The Benefits of Routine HVAC Maintenance
Have you had that moment where you're sweating at home, and keep lowering the temperature of your thermostat, wondering why on earth it feels like 75 when the device is reading 68? This seems to be happening to you more often than not, but you hear and feel the AC working. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone - and you are not crazy.
This happens to so many people way too often - and there are so many reasons why this may be happening. This happens a lot in bigger homes, especially if you are cooling your larger space with a one-zone system. This article will reveal the reasons behind this common issue and some ways to help fix it... and better yet, avoid it altogether.
Different AC Services for What May Be Broken
There are many different issues that may require you to call in the professionals to perform AC services for you. Perhaps your AC’s air condenser isn’t working. Maybe your AC isn’t turning on at all or is constantly turning on and off.It may be running but not blowing any air, maybe it’s cooling but doing so inadequately. Perhaps it is working correctly and cooling adequately, but you suffer from what you believe to be HVAC allergies but are really air quality issues.
If your equipment is running intermittently, turning on but not blowing any air or blowing warm air, or inadequately cooling these are all issues that could be caused by a faulty thermostat. If you drop your thermostat and it doesn’t change anything, the cause could be a bad condenser, a blocked, dirty or faulty compressor or a dirty or faulty evaporator.
You can try clearing any blockages and cleaning the unit. If that doesn’t work you should not try any other DIYs. AC’s are complicated pieces of equipment that can quickly get dangerous and expensive to fix if done incorrectly. As for feeling sick or like you are suffering from HVAC allergies, oftentimes what causes this is a properly functioning AC unit that is pushing out poor quality air. This issue can often be fixed by thoroughly cleaning the unit, the vents, and ensuring you have small particle filters in place.
Best Practices to Prevent AC Issues
Bigger and costly air conditioning issues can usually be prevented early on. If you are paying attention to your AC and how it is running you should know when it is running impaired, and you can call in the professionals to perform a preventative equipment inspection.
When an air conditioning unit is regularly (and properly) inspected, maintained and cleaned, your equipment will run not only more efficiently but will also have a longer working life. It will also lower your energy costs, and ensure that you have a system that will ensure good air quality. Often when AC technicians inspect the equipment, they will be able to not only detect minor issues that could turn into bigger ones, but they will also recommend fixes to save your equipment - and your wallet.
Though the best practice is to have your equipment inspected annually and cleaned at least twice a year, there are certain signs that you will need to pay attention to as they imply you will need immediate inspection. Those signs are when your AC is unable to keep a consistent temperature; if your unit is making any kind of groaning or knocking sounds; if the equipment is turning on and off on its own; or if you notice any smoke coming from your AC at all.
Please remember if you have an AC emergency, you may have to call for what is considered an emergency repair - and those rates might be higher.
Calling a Technician Ensures Safety
Though every homeowner, and many renters, will become experienced DIYers, HVAC issues are not the best home repairs to attempt. HVAC equipment is very intricate and highly sensitive machinery that is best left to the professionals. Messing around with HVAC equipment if you are untrained is highly dangerous, and frequently recommend against.In order to become an HVAC professional, technicians have trained for years and in many cases even served in an apprenticeship. Professional techs also have the proper tools and HVAC safety equipment to use while working on your unit - the right gauges, goggles, gloves, ear covers, and respiratory protection.
The correct equipment to work on these items, as well as to keep yourself safe, is not something in a regular homeowners’ toolbox. The additional cost associated with these tools will be great if you even have access to them. Also keep in mind that if you do try your own HVAC repairs, it could be costly in other ways.
Many times, your homeowners’ insurance will not cover any damages from mistakes you make, as they will have clauses against anyone unlicensed doing major repairs. Professionals are unlikely to make a mistake, but if they do or if some other incident occurs, they are insured to handle it. You could also void your warranty by attempting your own fixes. When it comes to HVAC repair, play it safe and call in the pros.
Pensacola’s Trusted HVAC Repair Shop
Boutwell’s Air Masters experts have been ensuring air quality services in Pensacola, FL. They have been preventing all neighbors from having to deal with any kind of an AC emergency since 1973. From day one, they have worked to stay true to their mission statement of providing top-end service for affordable prices. For services you can trust, and prices you can afford, you don’t need to look any further!
