View Specials- Wash External and Internal Components
- Your HVAC Technician Should Tighten and Clean Connections
As your air conditioner operates (or sits dormant during the winter), its internal connections start to loosen. If electrical connections are not adequately tightened, the system may short out. Alternatively, insects can cause the contactor to stick, keeping the AC unit running. When the AC unit is on constantly and the contactor is stuck, the system will freeze up. If this happens, the compressor can be damaged, causing you to replace your entire home cooling system.
- Clear Out Drain Lines
Pests are notorious for seeking shelter in drainage lines. During the warmer months, the constant humming and vibration of your working AC unit deters insects and small animals from making their homes in its vents and drain lines. But for the months of inactivity, your AC unit may be seen as a big apartment complex for homeless bugs and rodents.
Even if insects are absent from your drainage lines, dirt and debris still collect in the lines throughout the winter. Any obstruction, regardless of its source, affects the ability of your air conditioner to perform properly.
- Your HVAC Technician Should Check Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant in your air conditioner is responsible for cooling the inside air. If your refrigerant levels are low, your AC unit is either inefficient or, worse, ineffective at cooling your home. If the refrigerant level is low, you need to replace it.
- Make Sure Your HVAC Technician Measures Motor and Compressor Amperage
The compressor is responsible for the “kicking on” of your AC unit, and the motor is responsible for circulating your household air. If the amperage of your AC compressor is high, it causes a “hard start” each time the unit turns on. Even something as seemingly harmless as a hard start drastically shortens the lifetime of your AC unit, so it’s important to be aware of your compressor’s amperage.
If your air conditioner’s motor is operating with high amperage, your home is not being cooled efficiently. You may notice that your air conditioner is working constantly, but your home is never cool, or that your utility bills reflect your system is working much harder than it needs to. Checking your motor amperage early in the season helps you avoid the frustration of a broken or ineffective AC unit in the heat of summer.
- Check Temperature of Vent Air
In order to cool your whole home efficiently, the air coming directly out of your vents should be 18-20 degrees cooler than your desired ambient temperature. Try feeling the air as it escapes from your vents or even testing it with a handheld thermometer. If there’s a discrepancy, your AC unit is not operating efficiently and may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Lubricate Where Needed
It’s possible that your AC unit’s components are fully lubricated and ready to go.
But the motors should certainly be well oiled in order to ensure proper performance.
As summer approaches, it’s important to make sure your home cooling system is ready to take on the challenge of keeping your family comfortable. With these few simple steps, prepare your AC unit for rising temperatures and ensure that your house stays cool no matter how warm the weather gets.
Ensuring your HVAC technician washes the coils before running your air conditioning unit for the first time is essential.
Lots of debris accumulate in and around your AC unit throughout the “off” season, and any buildup sabotages the performance of your air conditioner. When debris on the fan’s blades obstructs spinning, or dust clogs the coils, it makes the entire home cooling system work harder. Make sure all the components are clean and unobstructed, so your AC unit runs efficiently.
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