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 Installation
- Low Interest Financing
- Emergency Service
- Available 24/7
- Licensed and Insured
- Performance & Satisfaction Guarantees
Air Conditioner Maintenance F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance?
Air conditioners should be professionally serviced once a year, ideally in the spring before the cooling season starts.
Michigan summers can be tough on AC systems, so getting ahead of the heat means your unit is clean, charged, and ready to go when temperatures climb.
Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning recommends annual tune-ups for all central air, ductless, and heat pump systems throughout Jackson County and the surrounding areas.
What are the Benefits of Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance?
Regular air conditioner maintenance lowers your energy bills by keeping the system running efficiently. It also reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns on hot days, improves indoor air quality by keeping coils and filters clean, and extends the overall lifespan of your unit.
On top of that, most AC manufacturers require annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid, so skipping it could cost you coverage when you need it most.
What Does a Air Conditioner Tune-Up Include?
A professional AC tune-up from Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning includes inspecting and cleaning the indoor and outdoor coils, checking refrigerant line insulation, testing motor capacitors, examining the blower motor, inspecting the overflow safety switch, checking the disconnect box for burnt wires or loose connections, and reviewing the air filter.
These checks are designed to catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs and to keep your system running at peak efficiency all summer long.
Does Air Conditioning Maintenance Help My System Last Longer?
Yes, regular AC maintenance is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your system. The average air conditioner lasts 15 to 20 years, but neglected units often fail much sooner due to issues like dirty coils, failing capacitors, or refrigerant leaks that go undetected.
Our annual tune-up is designed to catch those issues early and keep your system running strong for as long as possible.
What Can I Do Myself to Maintain My Air Conditioner?
There are a few things homeowners can do between professional visits to keep their AC in good shape. Changing or cleaning the air filter every one to three months is the most important. Keeping the area around the outdoor unit clear of grass, leaves, and debris helps with airflow.
Checking that vents inside the home are open and not blocked by furniture also makes a difference. For anything beyond that, like refrigerant levels, coil cleaning, or electrical components, it’s best to call a licensed HVAC technician.
How do I Know if My Air Conditioner Needs Maintenance or Repair?
Signs your AC needs attention include weak or warm airflow from the vents, inconsistent temperatures from room to room, unusual sounds like rattling, buzzing, or banging, a sudden spike in your energy bills, or the system cycling on and off more frequently than normal.
If your AC is struggling to keep up on hot days or hasn’t been serviced in over a year, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection with Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
Is Air Conditioner Maintenance Covered Under the Aspen Comfort Clubhouse?
Yes! Our Comfort Clubhouse membership includes an annual AC tune-up as part of the pre-paid membership plan. Members also get a 15% discount on all services, no standard diagnostic fees, and priority scheduling.
It’s a great option for homeowners in Jackson County and the surrounding areas who want to protect their investment and avoid the stress of unexpected repair bills.
Plans start as low as $20 per month.
Do You Offer Financing For AC Maintenance or Repairs?
We offer financing options for HVAC services and installations, including low interest plans and 0% interest financing for up to 12 months (subject to credit approval). You can apply online and get approved in minutes. If a maintenance visit turns up a repair or replacement need, financing makes it easy to move forward without putting it off.
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
- Get Approved In Minutes
Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
- 4131 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202
- Phone: (517) 879-2049
- Fax: (517) 750-0900
- Available 24/7
Contact Us
Reach out using the form below and a member of our team will follow up within one business day. For immediate support, contact us at (517) 879-2049. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
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