Air Conditioner Maintenance Experts
Maintaining your air conditioner is crucial for the hot summer months. Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Jackson Michigan is here to make sure your air conditioner is in top condition for when you need it the most. From preventative maintenance to annual tune-ups, we’ve got you covered. Call today for your appointment!
Air Conditioner Maintenance Information Center
Tips From Your Air Conditioning Maintenance Experts
Not only does maintaining your air conditioning unit and system mean that when the heat of the summer is upon us, you will have a comfortable home, it’s also vital for making sure your system runs efficiently and smoothly.
What Happens During An Air Conditioning Tune Up?
When Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning performs an air conditioning tune-up there are several key items we check to make sure your system is running smoothly and effectively. Below you will find a few things we do to ensure your system is top notch.
1. Check the Outdoor Refrigerant Lines
Our technicians inspect the refrigerant lines for signs of physical damage. While something as simple as a stone ricocheting from a lawn mower is enough to damage it, a damaged refrigerant line can begin leaking. If too much refrigerant leaks out of your system, you won’t have any AC until it’s fixed.
2. Inspect the Refrigerant Line Insulation
If not insulated properly, the refrigerant line can condense and water will start dripping. On the outside it may not be a big deal, but on the indoor unit, dripping water can grow hidden patches of mold in your home.
3. Inspect the Indoor Unit Coil for Dirt
An important part of our AC unit tune-up is inspecting the indoor coil, ensuring it is clean and free of dirt and debris. In cases where dirt and dust get past the filter, they will settle on the coil, making your system less efficient. This can happen if filters are not replaced often enough.
4. Check the Outdoor Unit Coil
The whole outdoor unit of your HVAC system is essentially a set of coils, with a compressor inside which pumps the refrigerant, and a fan on top that helps with controlling the temperature of the system. Our technicians will inspect the coils to make sure there is no excess dirt around or on the coils. For homeowners who own dogs, we also make sure to inspect for any signs of dog urine on the coils, which does permanent damage to the coil and causes leaks in the system that cannot be repaired most of the time.
5. Inspect the Filter
Since filters are important to your own health and the health of your system, we make sure you’re using the right filter and you’re changing it regularly.
6. Examine the Indoor Blower Motor
Our technicians examine the blower fan for dirt and dust that can make the fan less effective. This fan is responsible for all of the air circulation inside your house. It has two functions, it sucks the air through the filter, and then pushes chilled air back out of the vents. Dirty filters are #1 reason for blower motors to overheat and burnout!
7. Inspect the Overflow Safety Switch
The overflow safety switch is installed on your indoor unit, and is responsible for shutting down your system in case it senses that the condensation line is plugged, or the water isn’t draining properly. A faulty safety switch, or sometimes when it is missing completely from the system, puts you at a risk of a possible leak which if not caught right away will damage your ceilings, floors and everything around it.
8. Test the Motor Capacitors
Capacitors are small parts that are extremely important to proper functionality of the whole system. You have about 3 in your system, and if one of them fails, the whole system will be compromised. We check to ensure each capacitor in your system is up to date, and still has “juice” left in it. Faulty capacitors are also #1 reason for a repair call.
9. Inspect the Air Handler/Furnace for Leaks (The Indoor Unit)
As part of the tune-up, we make sure your air handler or furnace (depending on the type of system that you have) is sealed. Excessive air handler leakage will rob your system of its efficiency and proper operation. The system will work harder to compensate.
10. Check the Disconnect Box
The disconnect box is a safety shutoff box which cuts electricity to the unit. We inspect the inside of the disconnect box to ensure that there are no burnt wires due to bad contact. All the connections need to be tight and no wires should be hanging. The disconnect box should also be sealed with a clear silicone on the top and the sides as per the mechanical HVAC code (for safety reasons).
If your system is ready for maintenance, make sure to call Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule your appointment. And don’t forget about our Comfort Club, which includes an AC tune-up as part of your pre-paid services!
What Are The Different Types Of Air Conditioners?
The type of air conditioner that is right for you and your home depends on a variety of factors – size, physical location, and the way you use it are the main considerations. Let’s review the main types of air conditioners and the pros and cons of each.
Central Air Conditioning
As the most common type of systems in the United States, central air conditioners, are good for those who have larger homes and want to cool multiple rooms at once. A duct system throughout the home keeps the entire house consistent with no warm or cold spots. This system also uses air filters to improve indoor air quality and remove dust, pollen, and airborne particles. Central air conditioners work in conjunction with existing furnace systems – no need for new ductwork.
