As a homeowner, one of the many tasks you have to perform is ensuring that your air conditioner is well maintained. As your air conditioner ages, its performance may deteriorate while your energy bills increase. Find out the signs of when to fix your AC and even prevent it from happening in the first place with this guide.
What to Look Out For When Your Regular AC Maintenance Is Due
If you’ve been ignoring regular HVAC maintenance checks, then here are some tell-tale signs:
Unusual noises
Strange sounds coming from your air conditioner are a sign that something is wrong. It could be the compressor that is causing the banging noise. The loud screeching sound of an air conditioner occurs because of a problem with the outdoor condenser unit’s fan motor.
Odd Smells
Odds are that you have a problem if your AC suddenly smells foul. A leak in your refrigerant line is most likely to cause the AC to smell like car exhaust. Rodents and critters usually leave a rotten odor in your air conditioner when they die.
Utilities are expensive
High electric bills result from air conditioners’ inefficiency, as they use a lot of electricity. A dirty filter, duct leaks, and lack of maintenance all contribute to high power bills.
Lack of cooling and heating
When your air conditioner is on, it may not cool due to clogged or blocked coils. A broken fan can make it hard for air to circulate as effectively, causing inconsistency in heating.
Duct Leaks
If you have a central air conditioner, duct leaks are one of the main causes of loss of conditioned air. According to Energy Star, 20% of the air that moves through the ducts is lost due to leaks. You can prevent the loss of conditioned air by sealing and insulating ducts.
Other signs may include an unworkable thermostat and other broken parts of your air conditioner. Disregarding these signs could cause more serious problems in the future.
Most Common AC Repairs
If you want to ensure your AC runs at its peak performance, make sure it is repaired promptly. Your AC technician can perform many repairs to your AC, including the following:
1. Thermostat replacement
If your home becomes hot and uncomfortable due to a broken thermostat, your technician can recommend a thermostat. With a new thermostat, you can adjust the airflow and temperature to your liking.
2. Change the air filters
Clogged filters restrict airflow. Having clean air filters in your air conditioners not only produce more cool air but also prevents the unit from freezing. The technician may look at the air conditioner’s recommendations for air filters and fit the appropriate ones into your unit.
3. Install The Condenser Fan
The condenser fan pulls outside air into the unit to help cool it down. Outdoor units have this fan, and it is subject to a lot of harsh environmental conditions that can lead to wear and tear over time. The moment the condenser fan begins to fail, have your technician replace it as soon as possible to avoid causing compressor issues.
4. Replace a compressor
A compressor moves the refrigerant throughout the system. Wear and tear can cause the compressor to fail, but it usually fails because of stains left by other parts of the air conditioner. You can have your technician check the state of your air conditioner, drain the refrigerant, remove the parts closest to the compressor, and install the compressor.
5. Fill up the refrigerant
A properly functioning air conditioner requires the right amount of refrigerant. Leaks in the compressor cause refrigerant levels to drop and cool air to cease flowing. Once the leaks are repaired, the technician can replenish the refrigerant in your air conditioner.
5. Clean the coils
Dirt, dust, and lint in the air can collect on both indoor and outdoor coils. Coils corrode and leak because of airborne chemicals. It’s a good idea to have coils cleaned regularly by a technician to avoid leaks.
6. Clear out pests
Pests have the potential to damage and even stop your AC system from working entirely. By scheduling an inspection with an AC specialist, they can find ways to clean your air conditioner.
They can seal any leaks in your ductwork and AC to prevent pests from coming in. You can also have any pest debris inside your AC unit removed by them.
Keeping Your AC in Good Repair
You can help keep your AC unit in proper working order by keeping it clean and well-maintained. We recommend an annual maintenance by one of our highly qualified HVAC technicians. If you need an urgent AC repair give us a call so we can help.
