Welcome to the ultimate starter guide to AC maintenance and repair. Why is preventative maintenance important for air conditioning as well as heating systems? Air conditioning and heating systems are essential for any home or business, but without proper preventative maintenance, both can become a source of frustration and can even end up costing you more money in the long run.
Preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure that your air conditioning and heating systems continue to function efficiently. In this starter guide, we’ll talk about why preventative maintenance is crucial for HVAC systems, why your AC might be running but not cooling, what to check if your AC isn’t working properly, and when it’s time to call a professional for HVAC repairs. We’ll talk about choosing repair vs. replacement and how to perform basic AC maintenance and repair.
Why Is AC Maintenance and Repair Important?
Regular HVAC maintenance and repair are crucial for keeping any space comfortable and energy efficient. Even more, preventive maintenance helps to identify any potential problems before they become major issues, while air conditioning repair can help restore your system to its optimal performance.
And with energy prices rising, any chance for a lower utility bill is welcome! AC system repairs can help to reduce energy consumption by ensuring that your air conditioner is running efficiently. By investing in regular HVAC maintenance and repair, you can extend the life of your HVAC system and enjoy a comfortable home or workplace no matter the season.
Why Is My AC Running But Not Cooling?
If your air conditioner is running but not cooling properly, it could be a sign of an underlying issue or potential problem that needs to be addressed. Common easy fixes include dirty air filters, blocked vents, and faulty thermostats.
Faulty thermostat
Incorrect thermostat settings or a faulty thermostat can cause your AC to run but still blow out warm air. Check that you have your thermostat set to cool mode in the warmer months and heat mode in the cooler months. Set the temperature a few degrees lower to see if the system starts cooling. If resetting the temperature on the thermostat doesn’t work, try one of the other solutions listed below.
Clogged air filters
Clogged air filters will reduce airflow to your cooling system. Air filters keep debris and dust from entering your cooling system and compromising the air quality. And over time, debris and dust can build up and block the air filters. Without adequate airflow, your AC may run but still blow out warm air.
To clean the air filters, remove them from your AC and hold them up to the light. If you can see through them, you’re good. If not, it’s time to replace or clean your air filters to have your AC system run efficiently.
Blocked ventilation
Your outdoor unit may be blocked. But don’t worry– it’s an easy fix! Since the outdoor unit is in charge of pushing out hot air in the warmer months and cold air in the cooler months, proper ventilation is crucial to system operation. Check your outdoor HVAC unit for signs of blockage, like brush or debris. Turn off your whole system, including the circuit breaker, and remove any small leaves or branches by hand.
Frozen evaporator coils
Evaporator coils help to remove heat and humidity from the air passing through your indoor AC unit. Then, the cooling system sends the cooled air back into the room. But if your evaporator coils are freezing up, they are unable to effectively transfer heat and your system will lose its cooling ability.
Refrigerant leak
If your HVAC system has a refrigerant leak, your AC is working harder but with less efficiency. Over time, a refrigerant leak will result in more wear and tear on your cooling system, plus higher energy bills. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact an HVAC professional immediately.
Leaky ducts
With central air, almost one-third of the air moving through the ducts is lost due to poor insulation and leaky ducts. Stop the unnecessary loss of conditioned air by sealing and insulating your ducts.
What to Check if My AC Isn’t Working Properly
If your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly or is producing hot air, it’s important to first determine the cause of the problem before attempting to troubleshoot your HVAC system. Many times, the source of a technical issue is something simple and overlooked, such as no power source or a missing plug connection. Or you may need to address multiple issues simultaneously.
To double-check that your AC isn’t working properly, try to turn down the thermostat by five degrees. Wait for the air conditioner to blow out cool air. If your AC is still producing hot or warm air, you know that your system has a problem. You can try any of the following to see if they resolve the issue:
- Calibrate your thermostat and check the battery.
- Check for a tripped circuit breaker.
- Change your HVAC filter every 90 days for maximum AC efficiency.
- Clear and clean your AC drain.
- Thaw out your evaporator coils.
Repair vs. Replace
Unfortunately, air conditioners don’t last forever and yours may need to be replaced after a few years. An average air conditioner has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Once your cooling system begins to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to consider the age of your unit, your current energy efficiency, and how often your HVAC system has been serviced.
When deciding whether or not to replace your air conditioner, a trusted professional can guide you through the costs of replacement versus repair. It’s always a good idea to consider potential savings from increased energy efficiency. Think of a replacement as an investment in your home!
When Should I Call a Professional for AC Maintenance and Repair?
AC systems can be complex and require specialized skills to maintain and repair. If you have any doubts about how your heating and cooling system works, it’s best to call an HVAC contractor for help. A certified HVAC technician can diagnose the issue, help you choose to repair or replace it, estimate the final cost of repairs, and offer full warranty coverage and support throughout the AC maintenance and repair process.
Finding a reliable HVAC technician can be difficult but there are a few ways you can ensure quality customer service. The experts at Team Air-zona can help you guarantee that your system is running smoothly again in no time!
Schedule AC Maintenance and Repair with Team Air-Zona Today!
If you want to learn more about preventative maintenance or talk to one of our trusted technicians, call us today! Remember, the maintenance and repair of your heating and cooling system is an investment in your future comfort.
