Keeping your home cool and comfortable during hot summers depends on an optimally functioning air conditioning unit. It requires regular preventive maintenance and prompt AC repair whenever problems arise.
While savvy homeowners can perform some essential AC maintenance, there are some things that only a trained technician can do. Knowing these basics can help you stay stress-free all summer long.
Know Your AC’s Error Codes
It is impossible to overestimate the significance of AC repair service in Dallas, particularly in the humid summer months. In addition to being comfortable, a dependable air conditioner safeguards your health and well-being. When an air conditioner encounters a problem, it displays an error code on the unit’s control panel or remote controller. These codes are displayed for various reasons, including defrosting, refrigerant leakage, and a malfunctioning sensor. The most common AC error codes, like E1 and E6, indicate that your unit may be low on refrigerant or have a thermostat issue. If this is the case, the best solution is to call a professional to replenish your system’s refrigerant.
However, if the problem is simple, you can follow a general procedure to clear the error code yourself. To do so, unplug the unit (for plug-in ACs) or turn it off at your switchboard (for hardwired units). After a few minutes, power it back on.
Know Your AC’s Maintenance Schedule
An air conditioner needs regular maintenance, like lawn, car, and other appliances. It prevents problems before they occur, saving you money in the long run.
An air conditioning professional will inspect various physical components such as the air filters, evaporator and condenser coils, thermostat function, and electrical connections. They will also check for clogs and refrigerant leaks.
If you see water puddles or wet spots around your AC unit, it’s time to call in a professional immediately. It could indicate a faulty capacitor, a bad motor, or a refrigerant leak.
These are serious issues that can cause severe damage to your air conditioner and your home. A professional can decode error codes and fix them before they become worse.
Know Your AC’s Components
Regular AC maintenance tasks like cleaning or replacing air filters, ensuring the compressor is charged correctly, inspecting electrical components, and lubricating moving parts can significantly increase your system’s lifespan and performance. However, when your AC is experiencing problems, you must know what you’re dealing with and contact a professional immediately.
For example, if you hear strange sounds such as clicking or grinding noises, rattling, whistling, or buzzing, it could indicate that your air conditioner is losing refrigerant, overheating, or has a blower fan problem. Knowing about your AC’s various components can also help you spot worn-out parts before they wear out completely, which helps you get quality replacements from your AC repair company.
Know Your AC’s Age
Your AC unit’s model and serial numbers are essential for several reasons. First, they can help you identify your unit and provide information about its specifications, age, and compatibility with replacement parts.
Knowing your AC’s age can also help you determine whether repair or replacement is better for your situation. For example, if your AC is old and prone to breakdowns, replacing it may be more cost-effective than paying for costly repairs.
Keeping up with routine maintenance, such as replacing the air filter and adjusting your thermostat, can also help extend the life of your AC. These simple, inexpensive tasks can significantly affect your home’s energy efficiency.
Know Your AC’s Warranty
A thorough AC repair warranty is a smart move to protect your investment. It also saves you money by covering some repairs, allowing you to avoid paying for these expenses out of pocket.
Aside from a few exclusions, a home warranty will likely cover most AC repair issues. However, it is essential to carefully read the fine print before committing to a warranty.
Generally, warranties do not cover issues arising from negligence or misuse of the system by the homeowner. For instance, if you skip the maintenance visits most manufacturers require, the warranty may be voided. This is especially true if you live in an area with high temperatures or frequent power surges. These conditions can cause the AC unit to run more often, leading to wear and tear over time.
Know Your AC’s Repair Options
If you’re experiencing odd sounds like clicking, grinding, whistling, or buzzing from your AC unit, it’s time to call a professional for help. These sounds can signal various issues, from a malfunctioning compressor to a broken fan motor or even dirty filters.
Other problems, like a capacitor struggling to start the fan or compressor motor, can also be fixed with simple routine maintenance tasks. These include cleaning or replacing your filter, checking the airflow at your registers, and maintaining proper pressures and temperatures in the furnace/evaporator coils and blower. Then, there are more complex repair jobs, such as replacing the compressor or fan motor. Depending on the problem and whether or not a specific part needs to be ordered, these might take longer to fix.
Know Your AC’s Repair Company
The air conditioning unit is a complex system with many moving parts. It requires regular maintenance to function correctly. A well-functioning AC can improve indoor air quality, reduce humidity, and lower energy bills.
Whether you’re looking for AC repair or routine maintenance, choosing a reliable company is essential. Check out a company’s reviews and read customer testimonials to determine their reputation.
Odd sounds like humming or buzzing indicate a problem with your AC’s motor, capacitor, or fan. It’s best to call a professional before the issue escalates to flooding in your home. Similarly, electrical odors or mildew smells may signal a dangerous leak or an electrical problem with your AC’s motor. A vetted AC repair professional can quickly identify the source of the problem and fix it.