An air conditioning unit is a significant investment. Not only can they cost a considerable amount of money, but you need your AC to perform in top condition for a myriad of reasons. The hotter the temperature is outside, the more you will use your air conditioner, which means there is a lot resting on the performance and efficiency of your unit with the help of AC repair and other factors.
A poorly running air conditioner can cost you a great deal in both energy costs and the wear and tear on your unit. If you have noticed that your air conditioner is not as efficient as it used to be, it may be time to have it serviced.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of a well-performing AC unit and what you can do to make it last longer.
AC Repair: Is Your Air Conditioner in Top Condition?
Maybe you have not thought about the performance of your AC in a while. You know that it works around the clock and your home feels comfortable, but sometimes trouble might be lying below the surface.
If your AC is performing as expected, you’ll experience the following:
- Smooth airflow and cool air when you want it, in the rooms where you want it
- Reasonable energy bills
- A system that’s not noisy, at least on the initial startup
- No water dripping from coils if the condensate drain is operating normally
- Your AC is quiet
- AC does not have an unusual odor
- Your filters are clean and not blocked with dust
Your AC will be able to keep your house cool when the outside temperature feels extreme. It will be able to cool the air down fast, and the air it produces will be cool. There’s nothing worse than turning on the AC but warm air comes out the vents.
On the other hand, if your AC isn’t living up to these standards, you may have a problem. If any of the above is missing, then you might want to conduct a thorough inspection of the AC.
There are many signs that AC repair is in need, but some basic troubleshooting and maintenance can go a long way. In fact, it can help make your AC last longer. Below, we’ll discuss some of the basic AC maintenance tasks to keep your system performing in peak condition.
1. Change the AC Filters
This might seem like an obvious thing to do, but some people wait until the filter is completely clogged up before changing it. We recommend changing your AC filter every 30 days for best results. This is especially true if you have pets or allergies.
We recommend using filters that are pleated or high-efficiency, as they are better at filtering out the dust from the air.
It’s often a surprise to homeowners that they can avoid AC repair by simply replacing the filters on a regular schedule. If you don’t change the air filters and they clog with dirt and debris, you can run into issues including:
- Higher utility bills
- Loss of cooling efficiency when the air filter is clogged
- Decreased air flow because of clogged air filters
- Inability to cool the home properly
- Inappropriate cooling cycles causing your AC unit to turn off and on
- Strengthened allergens inside the home
2. Addressing Problems if Your AC Blows Fuses
If you have AC that blows fuses, it may be time to consider a repair. While this is an unfortunate situation for you, the fact is your AC is a very complex piece of machinery and those fuses are meant to protect it from catastrophic failure. In most cases, an AC that blows fuses is a sign of a problem, and should be addressed immediately.
Why Does My AC Blow Fuses?
There are a number of reasons why your AC will blow fuses. A few common reasons include:
- A shorted compressor
- A shorted fan
- Compressor locked up
- Not enough refrigerant
If your AC is blowing fuses, you should be able to recognize the telltale signs of an AC that is near to failure. Unfortunately, AC repair is critical in this situation, or even AC replacement. However, keeping an eye on these signs will help prevent complete failure.
3. Cleaning Debris From Around the AC Unit
Do you have debris compiling around your AC unit outside? This is an AC maintenance task that you must not ignore.
The debris that is collecting around and in contact with the AC unit will conduct heat into the AC unit, causing it to work harder than it should have to and use more energy.
4. Cleaning Your Air Ducts
Is it important to clean your ducts if you want your AC to last a long time?
Absolutely! In the summer, AC units are working hard to keep your home cool. They are also working harder to clean the air in your home. Regular duct cleaning is one way to ensure that your AC has less work to do. And as a result, you can be sure that your system is working as it should.
Cleaning your ducts will not only help you save money on cooling bills but it can help your AC unit last a long time. It only makes sense to clean the ducts if you want your AC to last a long time.
When to Clean Your Ducts
If you have never cleaned your ducts before, you might be wondering about the right time to do this. These are some ideas that can keep you on track for air duct cleaning:
- After a major fire in your home, such as a fire in a stove or fireplace.
- After a home remodeling project that has resulted in dust, debris or residue accumulating in the ductwork.
- If you smell any “funny” odor coming from the ducts, such as a sweet smell, a smell like sulfur, or a burning smell.
- If your AC unit is older than 15 years, then you should clean the ducts at least once every two years.
You can clean your ducts yourself, but you need to be well aware of a few safety precautions. The EPA recommends that you wear protective goggles, respiratory protection, and a face mask when cleaning your ducts. Never use a brush on your ducts, but only a vacuum cleaner.
The EPA also recommends that you never use a furnace filter to clean your ducts. Your furnace filter is designed to trap small particles, but it’s not designed to clean your ducts.
5. Clean your Coils
Most of the time, people are more concerned with the inside of their AC unit, but it’s important to remember that the coils, smelly stuff, filters, and registers can get dirty.
Dirty coils cause your AC to work harder and use more power, and in the long run, can damage your AC. Therefore, it is important that you clean your coils and registers on a regular basis.
But what is the right way to clean coils to avoid AC repair? Get some coils cleaner, usually available at your local hardware or home improvement store, and spray the cleaner on to the coils. The coils should be cleaned once a year, as required by your owner’s manual.
If you don’t have coils cleaner, make a solution of 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 water, and use a clean sponge or rag to wipe down your AC coils.
6. Check for Leaks
One of the first signs that something is amiss with your AC is a leak. If you notice any dripping from your unit, have a professional look at it. If you don’t, you could be wasting money. Most leaks can be repaired relatively easily, but if the leak is significant, you may need a new system or AC repair.
What should you do if your AC is leaking fluid? First, turn it off. Repairing a leak is much easier if you aren’t worried about your AC leaking on the ground. Next, check the level of fluid in your unit. If it has less than a quarter tank, you may need to add more. Check the manual for your system to find where you can add fluid.
If your AC still leaks after you check the fluid level, then you need AC repair.
Is your AC leaking? It’s important to contact your local AC repair company. R.E. Long Services can help you address leaks and get your air conditioner working its best, providing you with a comfortable home and lower energy bills.
Get AC Repair from R.E. Long Services
At one point or another, you’ll likely need AC repair to improve the performance of your AC. Even after meticulously care, something may still go wrong despite your best efforts.
When the time comes for AC repair, trust R.E. Long Services to get the job done right. Contact us today to set up an appointment or call us with questions.