SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As a major heat wave bares down on Northern California, area heating and cooling experts are offering tips on proper air conditioning maintenance to help you understand more about what it takes to keep your unit running.
Eddie Cornejo is a five-year technician with Big Mountain Heating and Cooling.
He says proper HVAC maintenance can start with changing your air filter every 90 days or as needed. Air filters can be purchased for less than $30 at most hardware stores. They should be changed when they have accumulated dirt or other debris, which can strain the system.
Cornejo says an air conditioning unit should be professionally inspected and cleaned at least once per year. This regular maintenance usually costs less than $100 and a can increase the life span of the unit.
During the inspection, a professional will check electrical components, refrigerant levels, test for leaks and verify that everything in the unit is functioning properly. Replacing an air conditioning unit can cost several thousand dollars or more, depending on the size of the home.
“Generally the lifespans of this equipment are 12-15 years with regular maintenance,” Cornejo said. “So, imagine if you’re not having that maintenance done and how hard these systems are working and how less of a lifespan it could have.”
Technicians will also clear the unit of any debris and professionally clean the machine to ensure it’s getting proper air flow and function.
If you are in a cooling emergency, experts say you should be able to get a tech to your home within 24 hours. Regular maintenance should be scheduled several days out.
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