Check Your AC Unit Before You Start Using It
Even though you may feel like February is a bit too early to be thinking about your AC unit, it may actually be a perfect time. You can check every aspect of your air conditioner before you need it. After that, you will have plenty of time to fix it and prepare it for the next season.
Improper maintenance and neglect are actually the leading cause of air conditioning malfunctioning. Therefore, if it’s been a while since you have had your AC unit checked, now might be the best time. You can learn more about professional maintenance here. However, if you want to spot some problems yourself, here are some of the most common ones.
Programmable Thermostats
You may be experiencing problems because you have a thermostat that offers a variety of options which you may not be aware of. Make sure to set the right temperature and humidity before you decide that your AC unit is in need of repairs. Keep in mind that you can save a lot of electricity by setting your air conditioning to slightly higher temperatures.
When it comes to window or wall mounted units, you may need to try out a few settings before you can accurately decide what the best option is.
Air Filters
Your air filter helps your AC bring in fresh, clean air without any dust or germs in it. However, if you do not change it or clean it regularly, it will get clogged and obstruct the normal flow of air. That may cause your unit to work extra hard and extra loud to achieve the same cooling effect.
The common wisdom shared by air conditioning experts is to clean or replace your air filters once a month, but if the system hasn’t been used in a while, you should definitely do it before you start using it.
Appliances Are Too Close to the AC Unit
If your AC is turning on at unnecessarily at random times, it may be time to take a closer look at the positioning of your appliances and your AC unit. If your TV or other appliances that emit heat are too close to the AC unit or it’s thermostat, it may be sending the wrong information to your AC unit.
This problem can be solved fairly easily and without expensive repairs, so that should be the first thing you check if your AC is running at wrong times.
Your Outdoor Compressor Unit Is Obstructed
Air Conditioning units with an external compressor unit have an extra requirement when it comes to proper functioning. The outdoor unit needs to be unobstructed and requires at least 2 feet of clear space around it. That means that you cannot store anything on or around it, and you cannot have plants growing too close to it.
It is also important that the outside unit has about 5 feet of space above it clear, either from structures or plants.
There’s Not Enough Refrigerant
Your AC unit relies on a chemical refrigerant to cool down the air inside your house. This chemical is kept inside the device and is not released into the air.
However, over time the refrigerant may run out or it can leak out. This significantly diminishes the cooling capacity of your AC unit. If you notice some freezing around your AC, it is a clear sign of a refrigerant leak.
Don’t Miss Your Maintenance
Letting a qualified technician check your AC is important. That’s because they can catch potential problems before they cause serious damage. Moreover, it will optimize your AC unit’s performance to save you money in the long run.
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