It might feel too early in the year to be thinking about your air conditioner, but mid-January in Albuquerque is actually a smart time to check in on your cooling system. Even though you’re still depending on your heater most days, your AC has been sitting idle for months. What many people don’t think about is that long periods of downtime, paired with wear from last summer, can add up to small problems you won’t see until it’s hot again.
An early air conditioner maintenance service can help catch little issues now so they don’t turn into major problems in March or April. The spring season isn’t far off, and by the time everyone realizes they need service, schedules will already be filling up. We suggest watching for a few common warning signs well before you reach for the thermostat again.
Signs Your AC Might Need Some Attention
After sitting through an entire season without use, your air conditioner might show some signs that it needs professional help. These signs can start off small but shouldn’t be ignored.
- If you notice strange sounds like banging, clicking, or humming when the system kicks on, that could be a hint something’s loose or worn.
- Any strange smells when you switch it on should be taken seriously, especially musty or burnt odors.
- A drop in airflow, especially in rooms that usually cool just fine, can mean something deeper is going on.
- When energy bills creep up during winter even though cooling isn’t in use, it can mean something is pulling more power than it should.
- Short cycles or the AC turning on and off frequently, even on milder winter afternoons, can point to issues with sensors or failing parts.
These symptoms can hint at problems that won’t fix themselves. Spotting them early gives you time to plan while the demand for repairs is still low.
How Seasonal Shifts Make Small Problems Worse
Even when your system isn’t running every day, weather changes during the cooler months can still take a toll. Sitting unused can make some issues harder to notice until full use picks back up.
- Everything inside your unit, like motors, fans, and coils, can gather dust or moisture simply by sitting in place. When that dust combines with cooler outside temperatures, it can stick to parts and build up.
- Here in Albuquerque, our dry winters carry a lot of fine dust. Even if you’ve kept your windows closed, that dust finds its way into filters and ducts.
- If your unit had small leaks or airflow problems last summer, those can stay hidden over winter. But when things warm up, they put more pressure on the system. Small leaks turn into major problems fast once the AC starts running again every day.
We’ve seen how small clogs or airflow restrictions can strain an otherwise working system. Catching these between seasons is the best way to keep them small.
Why Age Plays a Bigger Role Than You Think
It’s easy to assume that unless your air conditioner is broken, it’s doing fine. But age has a way of hiding problems that build up slowly.
- Older systems, those over 10 years, tend to show wear internally even if they still cool. Bearings wear out, electrical connections loosen, and sensors lose accuracy over time.
- Maintenance helps hold off those problems. Just because something still works doesn’t mean it’s doing its job well. Small adjustments and tune-ups done regularly can stretch a unit’s lifespan.
- If you’ve had your system for less than five years, that doesn’t mean it can skip care. Any poorly tightened part or factory defect can show up early if not checked. A basic service visit keeps everything on track before it’s a bigger issue.
We encourage homeowners to think of maintenance like taking your car in for an oil change. Skipping one doesn’t always lead to instant failure, but over time, it adds up.
What a Pro Actually Looks for During Maintenance
Most people don’t know exactly what happens during a maintenance visit, and that’s fair. But knowing what’s being checked can make it easier to spot when it’s time to schedule one.
- Refrigerant levels are checked to make sure your system isn’t losing coolant slowly.
- Electrical parts like capacitors, circuit boards, and switches are checked for signs of wear. A weak connection can burn out panels once full power is back in use.
- Filters are replaced or cleaned. These might seem like basic parts, but clogged filters reduce airflow and wear out motors faster.
- Ducts are inspected for cracks, blockages, and loose seals. Leaky ductwork means cold air ends up in the attic, not your rooms.
- Systems are tested to see how quickly they reach target temperatures. Delays or uneven cooling can point to issues behind the scenes.
By checking everything before spring, service techs can catch parts that are just beginning to show wear. Fixing them before your system runs daily is the smart move.
- We provide residential cooling system maintenance and can also check for issues with custom ductwork and energy efficiency based on your home’s needs in Albuquerque and surrounding New Mexico areas.
A Head Start for a Comfortable Spring
Waiting until spring to have your AC checked might seem easier, but it often ends up being a scramble. By then, warmer days hit quickly and repair schedules fill up fast. That’s when small problems suddenly become urgent, and more expensive.
Having an air conditioner maintenance service done now lets us work through every piece of the system without pressure. We have the time to run a full check, catch early signs of wear, and test things completely. You get peace of mind knowing your system won’t surprise you when the first warm week hits.
With Albuquerque’s climate warming fast by late February, your AC won’t stay quiet for long. We are local and experienced with both older and modern systems, so you get consistent and reliable care as the seasons shift.
Letting your AC sit unused over the colder months can lead to small issues that easily become costly repairs when spring arrives in Albuquerque. Our team at Air Service of NM is ready to help you catch problems early and keep your system running smoothly all season long. Schedule an air conditioner maintenance service with us today, and we’ll handle everything so your home stays comfortable as the weather warms up.