A healthier home starts with comfort and clean air

Unlike many parts of the country where an A/C unit gets a few months of heavy use, systems in the Valley often run for much of the year to keep us comfortable. That constant workload makes regular maintenance one of the best ways to keep an air conditioner operating efficiently, increase its lifespan and improve air quality.

When temperatures climb, an air conditioner has very little room for error. Small issues that might go unnoticed during mild conditions can become expensive repairs when a system is running around the clock.

According to Rickey Rodriquez of Day & Night Air Conditioning and Plumbing, a Rosie on the House Certified Partner, the biggest reasons to stay on top of maintenance are simple: efficiency, longevity and comfort.

A well-maintained system doesn’t have to work as hard, which can lower utility costs while reducing wear and tear on critical components. Homeowners can enjoy consistent temps and a lower chance of experiencing a breakdown during the hottest days of the year.

What happens during a professional tune-up?

Many homeowners might not be privy to what an A/C tune-up includes — it’s much more comprehensive than simply changing a filter. Rodriquez recommends professional maintenance twice a year whenever possible.

“Twice is ideal, especially when you have a gas furnace,” he said.

During those visits, technicians perform a variety of inspections and cleaning tasks that help keep the system running.

“This includes cleaning the outdoor coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, testing the thermostat and making sure the system is running efficiently,” Rodriquez said.

Each of these steps helps identify any issues that need to be addressed. Dirty coils, loose electrical connections or incorrect refrigerant levels can increase strain on equipment if left unchecked. Routine maintenance also gives homeowners peace of mind, rather than waiting until the system fails during peak demand.

Don’t forget your air filter!

One of the easiest — and most important — maintenance tasks homeowners can handle is replacing the air filter. Unfortunately, it’s usually out of sight, out of mind — it’s one of the most commonly overlooked.

“When it comes to how often you should change your filter, that depends on hours of operation and lifestyle,” Rodriquez said. “Are there any pets? Do you have allergies?”

Waiting too long to replace a dirty filter creates more than just poor airflow — they restrict it, which makes motors work harder and drives up energy bills. When airflow becomes constrained, every part of the system has to work harder to circulate cool air throughout the home.

*Rosie tip: it’s better to change a $5.00 air filter too often than to starve a $7,500 piece of equipment for air.

Remember, a fresh filter helps protect the HVAC system while capturing dust, pollen and other airborne particles before they circulate through the home.

Healthy air starts with your ductwork

While people often focus on the air conditioner itself, the ductwork plays an equally important role in comfort as well as indoor air quality. Ducts distribute air throughout the home, but they can also become a place where contaminants accumulate.

“Air ducts are a place for bacteria and fungus to breed, which can cause air quality issues,” Rodriquez said. “Clean ducts and sealed ducts are happy ducts!”

Properly sealed ductwork also prevents conditioned air from escaping before it reaches the living spaces. Leaks can waste energy, reduce comfort and force the HVAC system to run longer than necessary. Improperly sized ducts can also create airflow imbalances that make some rooms difficult to cool. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to perform a basic visual inspection.

“When you change out the filter, look inside the ductwork,” Rodriquez said.

If visible dust buildup, debris or signs of damage are present near the filter opening, it may be time to have the duct system professionally inspected, cleaned or sealed.

How an air scrubber improves indoor air quality

Indoor air quality has become an increasingly important topic, especially for those with allergies, asthma or pets. While quality filters capture many airborne particles, additional air purification technology can provide another layer of protection.

One product Day & Night Air Conditioning and Plumbing recommends is the Air Scrubber. Rather than filtering contaminants as air passes through the system, the scrubber actively treats the air circulating throughout the home.

“Air scrubbers ionize the air, which causes very fine particles to magnetize to each other, which makes dust bigger, easier to catch by filters or land on the ground,” Rodriquez explained.

That process allows filters to capture particles better while reducing the amount of dust that remains suspended in the air.

“Over time, this will help reduce dust and odors in the home, along with bacteria, fungus, pet dander and viruses,” he said.

An added benefit is that the technology doesn’t just work while contaminants are airborne. As treated air circulates through the home, it can also help sanitize surfaces.

The long-term benefits

Scheduling tune-ups individually works, but families can also choose maintenance plans that automatically keep service on schedule. Rodriquez said Day & Night Air Conditioning and Plumbing’s VIP Club is designed to make ongoing maintenance convenient and cost-effective.

Priority scheduling can be valuable during the summer, when HVAC companies experience their busiest season, and repair appointments may fill quickly. Most importantly, regular maintenance helps homeowners avoid many of the expensive emergency repairs that often result from neglected equipment.

For Arizonans, maintaining healthy indoor air goes hand in hand with caring for the HVAC system itself. Regular service, routine filter changes, clean and properly sealed ductwork and advanced air purification all work together to keep a home’s heating and cooling system performing at its best.

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