Inspecting Your AC Unit Properly
When you think of an air conditioner, it’s easy to assume that all they do is make cool air. However, if your AC isn’t working properly and the cooling cycle is broken, it could end up costing you more money than necessary.
If you’re wondering how to inspect your AC properly, here are the steps:
- Find a reputable contractor that can provide insight into what may cause problems and read reviews for each company.
- Check if there are any leaks anywhere near the unit outside or inside of the house. If there is a leak, get it repaired by a professional.
- Make sure that you know how to turn your unit on and off properly, and check if it’s blowing cool air using some sort of thermometer near the vent.
- Check if any strange noises are coming from the unit and be aware of heating and cooling cycles so that you can detect something out of the ordinary.
The Importance Of Hiring An AC Contractor
As the cooling season begins, many people may be considering purchasing a new air conditioning unit for their home or making an upgrade with an existing system.
Many of these individuals may believe that they know enough about their AC to perform necessary maintenance and inspections on it when needed. While having some degree of knowledge in this area may help when dealing with smaller issues, it is always better to leave larger problems like check-ups and repairs to professionals who are experienced in these areas. This is even more important before buying any models because you want to make sure that the one you buy will serve you well for several years without needing replacement. You can ask the ac contractor if you can get an estimate before getting their service.
Check Which Is The Better Option: Repairing Or Replacement
Your old air conditioner – or heat pump – is not getting the job done this summer, and it seems to be running all day long. But before you rush out and replace your AC unit, at least consider what’s involved in doing so. In addition to the high costs associated with purchasing a new system, installing one can be costly as well. Your best bet may be to try repairing your aging appliance first.
Before you go ahead and purchase a new air conditioning unit, take a look at the small problems that could be causing your current situation. The problem may very well lie elsewhere in your home or even outside of it, which means that simply replacing the condensing unit or compressor won’t work.
Some common problems include:
- Compressor not turning on
- Not cooling the house down enough to meet your needs (in which case you may need a larger unit or one with more BTUs)
- An incorrect thermostat setting, especially if it’s set too high for the day and time of year. It might be hot out but that doesn’t mean you should keep your home at 80 degrees throughout the day! If your air conditioner isn’t running constantly, then such a setting will play havoc with your energy bill. You can save by turning it down when nobody is home.