Schedule In our previous post, we talked about steps you should be taking in order to prevent common AC repair needs. Namely, you should be keeping up with your annual maintenance appointments (or biannual, if you’re using a heat pump). Without regular maintenance, you could find yourself facing any number of potential Houston, TX air conditioning repair needs.
In addition to system maintenance, you can best ensure the efficiency of your cooling system by:
- Making sure the thermostat is operating, and correctly reading the temperature in your home.
- Upgrading the thermostat to a digital or programmable model.
- Having your ductwork checked for damage and sealed if needed, to ensure no air is escaping into unoccupied spaces.
- Improving upon your home’s insulation to reduce heat gain from outdoors.
- Limiting the use of heat-producing appliances during the hottest points of the day.
Without caring for your air conditioner properly, you could run into a number of common cooling system problems, including the following:
Leaking Refrigerant
Is your air conditioner blowing out air, but not cold enough? This could be the sign of a refrigerant leak. Unfortunately, too many people believe the misconception that refrigerant dissipates like fuel, and that it needs to be refilled—recharged—on a regular basis. This isn’t the case, however.
If you’re losing refrigerant, there’s a leak somewhere in your system. This leak must be located and repaired at the source to ensure that you don’t experience this problem again. If you’ve ever been told by a service professional that losing refrigerant is normal and you may need to have the system recharged on a regular basis, then we’re sorry to say that you’re dealing with a dishonest company.
Blocked Airflow
Properly caring for your air conditioner means scheduling annual maintenance, sure. But there are steps you should take between maintenance sessions too, such as changing the air filter of your air conditioner.
The air filter that comes with your HVAC installation is not there to protect your indoor air quality, despite what you might believe. Rather, it’s there to protect the inside components of your HVAC system from dirt, dust, and other debris.
When the air filter becomes too clogged, it restricts the airflow of your system and causes it to work too hard, meaning your air conditioner will accumulate wear and tear much faster than it would have otherwise. Be sure you are changing (or cleaning, if you have a permanent one) your air filter every 1-3 months depending on the manufacturers’ recommendation.
Premature System Breakdown
It’s true, no air conditioner is going to last forever. A well cared for air conditioner can be expected to last 10-15 years, depending on its make and model. But neglecting things like maintenance, and repair needs such as refrigerant leaks, expedites wear and tear.
Soon enough, you’ll find yourself with a broken down system, years before its time. Typically, it’s a lot less costly to take care of your existing air conditioner than it is to pay for an emergency replacement that you weren’t expecting!
For reliable AC services, look no further than Fresh Air, LP Contact us today.
