It’s official – Florida is getting hotter and wetter. As if it wasn’t hot and wet enough already! The annual high temperature for Tampa has risen by 1.6°F to 83°F and the nights are getting hotter too.

This means that many Floridians are relying on their air conditioning more than ever before. The last thing you want is for it to go on the fritz right in the middle of a heatwave. Regular AC services are vital to make sure that doesn’t happen.

But how often should you service your AC? And when’s the best time to get it done? Let’s explore these questions and more together.

How Often Should You Service Your AC?

The direct answer to this question is once a year as an absolute minimum and to keep it in great condition, twice a year.

Your AC is a relatively complex system, made up of several moving parts. It spends the year sucking in air, filtering and cooling it, before distributing it around our homes. We expect it to do this pretty much non-stop, so it’s no surprise that parts start to wear out and filters get clogged.

In Florida, our ACs don’t get a lot of downtime. In St. James City, even January and February experience highs of around 70°F and high humidity. That’s why it’s important to service your AC regularly so that it doesn’t let you down when you need it the most.

Is A Regular AC Service Really Necessary?

It can be tempting to wonder if you really need a regular AC service, especially when we’re all looking to save a few bucks wherever we can. But the fact is that AC services save you money in the long run.

Lower Energy Bills

First, they keep the system running at optimum levels. That means that it doesn’t use more energy than needed to run smoothly. This will help you to keep control over your electricity bills.

A Finely Tuned AC

AC services also ensure that your system is properly calibrated. When you set your thermostat, your AC will cool to exactly the level you want. This saves you the frustration of constantly having to tweak it to hit the sweet spot.

Avoid Major Repair Bills

Probably the biggest benefit of regular AC maintenance is that it can help you to avoid major repair bills. The AC technicians will work through their checklist, individually inspecting all the parts that are prone to wear. If they spot any issues, they’ll let you know so that you can make a small repair.

This is much better than having parts fail when the AC is running. This can cause expensive repairs that you’ll have to pay for out of pocket.

Maintain Your Warranty

Regular service can also help you to maintain your warranty. If you read the small print, the manufacturer will probably require that you have regular AC services so that you don’t void the warranty. Be sure to keep a record of these services in case you need to use your warranty.

Extend the Life of Your AC System

Replacing your central air unit is something you want to do as infrequently as possible. The cost can run anywhere from $3,000 – $7,000 and higher for larger homes.

But if you service your AC regularly, you can extend its working life. Small repairs can allow it to continue running smoothly for years to come, saving you the expense of paying out for a new unit before it’s due.

Improve Air Quality

The air filters in your AC are responsible for removing pollutants, including allergens like dust and pet dander from the air. When you service an AC you either clean or replace the air filter, allowing it to function at full capacity again.

When your AC is running properly, it also keeps humidity at bay. This prevents the growth of mold and mildew which can be problematic for people with respiratory conditions.

When To Get Your AC Serviced

Even in Florida where temperatures are warm year-round, spring and fall are the best times for AC services.

The spring AC service will ensure it’s ready for the rigors of the sweltering Cape Coral summer. The service will include:

• Condensate pump cleaning and inspection
• Thorough cleaning of the whole system
• Air filter replacement
• Thermostat check and recalibration if needed
• Indoor and outdoor coil cleaning and inspection

If your system needs new parts and will be out of action for any length of time, it’s much better that it happens during the spring.

In the fall, the technician will check whether any parts are showing signs of wear after the summer. This is also a great chance for them to check your heating system if you have one.

Summer might seem like the logical time to get your AC serviced, but this is a bad idea. Of course, if you didn’t get to it in spring, by all means, get it done then. But if possible you want to schedule a service every spring so that it doesn’t let you down at the busiest time of year for AC repair call-outs.

The Benefits of an AC Maintenance Plan

Getting an AC maintenance plan with a local company takes the guesswork out of AC servicing.

They’ll contact you to schedule regular services and tune-ups. They’ll visit your home and create a custom plan based on your HVAC system. You also become a priority customer if anything goes wrong in the future.

Some companies also give discounts and run promotions that are only available to customers with an AC maintenance plan.

Choose Florida Cooling Solutions Inc. For Regular AC Services

The answer to the question of how often should you service your AC is clear. Every year is good, but twice a year is best. But there’s no need to start Googling ‘AC services near me’.

For regular AC services you can rely on, talk to Florida Cooling Solutions Inc. We’re proud to serve the entire Lee County of Southwest Florida. Our membership package gives you access to low-cost regular services and other discounts and perks.

Talk to us about membership by calling (239) 312-9637 or reach out online today!