How Do You Know It’s Time to Repair Or Replace Your Residential Air Conditioning Unit?
Residential Air Conditioning Unit Repair in Philadelphia PA
Your residential air conditioning unit is one of the most important investments you make in your home. Whether you live in an apartment or own your home, you want it to last for as long as possible. Unfortunately, there comes a point when it’s time to either repair or replace your HVAC unit.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Repair or Replace Your Residential Air Conditioning Unit?
There are a number of different signs that it’s time to call a professional and have your residential HVAC system repair in Philadelphia PA or replaced. The key is to be able to recognize these symptoms and to make the right decision.
You Are Finding It Hard to Cool Your House: When your residential air conditioning unit doesn’t work as it should, you’re probably going to have a tough time keeping your home cool in the summertime and warm in the wintertime. This can happen because of any number of things, including a broken compressor or low refrigerant levels.
Your Unit is Making Loud Noises: Another common sign that it’s time to replace your air conditioner is loud noises. If you’re hearing a lot of screeching and whirring noises from your unit, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Luckily, this is usually a fairly simple repair that can be handled by a professional AC contractor in Philadelphia PA.
Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than They Used to Be: As your residential air conditioning system ages, it will become less efficient and cost you more to operate. This is a good time to consider replacing it with a new, high-efficiency system that can help you save on your monthly energy costs.
Your Air Flow Isn’t That Great: A common sign that it’s time to replace a residential air conditioning unit in Philadelphia PA is when the air in your home doesn’t feel as cool as it should. This could be because of a number of things, including a broken compressor, damaged or blocked vents and low Freon levels.
Your Ductwork Isn’t Up to the Job: When your ductwork isn’t up to the job, it can cause problems for your AC unit and lead to higher energy bills. This is especially true if your ductwork hasn’t been properly sized for your home or if it’s been enlarged during a remodel.
Your Repairs Are Expensive: If your repairs are very expensive, it’s a sign that you need to replace your residential air conditioning unit. This is especially true if you’re paying more than half the price that a new unit would be.
Your HVAC Is Having Problems: When you have an air conditioning unit that is having trouble, it’s a good idea to call a insured AC technician in Philadelphia PA as soon as possible. This can help prevent expensive repairs down the road and can save you money in the long run.
You Are Facing a Large Bill: As your HVAC system gets older, it will start to become more expensive to operate and you’ll have a tough time keeping it in top shape. This is especially true if you don’t have your system regularly serviced.
How Do I Maintain My Central Air Conditioner?
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Philadelphia PA
How do I maintain my central air conditioner? Here are some tips that you can follow to keep your system in tip-top shape. First, turn off the electricity at the breaker box and condenser. Remove any loose parts or debris from the air handler’s evaporator and fan cage. If necessary, clean the condenser’s interior with a soft rag or a vacuum. Also, be sure to check the drain pan and pipe for rust or blockage. Clean the filter and replace if dirty. You can also clean the condenser’s outside parts by removing any branches or ground-level debris that might be clogging the air flow.
Then, clean the drain line using a mild chemical solution (a cup of bleach works well). To clean the air filter, you can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Most people leave their air conditioning on all day, forgetting to adjust the temperature before they leave the house. To avoid such problems, you can invest in a programmable thermostat. These thermostats automatically adjust their temperatures to suit the times of day you are home.
Cleaning the central air unit is one of the most important ways to prolong its life. You should replace it every two to three months. Additionally, you should also make sure to clean the fins of your air conditioner, but it requires a little more work. Use a butter knife to re-align the fins if necessary. Do not penetrate them deeper than half an inch or you risk damaging the unit.
AC Repair & Maintenance Service in Philadelphia PA
Another way to prolong the life of your air conditioner is to maintain its outdoor condenser unit. This unit is located outdoors, and has grille-like sides. During winter, it should be covered with plastic. If not, use a water hose to clean the unit. Be careful not to use pressure washers or other harsh chemicals, as this can damage the unit. Lastly, you should trim the shrubbery around your air conditioner so that the airflow is uninterrupted.
After cleaning the evaporator coils, you should clean the condenser and the drain pipe of your air conditioning system. Both parts need clean water to function efficiently. You can clean them yourself, but cleaning them twice a year is recommended. You can purchase a spray cleaner from a hardware store. You should make sure to drain the excess water from the condenser. Cleaning these components regularly will ensure that your air conditioning unit is in top shape.
You can also replace the insulation around your air conditioner. Foam insulation sleeves or tape can be purchased online or cut by using a utility knife. Once you’ve done this, turn on the power to your condenser. You should also change the temperature in your home, so that it’s comfortable. If your air conditioner does not work, call an A/C repair company. This way, you can avoid any costly repairs later on.
Changing the air filter is the easiest part of maintaining your air conditioner. Many systems have reusable or replaceable filters. Most of them are located inside the furnace or air-handler cabinet. Make sure to clean them twice a year or when they become clogged. If the filter is dirty, it will decrease air flow and may even draw dust back into the house. So, clean it regularly to ensure the system works efficiently and lasts for a long time.
Your air filter should be changed at least every 90 days. A MERV 13 filter is best if you suffer from allergies. It will help your air conditioner remove airborne pollutants and help you breathe easier. You should also check the air filter on an outside air conditioner every once in a while, as it can easily get clogged. This will lower your energy bills and lower your utility bill. If you have a programmable thermostat, check the settings to be sure your air conditioner is working properly.
Cleaning the condenser coils is another part of the maintenance process. If you have a hose with a trigger nozzle, you can blast dirt and debris out of the coils from the inside. Make sure to take care not to damage the fins of the condenser because water may damage the electrical components. When cleaning the condenser, you should also check the drain to remove any debris and make sure it is clean.
A trained HVAC technician in Philadelphia PA can inspect and repair most problems before they become major ones. A single call to a trained technician costs around $100 for a routine maintenance call. A trained technician will check the interior of the unit, clean the filter, and charge the refrigerant if necessary. A well-maintained unit should last for at least 10 years. A trained technician can also inspect the drain and the unit to ensure it is working properly.