As the temperature rises and humidity increases, many people look forward to coming home to a nice, cool, air-conditioned environment. Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong with the air conditioning system.
Luckily, there are a few simple ways you can keep your AC running well and avoid costly repairs. These AC tips and tricks are a great way to protect your investment.
Air conditioners have a tendency to break down just when you need them most, and cooling problems can arise from many different issues. Some of these are easier to fix than others, but they all require a professional.
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat is what sends the cooling signal to your AC, and if it’s not functioning properly, your cooling process will stop working. The thermostat itself can be blocked by furniture, toys, or other items, and your ducts can also get clogged with dust, mold, and other debris. In this case, you’ll need to clean and/or replace the air filter.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils remove heat from the air and transfer it outside, but they can become dirty over time. This restricts airflow, which reduces your AC’s cooling capacity and leads to higher energy bills. You can often resolve this by cleaning the evaporator coil and ensuring your ductwork isn’t blocked.
Capacitor Issues
Your capacitor is another essential part of your cooling system, and if it goes bad, your AC won’t be able to start running at all. The capacitor is a large metal box that sits on top of your condenser, and it receives power from the compressor. If it stops working, the compressor won’t receive any power and will stop working as well.
Duct Leaks
It’s estimated that 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air loses its way through leaking ducts, and this is a big problem for homeowners. The best way to avoid a loss of conditioned air is to ensure all ducts are sealed and insulated.
Water Leakage
Water leaking from your air conditioner’s refrigerant line is a sign that it needs to be repaired or replaced. If the leak spreads, you may even experience unrepairable damage to your compressor. A professional can determine if the compressor is damaged and recommend the most appropriate solution for your situation.
Repairs
While each air conditioning system is unique, the general procedure for AC service includes an inspection of all components. The technician will check the equipment for parts that need cleaning or replacing and make any necessary repairs. They will also clean the evaporator coils, condenser coils, and thermostat and change the filter. They will also check the ductwork for leaks and clean it as needed.
A clogged filter can cause the system to overheat and may even stop it from operating entirely. The technician can remove the filter and clean it to restore full function and efficiency. Another common problem is a refrigerant leak. This can cause the system to work harder than usual to reach the desired temperature, leading to high energy bills.
The system will be cleaned, and the leaking refrigerant will be replaced as needed. This can restore the system to good working order and reduce the monthly electricity bills.
If the evaporator or condenser coils are dirty, they will be cleaned to prevent overheating and malfunction. A dirty evaporator or condenser can cause a lot of trouble for the whole unit. The technicians will clean all the parts of the system to get rid of the dirt and keep it in good condition.
Humidity is another common problem that can be fixed with an AC repair. Keeping humidity under control can help people with asthma and other respiratory problems feel more comfortable. Humidity can also cause the home to feel damp and sticky, which is not very pleasant. The technicians can check the evaporator and condenser coils for dirty or corroded ones to eliminate the issue.
The most important thing that can be done to ensure the longevity of an air conditioning system is to schedule maintenance twice a year. During these appointments, the technician will clean and inspect the entire system to make sure it is ready for the summer heat. This will help the system work well throughout the season and avoid any expensive breakdowns or premature replacements. It is best to do this before the hot weather starts so that the system can cool the house properly and efficiently.
Maintenance
There are a number of AC maintenance tasks that can be done to ensure your home stays cool when you need it the most. These include changing air filters, cleaning ducts, and spotting leaks. These maintenance activities are not only good for your unit, but they can also help you save money on your energy bill!
One of the first signs that your AC may be having a problem is an unusually high energy bill. A high bill can indicate that your AC is running too much or that there is a refrigerant leak. Often times, a repair specialist can fix these problems and lower your energy bills.
Another thing to look for is a strange smell coming from your home. This could be a sign of a clogged air filter or a dirty evaporator coil. If you notice a strange smell, shut off your AC system and call a repair technician right away.
In addition to identifying problems and making repairs, an AC service specialist will perform maintenance on your unit. This is usually a fairly simple process. The specialist will inspect the system and clean any parts that need cleaning. They will then change the air filter and clear any blockages in the evaporator coil. They will also check the blower to make sure it is working properly. They will also look for any new inhabitants that may have made their way into the system, such as a bird’s nest or a small critter.
The cost of these maintenance items varies depending on the size and complexity of your AC unit. You should get several quotes from different companies before deciding which one to use. This will help you ensure that you are getting a fair price for the services that you are receiving.
In some cases, it can be more cost-effective to replace your air conditioner than repair it. However, this is not always the case, and you should consult with a professional to determine whether it is worth repairing your current unit or buying a new one.
Replacement
An AC repair technician can replace damaged parts, which is a great way to restore your system to its original functionality. The process can also include installing any upgrades you might want, like a new filter or more efficient evaporator coils. These upgrades will help your home stay cooler while saving you money on your energy bills.
In addition to replacing broken parts, your AC technician will also check other aspects of the machine for wear and tear. For example, a dirty air filter can make your AC work harder to cool your home, so it’s important to keep it clean. The technician will also check the refrigerant levels in your system, which can be dangerous if they are too low.
Another sign that your air conditioner needs repair is an increased energy bill without any additional usage. This can be due to a variety of problems, including duct leaks. These leaks can cause 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air to be lost before it reaches your living spaces. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix with sealing and insulation.
If you have a warranty on your AC unit, this will cover the cost of any repairs or replacements that are necessary during its lifetime. However, it’s still important to perform regular maintenance and have any issues repaired as soon as possible.
The type of air conditioning system you have and its age will affect how much it costs to repair or replace any broken parts. For example, it may be cheaper to have a compressor replaced than to repair the existing one. In addition, certain makes and models are more prone to problems than others, which can add to your overall repair cost.
