You’ve just had your seasonal AC maintenance in Vinton, VA, and everything seemed fine. If it didn’t, it was addressed and you’re back on track. But what if later in the season your air conditioner is making a strange noise or isn’t cooling like it should? Should you call for a repair so soon after maintenance? The short answer: yes.
Our team is here to help you understand when maintenance is enough—and when a separate repair visit is necessary. Keep reading to learn the difference and what to watch for after maintenance. Not sure if your AC needs a second look? Contact our expert HVAC professionals today to get an opinion on whether a repair is the right call.
Understanding the Purpose of Maintenance
Routine maintenance is a proactive checkup—not a guarantee your system won’t have issues. During any tune-up, a technician will:
- Clean coils and filters
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check refrigerant levels
- Test thermostat accuracy
- Inspect electrical connections
However, this is a general inspection. If your system has hidden issues or parts on the verge of failure, those may not show obvious symptoms until after the strain of the coming summer season.
When a Repair Is Still Needed Post-Maintenance
Here are signs that a repair appointment is still necessary, even if maintenance was recently performed:
- Unusual noises like banging, hissing, or screeching
- Weak airflow or warm air blowing from vents
- Thermostat not responding properly
- Leaks around your unit
- Short cycling or frequent stops and starts
These problems could be caused by issues not yet severe enough to show during a basic maintenance check—or new ones that have developed since.
Consistency Is Key
Homeowners sometimes assume a tune-up is as simple as diagnosis, parts replacement, and full repairs. In reality, maintenance is about preventing problems as well as addressing existing concerns. Our team of technicians can focus specifically on any concerning malfunctions and spend more time troubleshooting and resolving them.
But addressing a problem doesn’t always mean it will go away. This is one reason it’s important to partner with a team of experts who can get to know your system and family. If a single problem continues to pop up repeatedly, we will know that additional steps are needed.
When Maintenance Uncovers the Need for Repair
During a tune-up, if a technician notices a failing component (like a capacitor or motor), they may recommend immediate repair. It’s always best to take their advice, even if the air conditioner seems fine for now. Acting early often prevents the problem from escalating into a full breakdown.
Why Trust WC Butler in Vinton?
We know how to balance preventative care with smart repair strategies. Our team is trained to help you decide what’s needed now, what can wait, and how to keep your system running efficiently all season long.
We can help you make the best choice for HVAC maintenance and repairs. Rely on the experts at W.C. Butler Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment today.