensure your condenser’s seals are free from cracks and tightly secured, as loose or cracked seals can allow contaminants to get inside the condenser. You’ll also want to look for signs of cracks, leaks, or rust. If you notice any damage, contact an AC professional to provide AC system maintenance and repairs. By contacting a professional, you’ll prevent any issues from worsening during the winter.

Step 3: Clean Your Exterior Unit

Once you’ve checked your AC for damage, you’ll also want to clean it, as dirt and debris build-up could potentially damage it over the winter. When you start cleaning, remove any large pieces of debris, such as dead branches, on or around your unit. Next, use a broom to sweep away leaves and twigs on the condenser or close to it.

With the debris swept away, you can use a hose to spray off any dirt, bird droppings, or dust on the unit. Hosing down the unit will prevent dirt and other potentially damaging particles from corroding your AC’s frame. While cleaning the exterior portion of your condenser is usually safe, it’s best to leave the internal AC cleaning to the professionals. An internal cleaning from a professional will help avoid wear and tear on your system’s components and protect those components from accidental damage that can occur when someone isn’t properly trained.

Step 4: Keep Debris Away From Your Unit Throughout the Winter

When you want to keep your AC in good condition all winter long, it’s important to keep it clear of debris following your initial cleaning. During the winter, you’ll often see more debris in your yard, like pinecones, branches, and leaves. 

Since debris can get inside and damage your unit, you’ll want to check it every couple of weeks and sweep any debris you notice on or around it. Additionally, snow and ice can add extra weight to your unit and potentially damage it, making it important to remove any snow or ice build-up you notice. 

Step 5: Schedule an HVAC Inspection and AC System Maintenance  

Though you can perform some maintenance yourself, a professional inspection from a trained HVAC technician is always worth the investment. A technician can perform a comprehensive inspection of your unit and ensure it’s ready to handle the demands of winter. Experts can spot issues you might never notice and fix them before they affect your system’s performance and health.

Besides inspecting your unit, an HVAC technician can also perform AC system maintenance and repairs for you. This maintenance keeps your system in great shape and lower the risk of damage to your system over the winter.

Choose Peter Levi for AC System Maintenance in Northern California

If you’re looking for air conditioner maintenance services near you in Northern California, Peter Levi can help. With an experienced team and a wide service area covering Novato and the surrounding areas, we’re prepared to serve any of your AC maintenance needs. When you sign up for air conditioner maintenance from Peter Levi, you can expect your air conditioner to last longer, suffer from fewer breakdowns, and provide greater performance. We also offer various coupons to ensure you get the best deal possible.

Learn more about our air conditioner maintenance services and annual maintenance plan. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today!