The Benefits of Regular Air Conditioner MaintenancePublished: April 26, 2024

Even with the mild summers in Western New York, some days are still scorchers. When temperatures soar, your air conditioner works overtime. The last thing you need is a breakdown on the hottest day of the year. To make sure you avoid any AC mishaps during the hot months, it’s best to give your unit some yearly TLC.

Here at Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Buffalo, NY, we offer our emergency air conditioning services, same-day AC repair and install, and more! We’re all about keeping your home comfortable, your minds at ease, and your wallets full.

That’s why we highly recommend scheduling regular air conditioner maintenance — to avoid the inconvenience of an AC breakdown and avoid costly repairs that can be avoided. 

Why Getting a Regular Air Conditioner Cleaning Service is Important

Think of your AC as a car. Overall, regular oil changes and tuneups keep your car running smoothly, preventing major problems and breakdowns. By getting regular air conditioner maintenance, you reap the same benefits for your AC.

Avoid Costly AC Repairs

As time goes by, your AC unit will gather some wear and tear. But did you know? Many breakdowns can be prevented with routine air conditioner maintenance. With the help of a qualified technician, you can identify and address minor issues before they snowball into big, expensive ones. As they say, prevention is better than a cure. By nipping minor AC problems in the bud, you save money and major headaches in the long run.

Save on Energy Bills

A well-maintained AC unit performs more efficiently, providing the cooling and comfort you need while using less energy. This equates to lower utility bills (i.e. winning all around!).

Extend Air Conditioner Lifespan

Regular air conditioner maintenance helps your AC unit last longer by addressing small issues in a timely manner and ensuring proper working order. Just like taking care of your car, taking good care of your AC will ensure that it returns the favor — keeping you cool and comfortable all summer long.

Improve Air Quality

A clean AC unit removes dust, allergens, and other irritants from the air you breathe, promoting a healthier, safer, and more comfortable home for you and your family. And speaking of air quality — make sure you get those ducts cleaned every few years! Lucky for you, Cellino has you covered there, too.

Get Peace of Mind

Knowing that your AC is in tip-top shape gives you peace of mind and eases your worries about the days of sweltering heat. Knowing that your home — and more importantly, its occupants — are safe from extreme temperatures? Priceless.

Which Air Conditioner is Best for Home Use?

Central Air Conditioner. Great for single-family homes with existing ductwork. Efficiently cools your entire home, offering consistent temperature control throughout, and is powerful enough to handle larger spaces. Existing ductwork is required, which might not be present in older homes. Ductwork installation might be cost prohibitive, in which case you may want to consider other AC options.

Ductless Mini-Split System. Best for homes without ductwork, multi-level homes, or those preferring zone cooling (cooling a specific area to a specified temperature). Installation is less disruptive than central air conditioning, and units are relatively energy-efficient. Might require multiple units to cool an entire home, affecting the initial cost.

Window Air Conditioner. Recommended for apartments, small rooms, or areas that need supplemental cooling. The most affordable option that is easy to install and remove by yourself. Cools only the room where it’s installed. Can be noisy and bulky and less energy-efficient compared to the first two. It also may not be suitable for very large rooms.

Common AC Problems and Troubleshooting

The Air Conditioner is Not Working

• Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse. Check your breaker box and reset any tripped breakers. If it’s a blown fuse, replace it with the correct amperage.
• Disconnected Power Supply. Make sure the AC unit is plugged in properly and the power is turned on.
• Burned Out Compressor. The compressor is the heart of your AC unit. If it’s burned out, it's recommended to contact a professional to have it diagnosed and fixed.

Why the Air Conditioner is Not Cooling

• Blocked or Clogged Condensate Drain Line. The condensate drain line removes moisture from the AC unit. If it’s clogged, it can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and water leaks. You can try to remove the clogs yourself and call for a professional for tougher clogs.
• Low Refrigerant Levels. Refrigerant is the coolant that absorbs heat from your home. Low refrigerant levels can negatively affect the cooling efficiency of your AC unit. If you suspect a leak, contact a qualified technician to repair it. Keep in mind that this fix requires a certified professional, so don’t attempt to DIY this issue.
• Incorrect Thermostat Setting. Double-check your thermostat settings to ensure it’s set to cooling mode and the temperature you want is lower than the current room temperature. You’d be surprised how often this turns out to be the problem!

The Air Conditioner Smells Bad

• Dirty Air Filter. A clogged air filter distributes not only the musty smell of accumulated dust and debris but also the allergens that come with it. Clean or replace your air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, which is typically once a month.
• Dirty Drain Pan and Mold Growth. If you smell musty odors similar to mildew, it might mean that your AC’s drain pan needs cleaning or mold has started to grow inside the unit due to moisture buildup. Regular cleaning and ensuring the area is dry prevents this issue from happening.
• Burned Electrical Components. A burning smell is always a major concern that can indicate potential issues in your AC and poses a fire hazard. Turn off your AC right away and call a professional technician to address the problem.

Beat the Heat and Save Money with Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Western New York

At Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our technicians are here to keep your Buffalo homes cool and comfortable all summer long. Let’s say your AC suddenly fails you in the middle of the summer (Heaven forbid) and you want comfort ASAP (obviously). Our same-day Buffalo AC repair & install service has your back! We also have a variety of coupons and promotions to help you keep your home in good repair without breaking the bank. Be sure to check them out!

Don’t wait for a major meltdown in the dead of summer before making a move! Schedule your air conditioner maintenance appointment with Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!