One of the most common questions that homeowners ask about their central air conditioning system is how often they should have it serviced. Central air conditioning makes our lives much more comfortable than before it was commonly found in homes and businesses around the United States. Without proper maintenance, however, our heating and air systems will be unable to cool us off in the summer and warm us up in the winter. One of the most important reasons to properly maintain your HVAC system is to ensure that you are not left without heating or cooling in the most critical time possible.
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The most common reason that an hvac los angeles air conditioning system breaks down at a critical time is because the unit has not been maintained correctly. Because of this, it is very important to have your system serviced an inspected regularly. This gives your HVAC technician the opportunity to pinpoint potential issues and correct them before they become big problems. This is a perfect example of how spending a little on prevention can save a ton in the long run.
In order to back up these claims, several studies have been done that have shown that well-maintained heating and cooling units operate at a higher efficiency and greater reliability than those that are infrequently maintained. As a result, your air conditioning system runs better and uses less energy. Furthermore, routine servicing costs much less than the cost to fix an emergency breakdown.
In order to ensure that your air conditioning system is operating at its full potential, and to avoid any untimely breakdowns, you should have your system checked out every 6 months. At a minimum, you should have your cooling system inspected in the spring before you begin using it for the summer and your heating system in the fall before you start using it for the winter. If either system gets heavy usage, you should talk with your local heating and air professional about whether or not you need more frequent maintenance. In most cases, you may just need to replace your filters more often.
Because of the important role that our heating and cooling systems play in our every day lives, it is vital that they remain in good working condition. This is especially true in areas that experience extreme cold or heat during the winter or summer. Not only could an unexpected outage be uncomfortable, it could also be dangerous under the right conditions. Whether you keep your own schedule, and remember to call your technician at the proper times each year, or if you sign up for an easy-to-remember service plan, don't forget to have your air conditioning system inspected, maintained and tuned up at least twice a year. You will thank yourself the next time a neighbor has an unexpected failure.
In order to maintain high performance and efficiency of your air conditioning unit, it is important that you provide it with regular maintenance. In fact, this can save you from paying for some really costly repairs for which you would've had to pay for otherwise. It should also be kept in mind that your respiratory health is hugely dependent on the air that emanates from your air conditioner. If the vents and filters are filled with dust due to lack of proper maintenance, you will be exposed to air that is filthy.
Air conditioner maintenance involves a few basics which are mentioned below:
1. Cleaning of the condenser unit:
This includes the removal of dust and debris from the outside and inside of the unit. The fins can also be cleaned and straightened if they are bent. Lubrication of the fan motor is done to allow it to run smoothly without making any unpleasant noises.
2. Evaporator drain check:
This can be performed only by a licensed and authorized technician. It involves checking for any water leakage beneath the evaporator coils which is an implication that the drain pipe is clogged and should therefore be cleaned and cleared for normal functioning.
3. Changing the air-filter:
This step is easy and can be performed by the owner himself. If the AC is in heavy usage, it is advisable to change the filters at least once a month. These are generally found on the condenser and sometimes even on the evaporator. Replace the filter by taking off the housing or grilles. The filter size and part number can be obtained from the old filter.
4. Inspecting and cleaning the air-duct:
Even a small duct leak can cost you an extra of up to 25% on your air conditioner's consumption of electricity. Also, leaks can be a potential entry path for contaminants like pollen, dust, etc which on accumulation, becomes breeding grounds for mold. Mold exposure carries potential health hazards such as asthma, allergies and a number of other respiratory problems. Cleaning and clearing the ductwork and sealing any leakages are therefore essential to maintain the efficiency of the air conditioning unit and the health of the room environment.
5. Checking the Coolant:
This is an air conditioner maintenance basic step that involves checking the line connecting the evaporator unit located inside the house and the condenser unit placed outside. In case any damages or wear and tear are found, the lines need to be replaced. Also, the coolant needs to be checked whether it contains the right quantity of Freon as a lack of this chemical will reduce the cooling capacity of your air conditioning unit. If any defects are seen, they need to be reported to the technician for repair.
Air conditioner maintenance is a must to ensure not just the efficiency of your AC unit but also to maintain a clean and healthy environment inside the house. Lack of maintenance gives way to contaminants and a number of health-related hazards, not to mention the wastage of precious energy.