Whether it’s a leaky faucet, clogged kitchen sink or window that won’t close, many of us are proud when we can successfully fix something around the house on our own. But when it comes to your air conditioning system, AC repair should always be left to a professional. Getting regular maintenance from an experienced and certified technician can help extend the life of your AC unit, saving you both money and worry.
During an AC inspection or tune-up, your service tech will look at more than just the air filter. They will also check the compressor and its fan, the evaporator coils, electrical components and safety controls. And they’ll make sure your unit is the right size for your home.
The best way to avoid AC repair is to prevent problems before they happen. Having regular HVAC maintenance done in the spring and fall, as well as scheduling a tune-up at the beginning of summer, can help you avoid AC breakdowns. But even the best-maintained systems need repairs at some point.
A few common signs that it’s time to call for AC repair include:
Your home isn’t cooling. The first step to take if your air conditioner isn’t producing cold air is to check your air filter. If it’s clogged or covered with dirt, it may be blocking the flow of air through your AC system. A clean filter should allow plenty of cool air to circulate through your home and keep your home comfortable.
If you don’t find a problem with your air filter, the next thing to check is that your thermostat has power and that its battery isn’t dead. It’s also possible that the power switch on your indoor air handler is off or a circuit breaker for your outdoor unit has been tripped.
Another sign of a failing compressor is that it’s making loud or strange noises. Banging or screeching sounds may indicate a compressor issue, and if you hear the sound of the motor running but it’s not producing cool air, this is likely due to a refrigerant leak.
Finally, if you notice that your indoor air feels stale or musty, this could be a sign that mold has grown inside the compressor. You should contact an HVAC specialist as soon as possible to address this problem.
The service technician will also be able to tell you what part of your air conditioning system is causing the issue, how or why that part went out and what options you have for repairing it. They will explain everything to you in a language that’s easy to understand, so you can make the best decision for your situation.
Once the service tech is finished with their work, they’ll likely give you a report, including repair recommendations and suggestions for improving your system’s performance. It’s a good idea to ask them about the importance of scheduled maintenance and how you can avoid future breakdowns with routine care.