Home A/C Maintenance

Although it seems like common knowledge that an air conditioner cools down higher temperatures of air, many people are unaware that by making this process more efficient they can drastically reduce their cooling costs. In addition, compromised components can cause an air conditioner to experience additional problems. This makes regular preventative maintenance a must for heating and air conditioning services.

In order to determine whether an air conditioner is running optimally, it needs to be checked by a professional technician. Air conditioning and heating requires professional handling. While straightening air conditioner fins might seem like a straightforward process, air conditioners have components, such as electrical ones that should be free from corrosion. A professional technician has the expertise, equipment and solvents that allow for proper maintenance. At-home methods of maintenance can prove expensive and potentially fatal for heat and air conditioning. For instance, refrigerant requires professional handling. If it is inhaled, it can prevent oxygen from reaching vital organs. Through the skin, it can be absorbed into the body, which can cause organ damage and even death.

Most problems with air conditioners can be avoided with preventative maintenance. For instance, the compressor can run harder if the air conditioner has dirty condenser coils. One problem can lead to others. For instance, a dirty filter can prevent refrigerant from turning into gas, which, in turn, causes problems for the compressor. Preventative maintenance can reduce costs by keeping an air conditioner running efficiently, but it also prevents total system failure, which can be more costly to repair in the end.

A trained eye will be able to see what’s wrong with an air conditioner. For instance, an air conditioner is comprised of air filters, evaporator coils, condensing coils, thermostats, contactors, relays and motor capacitors, in addition to other parts, the way they’re connected and the way they need to be dismantled and reassembled. In an air conditioner, the evaporator coil is cooled by refrigerant. The refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas and back into a liquid to increase efficiency. This efficient manner of cooling helps to reduce the amount of energy needed in cooling the home. However, structural defects and obstructions will reduce an air conditioner’s efficiency and more energy will be used.

Everyone is looking to reduce their heat and air conditioning costs. Performing regular air conditioning and heating maintenance is one way to ensure success. It’s best to get an air conditioner checked before the weather heats up. Checking it before it’s needed will prevent an air conditioner from malfunctioning, and it will prevent everyone in the home from being uncomfortable. Keeping up on heating and air conditioning services is one of the best ways to reduce utility costs.