Your air conditioner accounts for a big chunk of your utility bills in the summer, so even a small loss in efficiency can turn into big spending. There are a lot of things that might be causing a loss in efficiency too — from leaks in your system to dirty air filters.
Sometimes it is obvious what the problem is, but sometimes you will just notice the higher bills or that your air conditioner does not seem to be cooling the house as quickly.
If you do notice these problems with your air conditioner, it is time to call in a professional. While it might be something as simple as a dirty air filter, it might be a bigger problem that will cause even more issues down the line. If you suspect there is something wrong, get in touch with the heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis today, and we can figure out exactly what the problem is.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
In addition to addressing problems as they come up, it is a good idea to have a regular maintenance check on your HVAC system to make sure there are not any small problems waiting to become big ones. Spring is a great time for regular maintenance, as it will prepare your air conditioner for heavy use in the summer. There are a lot of DIY air conditioner maintenance tricks you can do on your own, but only a professional can spot the more insidious problems.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
When you have a professional come out to check your air conditioner, these are the things you will want to make sure that they check out:
- Air Filters: Your air filter should be cleaned or replaced often to prevent issues with airflow and reduce indoor air pollution. This is a simple process and shouldn’t take very long.
- Leaks: Even a small leak can spell trouble and greatly reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency. Make sure to have your ducts checked for leaks or gaps.
- Compressor: Not only does your compressor (located in the outdoor condenser unit) need to be kept clean and free of debris to work properly, it is a good indicator of other issues. Over-amperage in your compressor is a telltale sign of other issues.
- Condenser and Evaporator Coils: The evaporator coils are usually in the interior unit and this is where heat absorption occurs to cool the air. Outside, the condenser coils dissipate that heat with the help of fans. All of these parts need to be kept clean and free of buildup to keep your air conditioner running well.
- Refrigerant Levels: This is what runs through your coils to absorb heat from the air. The main thing to look out for with refrigerant is that your air conditioner has enough to properly cool your home. Again, leaks can be an issue here.
Get More Tips for Savings on Cooling
In addition to checking these common problem spots for leaks and buildup, you will want to have someone look at the electrical aspects of your air conditioner as well. Not only are bad electrical connections a problem for air conditioner function, they can be dangerous as well. All of these are things that your heating & air conditioning maintenance professional from Galmiche & Sons should check when doing spring maintenance on your HVAC system.
