Air conditioners are complex systems that require regular maintenance. The average AC system loses efficiency over time due to a number of factors including age and poor care. Regular preventative maintenance by a qualified technician can help reduce energy bills and keep your home comfortable.
In most cases, a professional will perform an inspection, check-up or tune up to evaluate how the current AC unit is functioning. Then they will recommend any needed repairs to help keep it running at peak performance and extend its lifespan. Here are a few common problems and some of the ways professional technicians can fix them.
When your ac unit stops working or blowing warm air it’s usually an indication that one or more of the electrical components are failing. This could include the thermostat or the compressor. To diagnose this problem a technician will start by turning off the power to the unit. Then they will listen for humming or buzzing from the fan and compressor. The fan should make a whirring noise and the compressor should sound like a deep buzz. If either isn’t happening the thermostat may be set to the wrong temperature or the compressor may have a leak. If this is the case a replacement will be necessary.
Another part that can go bad is the capacitor. This is a type of switch that’s responsible for turning on various parts of your air conditioning system. If you’re noticing that your ac unit isn’t turning on or the vents aren’t blowing as cold as they should it’s time to replace your capacitor. This is a fairly easy fix for an experienced tech. They’ll turn off the power to the unit, drain the old capacitor and then install a new one.
Adding refrigerant is another repair that’s pretty straightforward for a skilled technician to do. However, it is a good idea to have your ducts inspected before doing this so they can be sealed or repaired accordingly. This is important because if your ducts are leaking or have become disconnected, it can result in a loss of up to 30% of heated or cooled air.
In some cases, an ac unit can’t work properly because of dirt and debris buildup in the system or the ducts. During a repair visit, an experienced technician will clean all accessible areas of your ac system to remove any obstructions. This will improve airflow and help the unit run more efficiently.
A final reason to have your ac unit repaired is because it can save you money on your energy bills. A faulty AC will have to work harder to cool your home which will lead to higher energy bills over time. Regular maintenance by a certified technician will help to reduce energy bills and extend the life of your equipment. With the right care and attention, your ac unit will keep you cool for years to come. For more information about air conditioner repair, contact the experts at American Home Comfort Solutions today.