If your HVAC system is older, professional inspection and servicing could save money by uncovering costly repairs before they happen.
An HVAC technician can spot and address many minor problems with your AC before they become major headaches.
Contents
Check the Thermostat
Your thermostat must function effectively for your air conditioning system to function efficiently. If the thermostat does not send the correct signals to the AC system, this can cause numerous issues ranging from not turning on at all or reaching set temperatures to error messages and inaccurate temperature indication.
There are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can take to determine if the thermostat is to blame for problems in your AC system. First and foremost, ensure the thermostat has power by either resetting its circuit breaker or checking for fuse issues.
Use a multimeter to perform this test and take readings against the wall of your thermostat to check for high voltage connections between it and HVAC system components. You can visit this site to learn more about multimeters. If high voltage connections exist between thermostat and HVAC components, high voltage readings will indicate it.
Clean the Evaporator Coil
Your AC system’s evaporator coil captures heat from air flowing through it, then transfers it into your home. If this coil becomes dirty, its efficiency may diminish significantly, and your system will not operate effectively.
To clean an evaporator coil, first, turn off your AC unit and allow it to cool before opening the access panel and unscrewing all screws holding it in place. Use a nylon brush to gently sweep aluminum fins in an outwards motion until all are clean.
Start by applying a foam coil cleaner as instructed on its label, letting it soak for at least half an hour, then use an air compressor in the opposite direction to blow across the coils to clear away any remaining debris and any bent or flattened fins using a fin comb, before finally reattaching and sealing off your access panel with HVAC tape.
Clean the Condenser Coil
Dirty coils not only reduce your AC’s efficiency but can lead to costly repairs as well. Cooling your home involves drawing warm air in through return ducts, passing it over the evaporator coils, and blowing cool air out through supply ducts; condenser coils play a pivotal role in this process and must remain clean to be effective.
Aluminum coil fins may become bent or flattened over time without proper care, requiring them to bend or flatten even further. A fin comb or brush can help return them back to their original positions and restore airflow for optimum performance.
Dirty fins prevent airflow, forcing your coil to work harder – increasing energy costs and leading to faster wear time for your coil.
Before cleaning the coils, always switch off the power to your unit. Remove any large debris from around the coil, such as leaves or any weeds that might obstruct airflow. Next, spray foaming cleaner onto your coils for the duration specified on the product label.
Check the Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is integral in cooling air that passes through an AC system and creating a comfortable indoor environment. You can click the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigerant to learn more.
If refrigerant levels drop too low, however, it could prevent proper cooling of air through an AC unit and could result in performance issues or higher energy bills – so manufacturers carefully set appropriate levels to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.
At an AC service visit, the technician will check refrigerant levels and adjust accordingly if required. They may also use leak detection solutions to identify any problems with refrigerant leakage; should one occur, they are equipped to repair it so the system runs optimally once more.
Signs of low refrigerant include ice build-up on the evaporator coil, higher energy bills than usual, and poor cooling performance.
If any of these symptoms occur, contact a professional right away. The AC system services technician will check refrigerant levels, look for leaks in your system, and recheck pressure readings on gauges to make sure they fall within acceptable parameters. This helps them diagnose the problem with your unit.
Check the Electrical Connections
Electrical wiring of your AC system may become problematic at times. This is particularly the case if your equipment has been exposed to power surges from lightning strikes or after being restored after an extended power outage, leading to spikes of electricity that damage equipment or increase fire risks.
Circuit breakers are designed to safeguard against these events by shutting off power to certain circuits before any potential damage or fire risks occur.
An access panel should always be opened and checked physically for broken, loose wires or any sign of melting plastic to detect and correct issues before they worsen. You should also inspect fuses regularly and replace them as necessary. It is essential that any work related to electrical wiring be handled by licensed professionals rather than amateurs themselves.
