While cleaning out your closets and clearing the yard in your spring
cleaning efforts, don't forget a favorite summer convenience, your
central air conditioning system. The best time of year to ensure that
your air conditioning unit is running efficiently is in the spring when
companies may offer special deals and technicians may be more available.
Usually, for a pre-determined fee, the contractor who installed your
system or another qualified service technician will come to your home
and inspect your system. He or she will check the refrigerant, inspect
and oil fans, and make sure that wiring and switches are operating
properly. The fee will increase if the system needs repairs,
refrigerant, filters, or if the ducts need cleaning.
Many contractors now offer service contracts under which they will
inspect and service your cooling equipment once a year and provide
emergency repair service when or if it is needed. Before purchasing a
service contract, be sure to weigh its cost and coverage against the
cost and likelihood of future repairs. If your system is new, it
probably comes with a warranty, which is included in the purchase price
of the system. If you sign a service contract, be sure that it spells
out what parts and service are provided and that it doesn't duplicate
coverage you already have under the warranty. Because service contracts
vary significantly in coverage, compare the coverage offered by several
different companies.
You may do some of the maintenance work on your own. If your system has
disposable filters, check them every two months and replace when
necessary. Clean permanent filters as directed by the manufacturer, and
make cleaning duct outlets and registers a part of your regular
housecleaning routine.