Air conditioning units are typically built to last for about 10-12 years. Unfortunately, the times you need your air conditioner the most at the beginning or middle of summer is usually when it will fail. Luckily, not every system hiccup spells total doom. Many problems are cheap and easy to fix. When your system breaks down you will need help as soon as possible.
Preventing HVAC Problems; Schedules A/C Maintenance, Licensed AC Repairs & Timely Replacements
The number one reason that emergency calls are made is due to improper preventative maintenance. Homeowners should be aware of the necessary preventative measures that need to be taken which include changing air filters. You should also schedule an annual or bi-annual professional maintenance visit. This will include a professional cleaning and checking the system’s components and verifying fluid levels. These tasks are necessary for the efficiency, reliability, and safety or your AC system or furnace. Inexperienced service on your system is another reason for problems. Professional HVAC repair by a licensed HVAC Contractor is also essential to the safety and reliability of heating and air cooling equipment. You should always use professionals for service to prevent the need for inconvenient, costly, and possibly dangerous emergency repairs that can be caused by inexperienced workers. As heating and cooling systems age they are more prone to give you problems than newer, more reliable, and more efficient models. If you are frequently paying for repeated repairs and emergency service calls you could be throwing money away. Consider the 50% rule. When the cost of repairs approaches 50% of the value of your system, you’re typically better off financially in the long run by upgrading your system.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with HVAC Systems
There are things you can check if you’re having issues. If your condenser isn’t running you should check the power to make sure the unit is plugged in. If it is, you can then check to make sure the fuse isn’t blown or that the circuit isn’t tripped. The thermostat could be incorrectly set. You can try lowering the thermostat by five degrees and see if it kicks on. If it doesn’t, it’s likely a faulty motor or compressor. Inadequate air cooling can be caused by a dirty evaporator. If cleaning it doesn’t fix the problem, then you may have an improperly sized air conditioner. If the air system is running but isn’t cooling, then you need to check the thermostat first and then take a look at the condenser. Check to see if it’s dirty or blocked. You can clean and/or remove the blockage and see if that fixes the problem. If it continues to blow without cool air it could be the compressor or an inadequate amount of refrigerant or freon. Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air within the air conditioning system. Reduced levels of refrigerant could be due to a leak or problem with the refrigerant system. Anytime the coolant needs to be addressed you need to contact a professional. If your HVAC unit is shutting off and on repeatedly this could also be a dirty or blocked condenser but could also be a dirty evaporator. A good cleaning usually solves this problem. Faulty wiring could be the problem and can prevent the system from getting adequate power.
Air Conditioning Installation, Repair, Tune-Ups, Troubleshooting, Emergency Repair & Prevention AC Services in Purvis, Petal & Hattiesburg MS & Pine Belt, Mississippi
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting and your problem still exists, or you just don’t have the time, patience or confidence to attempt troubleshooting, then give Steve’s Heating & Air a call!
