Air Conditioning Maintenance

ac maintenance

At the end of winter it is important to check your air conditioner and make sure it's still working. Air conditioners are built to withstand tough weather, but be sure to check your unit before summer heat waves hit and air conditioning contractors are all booked up.
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DIY AC Maintenance

There are a few repairs that you can do yourself. Clear away any debris or coverings on the outer part of the unit, change air filters, and make sure the unit still turns on. Do not attempt to fix any electrical problems yourself; this is a job for a professional air conditioning contractor.

If there are any problems with your uniti—if it won't turn on, there is a strange odor, or it is not cooling properly—be sure to call a professional early before they get too busy. It is also smart to schedule a yearly maintenance appointment.

Annual professional maintenance is important because for $100, you can avoid thousands of dollars in damage. Maintenance will also save you money in the long run. Air conditioners lose about 5% of their efficiency per year, so the maintenance fee may pay for itself in savings on utility bills.

Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance

The most important thing ac contractors check is coolant levels. Air conditioners use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as coolants, which are harmful to people and the environment if released. Professionals will ensure there are no coolant leaks and replace any coolant if needed. If there is a lot of leakage it is best to replace the air conditioning unit.

A contractor will check the unit's fan belts, oil the fan's motor, check the efficiency of the compressor, and clean the condensing unit coils. It is strongly recommended that you allow a professional to do this maintenance because air conditioners use high voltage electricity.

A contractor will make sure the thermostat and electrical components are working and that the air flow and ductwork are allowing proper ventilation. They will also check the heat exchanger for cracks, which would allow carbon monoxide into your house. If there is any major damage to the motor, electrical parts or heat exchanger, it may be best to buy a new unit.

The importance of yearly air conditioning maintenance cannot be stressed enough. These fixes will save you money on utility bills, and give you peace of mind that your unit is working properly before the first heat wave hits.
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Disclaimer: This article offers general guidelines and is not intended as professional advice.