Noise Prevention and More: Understand the Importance of Tune-Ups for Your AC
Your air conditioner needs regular tune-ups so that it can continue to work optimally, which can save you money on your energy expenses. This routine maintenance will also extend its life and prevent issues that contribute to noise.
What Happens During a Tune-Up
As a general rule, schedule a tune-up for your AC once per year. While the exact timing doesn’t matter too much, you’ll ideally want to do it before the hot weather hits and you’re using your system frequently.
Part of that check includes looking for any problems and fixing them accordingly. Besides that, the HVAC specialist will evaluate your system’s electrical system, checking the wiring, capacitors, contactors, and voltage.
The technician will assess the refrigerant level. They will also clean or replace the air filter. Other tasks an HVAC professional will perform during a tune-up include coil cleaning, motor maintenance, thermostat calibration, and a drain line and condensate evaluation.
How a Tune-Up Prevents Noise
Your system consists of fan motors, bearings, and belts that loosen or wear out over time. As this happens, you may hear squealing, rattling, or humming. By tightening or replacing these parts during a tune-up, you’ll prevent these noises from becoming a problem.
Dust, pollen from outside, and other airborne debris can accumulate in your system’s filters. The blower wheels and coils are also prime locations for buildup to occur. During a routine maintenance visit, the technician can clean out the system to prevent noises like banging or whistling that occur when the system has to work harder.
Some components, such as the fan assembly, motor mounts, and panels, will loosen. These may need to be screwed back down to prevent noise from vibrations.
Your system may have failing parts that aren’t causing any noise yet. However, as they worsen, they may make noticeable sounds. For instance, the motor could buzz, grind, or hum as it wears out. It could make noise whenever your system first starts up. When the capacitors go, they can cause a clicking noise, or you may repeatedly hear a sound like the system is starting. When the electrical components fail, they often crack, buzz, or rapidly click.
When your HVAC system makes noise, you’ll know that something is wrong. Often, by the time that happens, an expensive repair is necessary to fix it. You could also experience premature failure. Scheduling a routine tune-up with a professional is one way to prevent problems, and the noises that come with them, from occurring. If you live in Panama City, FL or a surrounding area and need AC repair services, make your first call to Ridge Heating & Air Conditioning.
