Too Hot to Handle…

My husband is a roofer. Whenever I complain about the heat, he always says to me, “Honey, you think it’s hot, but you have no idea how hot it is up on the roof!” It’s supposedly 10 degrees hotter up there, but I am too scared to even climb up two ladder rungs to find out! Heat stroke is a constant dilemma of a roofer and they love to work in the shade. The first thing my hubby does when he comes home is to make sure the air conditioner is set to almost freezing, after working 8 long hours in the scorching sun. I can’t imagine the misery we would both go through if when we went to turn on the air conditioner and it didn’t work! Take it from me, maintenance on your air conditioner is important, so that when you need it, it kicks on with a nice hum!

Proper Air Conditioning Maintenance

• Your HVAC system is similar to a car. It needs regular maintenance to function properly. When your HVAC system is running properly, the energy efficiency maintained can cause your energy bills to go down.
• A system that is kept clean and running well can also improve the air quality in your home. That means regularly changing the filters and keeping the air coils clean. Keeping your HVAC unit clean can also do wonders for those with respiratory issues.
• A well-maintained HVAC system also lasts longer. The regular maintenance will keep your unit in better shape for the long run, extending its life. For a home-owner that means regularly changing filters. It can also mean inspecting ductwork to make sure that nothing appears damaged.
• It is important to have an HVAC technician out to conduct regular maintenance and checkups. When you take proper care of the HVAC system, it can make your home a much more comfortable and energy efficient place.

Maintaining the Condensor

• One important step in air conditioning system maintenance is maintaining the condenser. This unit can be found outside the home and is very susceptible to trapping dirt, leaves and debris from the outside.
• When you call in an HVAC specialist to maintain your AC system, they should follow these steps to clean and check the unit: First, they will remove any vegetation growing around or near the unit. Next, the unit must be cleaned with water from the inside out. Then they will check to make sure the unit is still sitting level on the concrete pad- leveling it if it is off with dirt or gravel. Finally, the electrical connectors and operating charge should be inspected and adjusted for safety and efficiency.

Cleaning The Evaporator

• Another important step in your AC maintenance is cleaning the evaporator which is located directly above your furnace in the plenum. This area may collect moisture and your service person should check to make sure there is no mold growing, especially during warm, humid months.

Checking The Coolant

• Most older systems use an obsolete coolant called R22 (Freon). Newer systems ( starting in 1992) may use the environmentally friendly alternative R410A. If your system is not cooling properly, it could be that it is low on Freon. Energy can also be wasted around the coolant lines if insulation is damaged or worn. Worn out insulation should be replaced to help maintain peak energy efficiency.

Checking The Thermostat

• Your HVAC repair person will have special sensors to make sure that the thermostat is functioning properly. In some cases the thermostat has worn out and will need to be replaced with a new one.

Like any other major appliance, your air conditioning system should undergo proper maintenance every year. Now is the perfect time to get started!

We would love to hear your comments or feedback – Have any questions? Give our office a call (630) 444-0860.