One of the worst things that can happen on a hot summer day is your air conditioner breaking down. Not to mention, AC repairs can be expensive and troublesome. Rather than waiting for a total breakdown, you can assess your HVAC system using these simple tips and determine if you need AC repairs before the problem gets too bad. With HVAC systems, small issues like clogs, leaks, and buildup may not cause much of an issue at first, but left alone they can cause damage to parts inside your heating & air conditioning system, so it is important to address small problems early.
Why Preventative Maintenance is Important
This is just one reason a regular air conditioner servicing visit from your HVAC team is a good idea. Beyond preventing a catastrophic breakdown and extensive AC repairs, regular maintenance can keep your HVAC system running more smoothly, which means you will be more comfortable and will save significantly on energy bills. Even buildup or a small leak can have a big impact on your wallet over time, so maintaining energy efficiency is another reason to look into preventative AC repairs and other maintenance measures.
Do You Need AC Repairs?
How do you know it is time to call in AC repairs? There are a few simple ways you can test how your AC is functioning. The easiest is to see how quickly your air conditioner is able to cool your home. Set your thermostat a few degrees colder than the current temperature and make sure it is set to “cool.” From there, you can see if the temperature drops by at least one degree per hour. If it is taking longer or does not reach the target temperature, you know you need AC repairs. It could be something as simple as a dirty air filter, but this can also indicate bigger issues, like a refrigerant leak.
Another thing to look (or listen) out for is a high pitched squealing sound coming from your AC unit. This often indicates a worn out belt somewhere in the unit. Usually, this is the blower fan belt, which wears out more quickly than other components. A screechier squeal could also mean a problem with your compressor, so if you hear a noise like this, contact your HVAC team for AC repairs.
Finally, you can check for draining issues and clogs pretty easily as well. One common problem is a clogged condensate drain line and you can investigate this by opening the air handler cabinet and checking the condensate drain pan. With your AC running, this pan should be draining water at a steady rate. If there is more water in the pan after running your unit for a few hours, you likely have a clog.
Find an HVAC Team for AC Repairs
One reason you want to check these things regularly is that even a small condensate draining issue can cause significant water damage if left unattended. If you notice any of these issues, get in touch with Galmiche & Sons for high-quality air conditioner repair in St. Louis. As an experienced, professional heating & air conditioning team serving St. Louis, we can address all these issues and more, and we also perform preventative maintenance visits if you are not sure you need AC repairs yet.
