In the dog days of South Florida summer, having a fully functioning air conditioner is a top priority. There is nothing worse than seeking refuge from the unbearable heat of the day, only to find your own home is just as hot as the outdoors! To ensure that your air conditioning system runs as efficiently as possible and you don’t encounter this problem, let’s take a look at some of the Do’s and Don’ts of AC repair.
6 Thing You Must Know When Repairing Your AC
DO Inspect the Air Conditioner Coil and Coil Fins
While the air filter stops dust, pet hair and dirt at the vents, the air conditioner’s evaporator coil collects the debris that manages to make it through. However, after long periods of service, the evaporator coil can become clogged. A clogged coil will reduce airflow and decrease efficiency.
It is important to monitor and replace the evaporator coil at least once per year. Furthermore, the fins on the evaporator coil must also be monitored, as can be bent out of shape and block airflow to the unit.
According to the Department of Energy, “An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.”
DON’T Block the Air Vents
Placing things like furniture, houseplants, or electronics in front of air vents can obstruct airflow and decrease the efficiency of the system. Ensure that there is a clear path to the air vents at all times.
DO Routinely Replace or Clean Air Filters.
Cleaning and replacing your air filters is the most important maintenance task you can perform, and the easiest way to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Air filters ensure that dust, dirt, and debris don’t make it into your AC system and get cycled throughout the home.
However, if unchecked, the air filter can become clogged, thus blocking normal airflow. A blocked filter can reduce the system’s efficiency, as the air conditioner must work harder to function properly. According to the US Department of Energy, replacing a clogged filter can reduce the system’s energy consumption 5% to 15%.
Furthermore, the system is more likely to be overworked and break if the filter is clogged.
The air filter needs more diligent attention if the system is always running, or if the home has pets, as animal fur can be a major cause of clogging.
DON’T Attempt Complicated Repairs or Maintenance Yourself.
Some routine AC repair tasks, such as checking the filter and coil, can be done yourself.
However, most other AC maintenance is complicated and should always be handled by a licensed and knowledgeable technician. Tasks like adjusting refrigerant levels and electrical wiring, repairing a motor, cleaning the air duct, or repairing leaks should always be performed by a professional. Attempting these tasks yourself could result in further damage of the system and could also be dangerous.
DO Hire a Professional for Routine Maintenance and Checkups.
The expression, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”, should never apply to an air conditioner.
AC systems require regular maintenance and check-ups from a professional technician, even if they don’t appear to have any issues. Energy Star recommends that you, “keep your cooling and heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups.”
A well-trained technician should perform tasks such as check refrigerant levels, test for leaks, check airflow through the coil, oil motors and check belts for tightness, and check thermostat accuracy.
DON’T Put Maintenance Off Until Something Breaks.
If a small problem goes undealt with, it can eventually lead to a much larger and more expensive repair.
The importance of having a technician perform periodic tune-ups cannot be stressed enough. Your AC system should be serviced at least annually to ensure that there are no major problems, and to prevent a catastrophic issue down the road. Waiting until the problem arises is never the best course of action when it comes to AC repair.
If you are in need of AC repair, turn to the knowledgeable professionals at Direct AC. Whether you need a significant repair, or just a simple checkup, Direct AC has the most experienced and skilled AC technicians in South Florida.
Don’t wait for your air conditioner to break, call Direct AC today!
