Air conditioners are essential appliances for maintenance of comfort of your home during the hot summer season.
However, air conditioners can also experience problems with time and lead to reduced efficiency or complete failures. There are various repair and maintenance tips that people can perform to maintain their AC unit in top-notch condition.
This blog gives details about AC repair services, tips and tricks to assist you in common problems and amplifies the lifespan of your AC system.
Understanding the basics of your air conditioning system
Before you jump into the repairs of an AC unit, it is advised that you understand how an air conditioner works. Most air conditioners are split systems which comprises two units.
You should learn about the basic components of air conditioners such as thermostat, air filters, ducts and coils. This can help you to identify the issues more conveniently.
Inspect and replace air filters
The most common and important step in maintaining your AC system is to check and replace the air filters. An accumulated and dirty filter hinders the airflow and reduces efficiency of your system.
Clogged filters also increase the load on your system hence it consumes more energy.
Tip: inspect your AC filters on a regular basis specifically before season. Also, replace the filters every 1 to 3 months depending on the usage.
Check the thermostat
Before you dig into other complex repairs and inspections, check your thermostat for efficient cooling. Inspect the thermostat settings to ensure that it’s adjusted to ‘cool’ and the temperature is set lower.
If the problem remains the same, the thermostat needs calibration or replacement.
Tip: upgrade your older thermostat to a smart thermostat. These devices are much more reliable and efficient.
Clean the coils
There are two kinds of coils known as evaporator coils and condenser coils. Both are crucial components of the AC system. With the passage of time, these coils become dirty and lose their capability to absorb or release the heat. Accumulated coils also lead to frozen evaporator coils which causes AC failure.
Tip: Inspect and clean the coils at least once a year. Use a soft brush to clean the coil and remove debris.
Remove grass or leaves from condenser coils and wash the coils carefully.
Check refrigerant levels
Refrigerants should be maintained on accurate levels. Low refrigerant levels can affect the cooling performance of the AC and cause the system to overheat. Inspect your system for leaks and gaps to maintain the refrigerant level.
Tip: Call a professional technician to resolve the issue of leaks and refrigerant levels. A Licensed HVAC technician will identify and address the issue by properly repairing the leaks. Don’t try to fix the problem on your own as it can escalate the issue.
Check the condensate drain
The function of condensate drain is to remove the moisture from the system. With the passage of time, this drain becomes clogged with dirt and causes water to backup into the system.
Tip: You should regularly check the condensate drain to remove dirt and debris. A vacuum works best to clear the drain line and remove clogs. You can also pour a mixture of water and bleach to wash away algae growth.
Plan regular professional maintenance
Professional maintenance is beneficial for your AC system. There are many tasks you can not handle on your own so it’s better to appoint skilled technicians for maintenance services.
Professional maintenance should be performed once a year mainly before peak season to prevent major issues and hazards. This will also amplify the lifespan of your AC.
Tip: Plan a professional maintenance service before peak summer season. A skilled professional will identify and address the issues before they escalate and prevent costly home appliances repairing during summers.
Benefits of AC repair
There are many benefits of AC repair and maintenance. Here’s the list of some benefits:
- Energy efficiency
- Longevity
- Comfort
- Air quality
- Presenting failures
- Cost savings
- Eco-friendly
- Safety
Keeping all these benefits in mind, you should always schedule a repair and maintenance service on time before the system breaks down or causes serious damage to you or your home.
Conclusion
Maintenance and repair of your air conditioner is important to ensure that the system is operating efficiently during hot summers.
By considering these repair tips, you can address common issues and resolve them easily. This will keep your system in the best condition.
However, you must keep in mind that professional and skilled technicians will do the repairs and maintenance efficiently without compromising the quality of the service. Don’t take matters in your hands as it can harm you or the system.
Amplify the lifespan of your AC by regular maintenance and repairs to enhance the comfort of your space and save your money and time.