4 Things that Can Go Wrong with Your AC

It can be difficult to detect when you are having problems with your heating and air conditioning system (HVAC). Some common problems, if left unattended, can damage your system, increase your utility bills and cause poor indoor air quality. Any time one of the following problem presents itself, make sure to have your HVAC system repaired by a professional, to avoid it breaking down or needing to be replaced.

1. A Dirty AC Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system will eventually become clogged with dirt, dust, mold and other pollutants. When the filter is clogged, your system needs to work harder, expending more energy and reducing its lifespan. A dirty filter also spreads contaminants around your home and the other parts of your HVAC system.
It’s essential to check your filter monthly by holding it up to the light. If no light passes through the filter, it needs to be changed. To keep your HVAC unit working correctly, you must change your air filter every three months and make sure that nothing is blocking your air registers, such as curtains or furniture.

2. Low Refrigerant

The refrigerant in your HVAC unit absorbs outside air heat during the winter, and gives off heat in the summer, warming and cooling your home as needed. If your AC is not cooling your home properly and you notice an increase in your utility bills, the culprit can be low refrigerant caused by poor installation or a leak.
A wet area around the connections of the hose or oily streaks around your compressor are possible signs of a leak. A lot of older HVAC units leak some refrigerant every year, so regularly replacing this refrigerant should be part of its maintenance. If you find that your coolant needs to be recharged more than once per year, an AC technician needs to repair the leak in your unit.

3. Problems With the Thermostat

Your thermostat won’t work properly and get an accurate measure of the temperature of your home if it’s close to your oven, next to a draft or on a warm sunny wall so make sure to avoid these placement areas. The components in your thermostat can also be dirty from dust, causing your AC unit to work overtime and waste energy.

If your thermostat is not working at all, most likely this is due to a wiring issue, or a battery issue if you have a wireless model. Check that your unit is turned on, the batteries are working, and it’s correctly set for the season.

4. Ductwork That’s Leaky or Dirty

Dirt, must, dust and other contaminants will start to accumulate inside your ducts, lowering your HVAC units efficiency. Other things that can lead to lower indoor quality and higher energy bills are gaps, leaks or poorly installed ductwork. Some of the indicators of a leak are whistling, buzzing or flapping wings noises.
To ensure that you have clean ducts, open the air register and wipe the inside with a damp cloth. If any pest droppings, cobwebs, mold or dirt remains in the fabric, then your ductwork needs to be professionally cleaned. An HVAC professional will also register and fix any leaks, so your unit runs at its optimal conditions.

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Air Conditioning Tune Ups

With summer on the way, it’s time to make sure your air conditioner is in top shape. Neglecting it could mean your high summer electricity bills will be even higher than necessary. Here are the steps you need to take to make sure you spend as little as possible on summer air conditioning.

Put in fresh filters

Minimal air conditioner use during the winter might have meant you got out of the habit of regularly changing your air filter. Start the air conditioning season with a brand new air filter to ensure maximum air flow. If your filter is clogged, it’s making your air conditioner run longer and use more energy. Write down the date your filter needs to be replaced, and strictly follow the replacement schedule until the end of air conditioning season.

Take care of your outdoor condenser unit

Falling leaves and other winter debris have likely accumulated on or around your condenser during the winter. With the power disconnected to ensure the fan doesn’t suddenly turn on and injure you, be sure all of this debris is cleared away. Trim any surrounding bushes or plants to make sure your AC condenser has a couple of feet of breathing room. If you have no plants around it, planting bushes nearby can help provide shade that will keep it cool and running more efficiently.

Make sure your AC’s vents aren’t blocked

If you have ceiling vents, this will be easy, but make sure no hanging decorations or large furniture are blocking your air flow. For floor or window vents, be sure you haven’t moved any furniture or other items in front of them. In addition to making sure the space directly in front of the vent is clear, you’ll also need to make sure there is nothing blocking the air from circulating around the room. Also make sure your vents are clean — dirty vents are no better than vents with a couch blocking them.

Install a programmable thermostat

Turning the temperature up by five degrees while you’re at work during the day could cut your electricity use by 5 percent. You can try doing this by hand, but there will be many days where you forget to turn up the temperature before you leave or come home to a miserably hot house. A programmable thermostat will make the adjustments for you to save energy during the day and make sure your home is comfortable when you return.

Schedule an AC tune-up

An annual AC tune-up can help restore your air conditioner to peak performance. Much like going without oil changes or maintenance over time, not maintaining your AC regularly reduces its performance. When your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, parts inevitably need to be realigned or cleaned. Each small problem can add several percent to your electricity bill if not corrected. Regular air conditioning tune-ups can also prolong your AC’s life and reduce repairs by detecting small problems before they turn into big ones.

Call Trophy-AC in San Antonio to schedule an AC tune-up and check out our money saving coupons to get the best deal possible on your air conditioning repair and tune-up. Call today at 210-393-9617.

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