Why Choose a Central Air Conditioning System
Central air conditioners are more efficient and quieter than room air conditioners. Because they take up less room and are, well – centralized – in an out of the way space, central air conditioning systems keep your house decor clean.
Ductless Air Conditioner
Ductless mini-split systems work exactly like the central system but without the ducts. Split systems have two units – one on the outside of the home and one inside the room. Because there are no ducts each unit must be installed in individual rooms.
Why Choose a Ductless Air Conditioning System
When considering a system for your home the deciding factor often is the need for ductwork. These ductless air conditioning systems tend to be more energy-efficient and are easier to add to older or smaller homes that do not have the space for ductwork.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump combines heating and air conditioning all in one unit. There are multiple fuel options for heat pumps – gas, electric, and dual-fuel. Heat pumps pull heat out of the outside air to heat your home and reverse the process when cooling your home. Heat pumps are great for areas that have a mild climate.
Why Choose a Heat Pump System?
As an economical source of heat (air is free!), heat pumps can’t be beaten. But when it is freezing or below you will need a backup heating system. If you have a lot of freezing days in your area then a heat pump isn’t a good option. An investment in a heat pump can help you save money on heating costs and lets you heat with renewable electricity.
Why Choose Us?
At Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, we are dedicated to being the trusted heating, cooling, air quality and generator experts, and have been for over 40 years. We serve all of Jackson County and many surrounding areas and our team works hard to ensure our customers get exactly what they need. From using top-of-the-line equipment to making sure our team is well-trained, we strive to provide 5-star service each and every time. Call us today to schedule your service to find out why we have earned a reputation of integrity and quality work.
- In Business Since 1981
- Family Owned & Operated
- Free Estimates On Installations
- Low Interest Financing Available
- Emergency Service
- Available 24/7
- Licensed & Insured
- Performance & Satisfaction Guarantees
Air Conditioner Maintenance F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance?
It’s recommended to schedule professional air conditioner maintenance at least once a year, ideally in the spring before the cooling season begins. Regular maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently, helps prevent breakdowns, and extends the lifespan of your unit. During a maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical components, and ensure everything is functioning properly.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to higher energy bills and costly repairs. Even if your AC seems to be working fine, preventive maintenance can catch small issues before they become major problems.
What are the Benefits of Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance?
Routine air conditioner maintenance improves energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills. It also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns by catching and addressing minor issues before they turn into costly repairs. A well-maintained AC system provides better indoor air quality by reducing dust, allergens, and mold growth inside the unit.
Additionally, regular servicing extends the lifespan of your air conditioner, allowing you to get the most out of your investment. Many manufacturers also require annual maintenance to keep your warranty valid, so skipping it could leave you unprotected.
What Can I Do Myself to Maintain My Air Conditioner?
Homeowners can take several steps to keep their air conditioner running efficiently between professional maintenance visits. One of the most important tasks is changing or cleaning the air filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type. Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves, and vegetation helps maintain proper airflow.
Regularly checking and cleaning the air vents and ensuring they are not blocked by furniture can also improve performance. You can also inspect the thermostat settings and replace the batteries if needed. However, deeper maintenance, such as checking refrigerant levels or cleaning internal components, should be left to a professional.
How do I Know if My Air Conditioner Needs Maintenance?
There are several signs that indicate your air conditioner may need maintenance. If you notice weak airflow, warm air blowing from the vents, or inconsistent temperatures throughout your home, it could be due to dirty coils, clogged filters, or refrigerant issues. Unusual noises such as rattling, buzzing, or banging can indicate loose or failing components. An unexpected increase in energy bills without a change in usage is another red flag that your system is working harder than it should.
If you experience frequent cycling or your AC struggles to keep up on hot days, it’s time for a professional inspection. Addressing these issues early can prevent more serious and expensive repairs down the road.
Financing
We offer a wide range of financing options for every budget and situation and can finance both large and small HVAC projects. For more information, call us today to speak with a member of our team who can answer any questions you may have. For immediate approval, click on the link below to get approved in just a few minutes.
- Low Interest Financing
- 0% Interest For Up To 12 Months
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Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
- 4131 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202
- Phone: (517) 879-2049
- Fax: (517) 750-0900
- Available 24/7
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