Air conditioning is one of the most important components of your home. It requires regular maintenance and AC repair services to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
If you’re experiencing issues with your AC, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. These tips will help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your system.
1. Check the Air Filter
The air filter in your air conditioning unit plays a critical role in keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently. It removes dust, debris, and other contaminants that could harm your equipment. It should be changed at least once a month, depending on your filter type.
Changing the filter regularly is a good way to extend your system’s life span and keep your energy costs low. It also helps prevent your AC from overworking itself.
A clogged filter can reduce your AC’s efficiency and make it work harder than it should. This can also increase your energy bills.
When you need to replace the air filter, purchasing a quality product that meets your specific needs and goals is important. A high-quality filter can help you save money on your energy bills and provide better indoor comfort for your family.
If you have pets, changing the air filter more often than usual is also recommended. Pet hair and dirt can clog the filter more easily, making it difficult for your AC to circulate clean air.
You can check the air filter in your system by turning it off and removing it. It is located inside the blower chamber of the furnace or air pump. Moreover, you can find it in a return air grille installed on the wall or an attached filter container.
When you notice that you aren’t getting enough cool air, it’s time to call an HVAC repair company in Utah. An AC expert can inspect your duct system and eliminate any clogging or debris preventing it from properly circulating clean air. They can also check the refrigerant level and ensure it’s in good condition.
2. Check the Refrigerant Level
If your air conditioning unit isn’t working as well as it should be, it may have a problem with refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels can cause your system to work more inefficiently and shorten its lifespan.
Refrigerant is a chemical blend used to absorb heat from your home’s interior and disperse it outside. It’s typically found in a gaseous or fluid form and is a vital component of the cooling process.
When your air conditioning system is running, it should cycle the same amount of refrigerant between your outdoor unit and your indoor evaporator coils. If it does not, it’s time to have your system inspected and recharged by an HVAC technician.
One of the first signs you’ll see that your air conditioning unit has a low refrigerant level is an ice buildup on the evaporator coils. This can easily be spotted by walking outside and inspecting the condenser.
Another sign is that you may hear hissing or bubbling sounds from your AC system. This can be a sign of a leak, so it’s best to have a professional find and repair the problem right away.
You might also notice a puddle of water around the furnace area or the refrigerant lines. These puddles will melt over time, but they clearly show that your refrigerant level is very low.
A leaking refrigerant line is the most common culprit for a low refrigerant level. If a professional finds and repairs this issue, your unit should run properly again. However, if your refrigerant leaks again, it’s time to consider replacing your air conditioner altogether. This can be costly and time-consuming.
3. Check the Thermostat
Thermostats are a crucial part of air conditioning systems because they allow the HVAC system to control the temperature in your home. They are designed to monitor your home’s indoor temperature and use this data to determine whether the heating or cooling system should be turned on.
If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, it could be the cause of your AC issues. You may need to reset the thermostat or call a professional air conditioning repair technician to fix it.
A faulty thermostat can lead to a host of problems, including overheating and undercooling. You should check your car’s thermostat regularly to make sure that it is working properly.
In a vehicle, the thermostat is an important component that regulates coolant flow, ensuring optimal engine temperatures. Overheating and undercooling can negatively affect the life of your engine.
Symptoms of a faulty thermostat include strange sounds from the radiator and liquid dripping under your car. These signs indicate a leak in the thermostat housing or the gasket that covers it.
You should also often change your car’s air filter, as a dirty one can prevent proper airflow. A clogged filter can reduce your system’s efficiency by 5% to 15%.
Your air ducts are an important part of your HVAC system, so they should be cleaned by an expert every couple of years to ensure your unit is functioning properly. The ducts collect dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris that can block airflow and lead to air conditioning issues.
If you want to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape, contact Larsen’s qualified Utah Valley and Salt Lake City AC maintenance team for a tune-up. We’ll ensure that all the components of your air conditioner are functioning properly and help you avoid costly AC repairs in the future.
4. Check the Compressor
Your air conditioning compressor is one of the most important parts of your system. It works to circulate refrigerant chemicals from liquid to gas, then back to liquid, allowing your home or business to cool down.
However, it can become the target of damage and deterioration over time if it isn’t taken care of properly. As such, it’s important to have the right repairs done by professionals in Utah.
A faulty compressor can cause your air conditioner to work inefficiently and affect how much it costs to run your unit. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help detect problems with your compressor before it becomes an expensive repair job.
The first thing you can do is check to make sure that the compressor isn’t overheating. If it is, there could be an issue with the ventilation and ducting that feeds it with air.
If the vents are clogged, they can restrict airflow to the compressor and even lead to failure. This is why cleaning them out periodically is important, as it is necessary to ensure they are free of dust and dirt.
Another common problem with air conditioning compressors is shorted windings. These happen when two wires touch each other, grounding the circuit and stopping part of the motor from functioning correctly.
Other causes for shorted windings include overheating, power surges, and vibrations. These can all lead to electrical damage and, eventually, a faulty compressor. If you suspect your compressor is shorted, you should call a professional to check out the motor and replace it if necessary.
5. Check the Furnace
The furnace is a critical piece of equipment for any air conditioning unit, and a professional should check it at least once a year. Furnaces can become less efficient over time, causing higher energy bills and safety issues.
A furnace produces heat via combustion and distributes it throughout the home or building through ductwork. The fuel source can be gas, oil, or electricity.
There are different types of furnaces, each with its own set of pros and cons. They all work in conjunction with a thermostat and an electronic control panel.
Some models can also be adapted for use with natural gas or oil. They may have a single-stage or multi-stage blower, which allows them to operate at different speeds and efficiency levels depending on the temperature required for a specific room or area.
In addition, they have a flue vent connector that collects the gas waste sent outside of the home. Depending on the type of fuel, they can also have a flame sensor that detects when a flame is present and shuts the furnace down.
If the ductwork is dirty, it can affect how efficiently the furnace works and increase your energy bills. Keeping the furnace clean helps to improve your system’s efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Finally, if you notice water leaking from your furnace, this is usually due to a drainage issue. This can indicate that there’s a problem with the secondary heat exchanger or a backed-up drain.
If your furnace isn’t operating properly or producing dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide, it might be time to consider a replacement. It’s not an inexpensive investment, but one that can save you money and keep your family safe.
