If your air conditioner isn’t working on a hot summer afternoon, it can be a very stressful experience. You may not know if it’s just a minor problem or if you should call someone to come out and fix it. Many people often get frustrated and choose to call a technician to fix the problem rather than do the repairs themselves. See more about common AC problems on this site.
However, before you call the experts, you might want to ensure that you have covered the basic troubleshooting steps that many homeowners do for their AC units. The decision between fixing the air conditioner yourself or calling a professional like RMS Heating and Cooling. You might choose to go with the do-it-yourself route, but there are some risks involved with that. If you don’t have the tools needed, then you should probably hire a technician to get everything fixed in no time.
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What Should You Do First?
If your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should, there are a few things that you can do to improve its efficiency. These include blowing out the dust, getting rid of any unnecessary debris around it, and making sure that there is nothing at the sides or front of the unit that could block airflow. If your air conditioner stops working in the middle of summer, you may want to replace the filter since most filters get clogged with dirt over time. Know more about these tips from an AC contractor here:
Changing the Air Filters
The systems are equipped with matted filters that capture dirt, dust, pet dander, and other contaminants in the environment. However, if it’s too dirty, it can block the airflow in your system, which causes the unit to stop working. Make sure that the filters are not clogged or dirty and changing it once a month may be a good option for you.
Clear the Bushes and Plants Away
You need your AC unit to have free-flowing air before functioning correctly. As weeds, grasses, flower beds, and bushes grow around the outside AC, they may obstruct the airflow and make the compressor work harder than necessary. You might want to trim the bushes or clear the grasses around to ensure that your AC has enough airflow.
Checking the Drain Lines
The AC unit may need to drain some of the excess moisture while operating from the condenser. If you don’t conduct regular maintenance, you may find that the clogged lines may have algae growth. Preventative HVAC maintenance such as flushing the lines from time to time with bleach may clear the mold and algae along with the drainage system. A cup of chemicals can be ideal for this fix. Dry or wet vacuum cleaners may also suck away some of the obstruction, so they are definitely worth checking out.
Programmable Thermostats
Many people are leaving their AC turned on all day where they cool empty rooms. If you frequently forget about the thermostat, get a programmable one that automatically increases the temperature once you’re outside the door. This will help you save a lot of money, and there’s no need to operate them manually. Program the thermostat with the temperature you prefer and extend the lifespan of your unit in no time.
Scheduling Professional HVAC Technicians for Maintenance
Many things could go wrong with your HVAC systems, and it’s crucial to get them checked by professional technicians. The best ones from Bates Mechanical will clean the AC, maintain it, and repair the issues they may find during their visits. Specifically, they will check the duct integrity, coolant level, mechanical components, and electrical wires to ensure that they are efficient and safe.
Factors to Consider when Hiring Technicians
Older air conditioning units require a lot of maintenance, and replacing the unit is not always an option. The best thing to do is to hire an air conditioning repair company that will help you with repairs and fixes that you might need from time to time.
These companies are more affordable and will usually offer warranties on their work. In addition, they’re also licensed, bonded, insured, and have a history of recommending high-quality products. Here are other tips to know about when looking for the right company.
State License
The best HVAC companies have state licenses that authorize them to work in your area. This license guarantees that they have met all the safety training, requirements, and skills that are the standard in the industry. Getting these permits may be lengthy and selective, and they may require tests and experience before they get approved.
Most of them have undergone tests involving fuel codes, electrical wirings, circuits, safety precautions, gain/loss load calculations, installation methods, etc. The ones that are installed based on manufacturer specifications and local building codes have permits to keep their customers safe.
Undergone Training Programs
One of the keys to a successful and accurate installation is to undergo various training programs conducted by manufacturers across the country. There are technological advances in HVAC every year, and the ones installed two decades ago will be way different from the appliances today.
Most of the recent innovations are more efficient communication between the thermostat, furnace, and air conditioner through digital technology. This is why you should always choose a licensed technician who is still undergoing various training because they require ongoing education in this field to be more proficient.
They also know how to work with oxygen, copper piping, acetylene torches, and brazing. These will require specialized training and installation methods to do the job right. Choose companies that offer specialized programs and tools for their employees and avoid the ones that are hiring subcontractors as much as possible.
A Final Word
The best way to ensure that your AC unit works well is to have routine maintenance. The most important thing you can do is change the filters and regularly check the drain pans if you’re not comfortable repairing your air conditioner yourself. Scheduling routine maintenance with the right technicians is highly recommended to ensure that the unit works efficiently and correctly.
