Hey guys, Jay here with Word of Advice TV. In this video, I’m going to explain why you shouldn’t get an air conditioner inspection or an AC tune-up every year. HVAC companies often recommend these annual check-ups, but they’re actually not necessary and can even cause more harm than good. Some companies see them as an opportunity to upsell you on unnecessary services or products. In the video, I’ll dive deeper into this topic and discuss my own experiences with air conditioner inspections. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! TV. In this article, I want to discuss why you should consider avoiding annual AC inspections and provide some alternative maintenance methods. Let’s dive in!
Reasons to Avoid Annual AC Inspections
1. Most HVAC companies see inspections as a chance to upsell
Many HVAC companies view annual AC inspections as an opportunity to upsell their services or products. While there are certainly honest companies out there, a significant number of them see inspections as a way to convince you to purchase something you may not actually need. This can be frustrating for homeowners who just want a simple check-up without the pressure to buy unnecessary items.
2. Unnecessary replacement of parts
During an AC inspection, technicians may recommend replacing certain parts that don’t actually need to be replaced. They may point out minor issues or wear and tear and convince you that these parts need immediate replacement. In reality, these parts can often last for many more years before needing to be replaced. This can result in unnecessary expenses for homeowners.
3. Potential for mistakes and damage during inspection
When technicians perform AC inspections, there is always a chance of mistakes or accidental damage. They may accidentally disconnect a wire or forget to reassemble a component properly after inspection. These errors can disrupt the functioning of your AC and result in additional repair costs. Sometimes, it’s best to leave a well-functioning AC unit alone rather than risk introducing new problems during an inspection.
Problems with Old Air Conditioners
1. Disturbing the unit can lead to issues
Old air conditioners that are still functioning well can be disrupted during an inspection. Technicians may start taking apart the unit, checking wires, and testing pressures. Unfortunately, these actions can increase the risk of something going wrong. The disturbance could cause leaks to develop or damage other components. It’s often better to let a sleeping dog lie and avoid unnecessary intervention.
2. Increased risk of leaks
Older air conditioners may have already developed small leaks, but if they are left undisturbed, they may last for many more years without causing significant problems. However, during an inspection, the risk of leaks can increase. The technician may handle the unit in a way that disrupts the inner workings and leads to leaks. It’s a risk that may not be worth taking if your AC is working fine.
3. Technicians may forget to reassemble components
During an inspection, technicians often have to remove various components to access different parts of the air conditioner. However, there have been instances where technicians forget to reassemble certain components properly. This can result in the AC not working as it should after the inspection is completed. It’s an unnecessary inconvenience for homeowners who were already satisfied with their AC’s performance.
Effects of AC Inspections
1. Potential increase in problems after the inspection
Contrary to popular belief, AC inspections may sometimes lead to an increase in problems after the fact. This can be due to mistakes made during the inspection or the disturbance of a well-functioning unit. Homeowners may find themselves dealing with new issues that they didn’t have before the inspection. It’s a risk that should be considered when deciding whether to get an annual AC inspection.
2. Parts often fail due to external factors
Many AC parts fail due to external factors such as power outages, thunderstorms, or power spikes. These are events that an inspection cannot prevent or predict. While inspections may identify potential issues, they cannot guarantee that these external factors won’t cause parts to fail. In some cases, homeowners may spend money on inspections only to face unexpected failures soon after.
3. Inspections may not prevent these failures
Despite the promises made by some HVAC companies, annual AC inspections may not actually prevent these failures. While inspections can identify certain issues and provide maintenance, they cannot control external factors. It’s essential for homeowners to understand that an inspection does not guarantee a problem-free AC system. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and costs involved.
Alternative Maintenance
While annual AC inspections may not be necessary for all homeowners, regular maintenance is still important to keep your AC in good condition. Here are a few alternative maintenance practices:
1. Regularly replace air filters
One of the most important maintenance tasks for homeowners is regularly replacing air filters. Dirty or clogged filters can significantly reduce the efficiency of your AC and strain its components. Replace the air filters in your furnace or air handler every month or two to ensure optimal performance.
2. Wash down condenser coil annually
Another vital maintenance task is to wash down the condenser coil of your AC annually. Over time, the coil can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, reducing its efficiency. Use a hose or a specialized coil cleaner to remove any build-up and keep the coil clean. This will help your AC operate at its best and extend its lifespan.
3. Keep spare capacitor for quick replacement
Capacitors are essential components of your AC’s electrical system. They can sometimes fail, especially on hot days when your AC is working hard. It’s a good idea to keep a spare capacitor on hand so that you can quickly replace it if needed. This can save you the hassle of waiting for a technician and ensure that your AC keeps running smoothly.
Preventative Maintenance
While avoiding annual AC inspections, there are still steps you can take to perform preventative maintenance on your own. Word of Advice TV has a video on 15 things you can check and do for your AC, which serves as a helpful guide for homeowners. Additionally, the video description contains links to other related videos that can provide more in-depth information on specific topics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while HVAC companies may recommend annual AC inspections, it’s important to consider the potential downsides. Many companies see inspections as opportunities to upsell and may recommend unnecessary part replacements. Moreover, old air conditioners can be disturbed during inspections, leading to potential issues and leaks. AC inspections also cannot guarantee the prevention of failures caused by external factors. Instead of relying solely on inspections, homeowners can focus on alternative maintenance practices such as regularly replacing air filters, washing down condenser coils, and keeping spare capacitors for quick replacement. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and costs involved and make an informed decision about AC maintenance.
