Many homeowners wonder if professional AC maintenance or DIY work is better for their home. On one hand, doing things yourself saves money and gives a sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, air conditioners are complicated, expensive appliances normally worked on by HVAC technicians with years of training.

While there are some DIY air conditioner maintenance tasks homeowners should do on a monthly, the truth is a seasonal AC tune-up is better handled by a licensed HVAC technician. What is an annual air conditioner tune-up? It's a thorough AC inspection and servicing designed to make sure your air conditioner is working smoothly and effectively.

This blog will explore the benefits of professional AC care during seasonal tune-ups compared to DIY jobs. Plus, we'll share home AC maintenance tips for homeowners—including DIY maintenance tasks they can do in between tune-ups.

Professional HVAC Techs Provide Improved Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

One of the best things about a seasonal AC tune-up is more efficiency. Our cooling specialists boost air conditioner efficiency by cleaning critical components, tightening connections, lubricating where needed and testing the thermostat and controls.

An efficient AC works better and uses less power. This can help lower your monthly power bills and avoid expensive breakdowns. It can even help extend the lifespan of your cooling system, helping you avoid having to prematurely replace your unit with air conditioning installation.

Pros Ensure Your System is at Its Best with Comprehensive AC System Inspections and Diagnostics

During a professional AC maintenance visit from Marios Air Conditioning, our technicians carefully look over your machine to look for signs of wear, tear and inefficiencies. This includes checking connections, lubricating moving parts, checking refrigerant levels and much more.

Highly trained experts know what to look for—worn belts, refrigerant leaks, failing capacitors and more. These are issues someone without the training or experience would probably miss.

Expert Cleaning Equals Optimal Performance and Longevity

A professional cooling maintenance visit includes a thorough AC cleaning and check-up, including cleaning the evaporator coils inside and the condenser coils on the outside unit. Licensed HVAC technicians will also check that your condensate drain line is clear and inspect your unit's air filter.

A clean AC works more efficiently and performs better. It also endures less wear and tear, which reduces the chance of breakdowns and requires less power to operate. This helps lower your monthly cooling bills and can reduce the chances of a breakdown, helping you avoid unnecessary air conditioning repair.

HVAC Technicians Have Proper Tools and Equipment to Do Maintenance

In addition to training and experience, professional HVAC technicians use cutting-edge equipment to increase the accuracy and effectiveness of an AC tune-up. This includes gauges and meters that test voltage or refrigerant pressure, as well as other specialized equipment to remove moisture from refrigerant lines, check airflow and even measure humidity.

Most homeowners wouldn't have this equipment or would find it cost-prohibitive to purchase everything they need, especially if they only use it a few times a year for air conditioning maintenance.

A Professional AC Tune-Up Could Protect Your Warranty

Many AC manufacturers require annual professional maintenance service to keep their warranty valid. DIY work could very well void that coverage, which means the homeowner could end up paying out of pocket for major repairs that would otherwise have been covered.

Do It Yourself: Home AC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners Who Like DIY

While AC tune-ups are better left to the experts, there are several DIY AC maintenance tasks homeowners can do themselves. Here are some jobs homeowners should do to keep their air conditioners in great shape: 

  • Check/change the HVAC system air filter: Professionals check your air filter during tune-ups, but it's important for homeowners to check them in between maintenance visits. We suggest checking your air filter every 30-60 days and, if it's dirty, replace it with a clean one. This allows your system to flow smoothly and keeps your indoor air quality high.
  • Clear debris from your outdoor AC unit: Your outdoor AC unit releases heat from your home, so it's important its coils are clear of debris. Remove leaves, sticks, dirt or other debris from the unit as part of your outdoor spring cleaning chores. Periodically check during the summer and fall to remove any lawn clippings, leaves or other debris that accumulates on the unit.
  • Make sure vents are clear: Check the air vents in your home to make sure they aren't blocked by rugs or furniture. Clean out dust to keep the air flowing freely and cleanly through your system.
  • Check your thermostat: Your thermostat tells your air conditioner what to do, so it's important to make sure the settings are correct and the batteries are charged.

Marios Air Conditioning is the Professional AC Maintenance Expert in Thousand Palms, CA

Ready to reap the benefits of professional AC cleaning in your Thousand Palms, CA, home? Call the experts at Marios Air Conditioning. We specialize in AC maintenance and look forward to helping you create a more comfortable, energy-efficient home. Schedule your appointment by calling 760-314-4766 today!