When I invested in central air conditioning, the HVAC contractor who handled the installation highly recommended preventative maintenance.
He said that annual service every spring was essential to the ongoing performance of the cooling system.
It seemed like a waste of money. Why would I need to hire a professional to service a brand new air conditioner? I did some research and found out that proactive measures pay for themselves. The alternative is to wait for the air conditioner to develop problems and then call for repairs. Air conditioner repair is far more expensive than regular maintenance. Plus, I can schedule the maintenance at a convenient time, rather than be in a huge rush. If the cooling system were to fail in the middle of a heat wave, I could be left without air conditioning for several days. Minor issues can also cause further damage and lead to complete system failure. With annual troubleshooting, the HVAC contractor identifies and resolves any concerns. He completes a thorough cleaning which removes the buildup of dust and other debris. He combats the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria and algae which tends to thrive in the moist, dark inner workings. If these microorganisms are allowed to grow unchecked, they can lead to major problems with indoor air quality. Every time the air conditioner starts up, harmful toxins are blown into the rooms and spread throughout the breathing air. Along with health problems, the accumulation within the system blocks airflow and diminishes comfort. The air conditioner then needs to run longer and work harder to reach the thermostat setting, It uses up more energy, costs more to run and experiences greater wear and tear.