Regular AC repair Fresno is essential for your air conditioner. It takes 60 to 90 minutes. You should also check your condenser coils and check for refrigerant levels. If you’re unsure how to perform these maintenance tasks, contact an HVAC professional.
Air Conditioner Inspection Checks
Regular air conditioner inspections can help ensure a smooth operation and prevent costly AC repairs in the future. Regular checks include checking and cleaning air filters and condenser coils, which prevent dirt and debris from entering the unit. Technicians also run through the electrical control sequence to ensure all controls function properly.
The initial marketing for the AC servicing companies centered on these air conditioning maintenance services being more comprehensive than typical tune-ups. The company’s maintenance service takes 90 minutes, including taking the entire unit apart and cleaning it thoroughly. The service also includes waxing the unit, a luxury most people don’t consider necessary.
Refill Refrigerant
In your air conditioning system, the refrigerant plays an important role in cooling your home. It is a liquid that changes from a gas to a liquid to cool the air in your home. First, the refrigerant flows through your air conditioning system’s cooling tubes and copper coils and absorbs and releases heat. Then, it travels back and forth between the indoor and outdoor units.
To work properly, the refrigerant must be filled in the correct quantity. The amount your system needs depends on the type and age of your air conditioning system. Typically, refrigerant lasts 20 to 25 years. However, contamination and damage can shorten their lifespan. Therefore, it is important to get a high-quality installation to ensure that your refrigerant lines will last as long as your AC unit.
Cleaning Condenser Coils
Cleaning condenser coils is an important step in performing routine AC maintenance. However, dirty coils can attract biological contaminants and make your home unsafe. By keeping the coils clean, you can extend the life of your AC and cut utility costs. Fortunately, there are several ways to do it yourself.
You can use a coil brush, a wire brush, and a hand brush. This tool features stiff bristles and should be guided parallel to the coil’s fins. The main goal of using a coil brush is to remove loose dust and hair from the coils. This method doesn’t require a deep scrub but is a safe and efficient way to remove debris and dust from the coils.
Leveling Your Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is tilted, you may want to consider leveling it. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Either way, make sure that the foundation is solid and secure. Once the foundation is in place, it’s time to level the air conditioner. Proper leveling can prevent major damage to your unit.
Unleveled air conditioners can cause obnoxious noises while running, refrigerant leaks, and can also lead to premature wear and tear. If you’re uncomfortable with this task, you can hire a professional HVAC technician to level the pads.
Contactors
Contactors in your AC should be checked regularly as they direct electricity to various parts of the system. The system will not send electricity to cool the air if you have a faulty contactor. If this happens, you can still turn on your AC temporarily. However, a professional AC maintenance service should inspect the unit thoroughly to determine the cause and remedy any problem.
First, check the contactor’s plastic casing or molding to see if it’s melting. If the plastic is melted, it’s a sign that the contactor needs to be replaced. In many cases, contactor repairs are not worth replacing the entire component is a better option. Replacements are readily available and cost a fraction of the total repair cost.
Refrigerant Leaks
You should look for refrigerant leaks if you have an older air conditioning system. These leaks can result in reduced cooling capacity and increased energy bills. They may also cause the evaporator coil to freeze and cause short cycling. If you notice these symptoms, you should contact a professional for AC maintenance.
Refrigerant leaks are common problems with AC units. The most likely place to find them is in the evaporator coil. These leaks are caused by formicary corrosion on copper refrigerant lines. To check leakage, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the drain pan and drain line.
Cleaning Ductwork
Cleaning ductwork is a critical part of regular AC maintenance. The presence of dirt and other debris in the ductwork can lead to various HVAC issues, including poor airflow. Proper duct cleaning will prevent such problems and ensure the system works as efficiently as possible. Clogged air ducts can also harbor bacteria and other harmful contaminants. The resulting buildup can compromise the quality of air that your family breathes, increasing the risk of respiratory problems and even causing damage to objects.
Dust and dirt love to collect inside the ductwork. But unfortunately, dirt can cause indoor air quality problems, which can increase energy bills and reduce the life expectancy of your system. Besides the health risks, dirty ducts can cause the system to work harder than it should.