Air conditioning is an essential part of life in the 21st century, especially as a Florida homeowner. A cool escape from the summer heat is something that we all take for granted. Therefore, when your AC unit fails it can feel like a major emergency. This is when an ac repair company like R.E. Long Services comes to the rescue.
An AC repair company can not only fix your broken unit but they can help to prevent these issues from happening in the first place. By having your air conditioning serviced regularly, you will be able to avoid expensive repairs down the road. This guide to air conditioning repair for the home can provide you with the insight you need for a top-performing AC.
Common Reasons Your Air Conditioning Breaks Down
If your air conditioner has not been working properly for a while, or if you notice that it has stopped working, there could be a few reasons why.
When you notice that your air conditioner is not running, the first thing you should do is check the outdoor unit for any issues. A loose or broken outdoor hose could be preventing your air conditioner from cooling your home.
If you’re not sure what is wrong with your air conditioner, then you should use your outdoor unit as a gauge. If it is not working, then it is probably because your air conditioner is not working properly. Once you have figured out what is wrong with your outdoor unit, you can move on to the indoor connections.
Once you’ve determined that your outdoor unit is functioning correctly, come back in and check your thermostat. This is the device that tells your AC when to turn on and off. Most thermostats let you set your desired temperature. Then it will kick on as soon as the temperature drops below that set point. Check to ensure that your thermostat is switched to “on” or “cool” and that it is set to a comfortable level.
Finally, check your air filter. This important device filters dust, pollen, and other things from entering your home. Once the filter becomes clogged or dirty, it reduces the efficiency of your AC, causing it to work harder than it needs to.
Signs That It’s Time for AC Repair
Is it time for AC repair? There are several signs that you’ll want to consider.
- Your home is too warm- If your AC unit turns on, but your home still isn’t comfortable, it’s probably time for an AC tune-up.
- Your unit is making weird noises- Your AC should be virtually silent. Unusual noises such as buzzing, grinding, or whining could be a sign of a clogged hose, a worn-out fan, or another more serious issue.
- Your unit has an odd smell- A subtle musty smell probably just indicates that it’s time to clean your air filter, but sharp burning, chemical, or rubber smells means trouble. Turn off your unit and contact a repair tech right away.
- You find a puddle – A little condensation on a particularly hot day is normal, but if you frequently discover a pool of fluid collecting under your unit this could be a sign of a clogged drainage hose. If the fluid is accompanied by poor AC performance and a hissing sound, this could mean you have a refrigerant leak and you should turn off the unit and contact an HVAC tech right away.
- Your energy bill is high: Some units require more energy to cool a room than others, but if your energy bill is significantly higher than it was the year before, this might point to an issue with the AC.
Other Helpful AC Repair Tips
If you notice that your AC is starting to show signs of wear, you should service it as soon as possible. Don’t ignore the problem! It will cause your AC will start to break down faster. It could also lead to other problems such as mold in your home.
When you need AC repair, we don’t recommend the DIY approach. Many problems can arise when you try to repair your air conditioning system on your own, and these problems can lead to longer downtime, safety risks, and expensive repairs.
If you don’t have the necessary knowledge to repair your air conditioning system, you could end up making things worse or getting hurt in the process. Most air conditioning systems are fairly complex, and the majority of people trying to do repairs on their own will find out fairly quickly that they don’t have the necessary tools and technical knowledge.
Instead of attempting to repair your air conditioning system on your own, contact a company like R.E. Long Services. We have been providing quality air conditioning repair services in North Texas for many years, and we have built a reputation for quality work.
Troubleshooting Tips for AC Repair
While ac repair can be a complex task, there are some basic troubleshooting actions to take that won’t put your safety at risk. If your air conditioner stops working, there are a few things you can check right away to determine the cause of the problem.
First, make sure the unit is turned on. It sounds simple enough, but you may not realize if your indoor unit came unplugged or if the breaker switch was tripped for your outdoor unit. Also, check that your thermostat wasn’t bumped.
Next, make sure you are getting the correct voltage from the unit by plugging something into the outlet that is not on the same circuit as the unit. If you aren’t sure if you have the correct voltage, then you can contact a licensed electrician to check it for you.
Another simple thing to check is if you have the correct plug type. Most air conditioners have a round plug that can fit into a round socket. If you have a plug that doesn’t match or fits into a square socket, then you will need to get an adapter.
Make sure that your air vent and duct system are clear of debris. Clogged ducts or blocked vents can keep the cool air from circulating through your home. If you’ve rearranged furniture recently, make sure you didn’t accidentally move anything in front of your vent.
Finally, take a look at your air filter and determine if it needs replacing. You should do this once every 3 months, but if you have allergies you may want to change them more often. Sometimes a new filter is all it takes to improve the performance of your AC.
Hiring an Air Conditioning Repair Pro
When you are ready to hire an air conditioning repair professional to repair or replace your air conditioner, you don’t want to just pick a company at random. Here are a few things to look for before you hire:
- Make sure that they are licensed and insured. Any reputable business will have proper licensure and insurance policies to protect their workers and the client. Without business insurance you could be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur on the job, so don’t risk it with an uninsured company.
- Look for experience. Your AC is too important to trust with a newbie. Look for a company with years of experience repairing air conditioning systems and make sure they are familiar with your particular make and model.
- Find a one-stop shop. You don’t want to have to call one company for routine maintenance, another for repairs, and a third for new unit installation. Find a company that has experience with the entire process from beginning to end.
- Ask questions. A reputable repair company will take the time to answer your questions with care, knowledge, and professionalism. If your repair tech seems rushed, rude, or ill-prepared, it’s probably a red flag.
Get Pro A.C. Repair from R.E. Long Services
If your air conditioner is sluggish or has stopped working altogether, call R.E. Long Services. We are known for our expertise in maintaining, repairing, and installing air conditioning systems. We’re licensed, insured, and we always treat you like the valued customer that you are. We’ve helped countless people feel cool and comfortable in their homes. Be sure to contact us today for a quote. We’re on call for your comfort!