North Carolina’s hot summers and high humidity can challenge even the most reliable air conditioning systems.

Getting your AC tuned up each year can help ensure that it’s ready to handle the demands of the season, and Comfort First is here to answer all your air conditioning maintenance questions.

How Often Should I Service My Air Conditioner?

The general rule of thumb is to have your air conditioner serviced annually, ideally in the spring or early summer. Scheduling professional maintenance at the beginning or peak cooling season ensures your system is in optimal condition and can help you beat the heat all summer long.

Can I Maintain My AC Myself?

Professional maintenance is a must. However, there are a few things you can do yourself to maintain your AC between tune-ups:

• Change the air filter: This is one of the easiest things you can do to maintain your AC. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your system, so it’s important to change it every three months.
• Clean the outdoor unit: Leaves, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the outdoor AC unit, which can cause your system to work harder than it needs to. Use a garden hose to gently clean the unit and remove any debris.
• Run a test cycle: When you’re ready to use your AC for the first time in a while, switch your thermostat to cool and adjust the temperature setting a few degrees at a time. Ensure the system doesn’t emit any strange smells or sounds during the cooling cycle.

What Are the Benefits of Routine Air Conditioning Tune-Ups?

You may think that your air conditioner operates as it should without professional maintenance. While avoiding maintenance doesn’t mean you’re doomed for a breakdown, you’re missing out on key benefits, such as:

• Greater energy efficiency: A well-maintained AC will operate more efficiently, which can help lower your energy bills over time.
• Improved home comfort: A properly functioning AC will keep your home comfortable, even on the hottest days.
• Longer system life span: Regular maintenance can extend the life span of your AC, so you won’t have to worry about premature replacement.

What’s Included in AC Maintenance?

When your technician arrives for your air conditioning tune-up, they will:

• Clean or replace the air filter
• Calibrate the thermostat
• Check electrical connections
• Check refrigerant pressure
• Lubricate moving parts
• Clean the condenser coils
• Clean evaporator coils, if accessible
• Blow out the condensate drain
• Oil fan motors
• Inspect ductwork
• Test starting capabilities
• And more

If we find any issues, we’ll recommend the appropriate repair and complete it with your approval.

Choose Comfort First for AC Service in NC

At Comfort First Heating & Cooling, we put our customers and their comfort first. Our highly trained technicians respect your home and service all brands.

You can trust us to deliver exceptional service for your air conditioner, including maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

We even offer a maintenance plan that we call our Equipment Protection Agreement to ensure you never forget about routine HVAC and plumbing maintenance, and you get exclusive benefits, such as:

• Priority service
• A 15% repair discount
• No overtime charges
• Discounted diagnostic fees

Call 800-279-4822 or contact us online to sign up for our maintenance plan or schedule AC maintenance in Sanford, Fayetteville, Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem, and throughout North Carolina.