When to Call In Your AC Repairman

The sizzling heat of a Texas summer can be unbearable, even more so when you’re in Houston. Under such heat, it’s important to keep the air conditioner running. The problem with that is that with constant use, your AC unit can slow down, or break down altogether. You can avoid sudden disasters like in the middle of July, by knowing the right time to call on licensed technicians to check your AC unit.

Before Problems Happen

Remember that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Regular maintenance can crowd your quarterly budget, but major repairs could be more costly. Call an AC professional for unit checkups at least once a year. An AC expert should be able to do the necessary maintenance work, such as cleaning the unit’s coils and filters, and inspecting the ductwork. Annual unit checkups should help catch potential problems that may cause you big headaches later on.

Fine-tuning Your Air Conditioning

It's always crucial to check your HVAC system so you know what needs tuning up and repairing. Here are a few things you should take a closer look at in order to maintain an effective and efficient air conditioner:

Air conditioner filters

Routinely inspect filters to ensure that dirt will not block normal airflow and that it will not be carried into other parts of the unit. When dirt reaches the coil, it can impair your equipment's ability to absorb heat and cool your home.

Air conditioner coils

Like filters, coils can also accumulate enough dust and dirt to lower the functionality of your air conditioning unit. Make sure to check your evaporator coil and condenser coil annually. Eliminate any debris blocking proper airflow and prune plants near the unit.

Coil fins and condensate drains

Coil fins can easily bend back and block airflow, while condensate drains can become clogged, making reducing humidity harder. Acquire a fin comb to brush back the fins into their original condition. In turn, pass a stiff wire through drain channels to eliminate debris.

Though it's great to tune up an AC by yourself, you should still hire a professional technician trained to find problems in your unit. An experienced technician can check for the right amount of refrigerant, test for any chemical leaks, inspect electric terminals, and verify control sequences to make sure that everything is in good working condition.

What to Look For In an AC Contractor

There are lots of companies specializing in air conditioning repair in Houston, Texas. But how do you choose the best one? You need to have a set of criteria when looking for the right AC contractor to do any job. Whether you need to install a new air conditioning system, or you just need someone to look at a non-cooling AC system.

Referrals

What will help boost your trust in a prospective contractor more than anything is if a friend or a family member has already acquired their services and was actually satisfied. Ask your family or friends so you can narrow down the list of contractor’s best fit for the job.

Licenses and Certifications

The next thing you need to ask is - does the contractor have a license and the proper certifications to run an air conditioning repair business?" If you are not aware of the specific certificates, you may search for information on the internet or call a government representative from your local area.

Insurance

In the event that a contractor gets hurt, you should not be held liable for it. There are specific types of insurance that protect you from this. A good AC repair company will have liability insurance. In addition, insurance to protect property that could be damaged during the repair service should also be considered.

How to Fix Your AC’s Thermostat

A lot of homeowners may not be aware that most of the air conditioning problems stem from a faulty thermostat. To check if the thermostat is still in good condition, here are some things that you have to look into:

Air Conditioning Repair - What You Can and Shouldn’t Do

When you prefer to deal with the repairs of your air conditioning unit, without having to spend on professional service, additional damage may be inflicted that can result in more costly repairs. You might end up losing the warranty of your air conditioning system, put your health at risk, and trigger household accidents.

Do know about basic repairs and general maintenance?

You should have a user’s manual that includes information on basic air conditioning repair and maintenance. After all, not every AC problem must be consulted with professionals. Know about the possible causes of every issue that you may potentially encounter and whether you can fix them by yourself.

Don’t mess with anything that you know nothing about.

It can be tempting to be your own handyman, but a faulty motor, compressor, and refrigerant should all be entrusted to a certified AC professional. Otherwise, you may have to replace parts or buy a new system. Avoid fooling with the wiring and other crucial parts when you aren’t familiar with them.

Do consult with professionals.

You will be saved from a lot of worries, particularly in terms of your finances, when you let the professionals work on your AC. It may call for some of your time and effort to find a credible company that can provide you with timely and high quality service. However, when you have someone that you can entrust with your air conditioning repair needs, all the time you invested will be worthwhile.

AC Problem Areas That Must Be Noted

Houston as a warm city is an understatement. The average high temperature in the city rarely fall down below 60 degrees Fahrenheit with its humid subtropical climate. These facts assure Houstonians that they will constantly experience temperatures relatively higher compared to the rest of the country.

No wonder air conditioning units are highly used in the city to keep homes and buildings cool. As it is known that Houston temperatures can hit beyond 80 degrees Fahrenheit even in winter.

Overworking these machines without proper maintenance, however, can result in inefficient AC units that can increase electric bills. Here are some of the problem areas AC owners must take note of:

Refrigerant

An inadequate level of refrigerant in the unit will not help the unit work properly. In most cases, the problem is caused by certain parts springing a leak. Fixing a refrigerant leak should be left to a professional since the chemical can be hazardous to your health.

Fans

It is important to keep the outside fan clean and to make sure it works properly. A fan that is not working can cause the conditioning compressor to overload and give in due to poor heat transfer.

Drains

Houston is a humid city, so it is important to constantly check the condensate drains to ensure that the unit is not stocking up on water. Drains expel any contaminants in the unit, resulting in cleaner, cooler air.