About Central AC Units
When summer arrives, any day now, homeowners in the Vacaville, California area are going to want their central AC unit to be in good working order. So, whether there were any issues toward the end of last summer or during the winter with their HVAC system, now is the time to schedule an appointment for a professional central air conditioner repair and inspection service.
How often should a central air conditioner be serviced or inspected?
In this part of California, because the weather is pretty fair year-round, scheduling a professional central air conditioner repair and inspection twice a year is recommended. The ideal time is early fall to check the heating portion and spring to have the central air conditioner repaired, inspected, and cleaned. With this routine scheduling, you can be sure your home will be comfortable all year long.
What type of maintenance does central air conditioning need?
For the homeowner, you should change or clean the air filter every 30 days. If your home has several pets or you live on a busy road or in a dusty area, you may need to increase that frequency to every 20 days. This is a simple task that can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, repairs are less frequent, maybe even eliminated altogether.
Checking the drain pan each time you clean or change the filter is recommended also. Keeping the drain pan clean will allow the condensation line to keep draining adequately. It is recommended to check the outdoor component clear of any debris and grass that is sucked up to the unit so that the air can flow as needed.
With the routine professional central air conditioner repair and inspection, the technician will take the following steps:
- Check the air filter, and change or clean it if needed.
- Clean the condenser fins, removing dirt and mold build-up.
- Check the freon level and pressure.
- Check the condensation drain line and drain pan, and clean, repair, or replace them as needed.
- Check all main components and moving parts, including the following:
- Compressor
- Condenser Unit
- Evaporator Unit
- Fan motor
- Thermostat
- And inspect all moving parts, cleaning and oiling as necessary.
What are some signs that a central air conditioner needs to be repaired?
Here are seven of the most common problems that central air conditioner repair technicians find on a service call:
- Warm Airflow
If your air conditioner system is blowing warm air, make sure the thermostat is in the COOL mode, and at a lower temperature than the roof is set. If you’re still feeling warm air blowing, it could be an issue with the compressor. A professional central air conditioner repair service call is recommended.
- Poor Airflow
Poor airflow is an indication that central air conditioner repair may be needed. If you change the filter and it doesn’t help, a professional service technician can inspect other possible problems like the motor.
- Cycles Frequently
An air conditioner shouldn’t cycle frequently, so if it seems to be doing this, you need to schedule a professional central air conditioner repair service appointment.
- Humid
The weather outside during the spring or summer is often humid and sticky. This is why you have central air conditioning, to get cooled and comfortable. If it is humid inside your home, your system isn’t keeping the moisture level down as it should. Scheduling a central air conditioner repair service call is needed. It may be nothing more than a simple re-calibration is needed, or it may be something more serious.
- Water Leaking
An air conditioner will generate some condensation during normal operation. However, that condensation shouldn’t be enough to puddle up on the floor. If you notice puddled water, check the drain pan and drain line. If all seems to be normal, call for a professional central air conditioner repair service after turning the system off. Leave the system off to ensure more damage doesn’t happen.
- Unpleasant Odors
Your air conditioner should have unpleasant odors coming from it, so if it does, it needs professional central air conditioner repair and inspection.
- Unusual Sounds
An air conditioning system will make low-level sounds, but they shouldn’t be so loud it is annoying and concerning, like buzzing or rattling. Call for a central air conditioner repair service to have your system inspected for possible problems after turning the system off so that it doesn’t burn the unit up.
What are the steps to take if the central air conditioner is not working correctly?
While waiting for the professional central air conditioner repair technician to arrive, take the following steps:
- Check the air filter, making sure it is clean
- Check the drain pan and drain line
- Check the thermostat is set to COOL and AUTO
- Check the circuit breaker isn’t tripped
- Check the air vents indoors aren’t blocked
- Check the outdoor component doesn’t have any debris or grass sucked up
After checking all of these and you don’t find a problem, turn the system off until the central air conditioner repair technician arrives.
Can a homeowner do their own central air conditioner repairs?
Other than the steps we’ve discussed here, it isn’t recommended that homeowners do their own central air conditioner repairs. Having a professional technician is recommended because they have the experience, knowledge, and tools to do the job correctly. An upside is a guarantee that comes with a professional central air conditioner repair service.
Keeping It All Cool
With the recommended annual spring and fall professional central air conditioner repair, cleaning, and inspection, you will avoid having frequent repairs and it will extend the lifespan of your system. Inquire about a maintenance contract with the technician and they will take preventive measures throughout the year.
A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC provides assistance with your central air conditioner in Vacaville, CA. Call us at 707-689-5128 to get started!
