Why do we consistently tout the benefits of professional air conditioning maintenance? Mostly because it’s the only way to ensure the reliable operation of your cooling system throughout its entire lifespan. If you have a conventional air conditioner, then you should schedule this service once a year. If you have a heat pump, it should be every 6 months.
With this service, you can fend off the costliest of repairs or breakdowns, but remember—even the most well-cared for cooling system may eventually need a Bountiful, UT air conditioning repair. Below, we’ve covered some of the most common repair calls we get and that you should beware of.
Refrigerant Leaks
Maybe people think that a system simply needs a refill—referred to as a charge—of refrigerant on an occasional basis because AC systems run through their refrigerant. On the contrary, refrigerant does not run out like gasoline would in a car. When your system is losing refrigerant, it means that you have a leak, and if you have a leak, something is wrong.
Leaky refrigerant lines require sealing, as when your system loses refrigerant, the heat transfer process is interrupted and your air conditioner cannot do its job effectively. Our technicians will check your refrigerant line during maintenance, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for refrigerant leaks throughout the summer—or year, if you have a heat pump. Signs include ice on the evaporator coil, loss of cooling, and low airflow.
Clogged Condensate Lines
This is one repair need that you definitely want to avoid if you can. A clogged condensate line can result in water backing up into your home, just because of a little debris and/or build up. If you notice your air conditioner leaking water, then you most likely have a clogged condensate line, and preventing this problem is as simple as ensuring the AC is clear of dirt.
Worn Fan Belt
This is one of the easiest AC repair issues to avoid. When a fan belt wears all the way down, a technician simply needs to take it off and put in a new one. It’s a small component, plus it is readily available and inexpensive. As true as these facts are, ignoring the problem can lead to a domino effect, causing other components of your system to break down. You may detect a broken or worn fan belt by a squeaking noise in the AC.
Major System Component Breakdown
When we’re in the throes of summer, the last thing you want to deal with is a major component breakdown. Getting a part that’s the right match for your system can be difficult—and given the time of year can also be costly. You may find yourself spending more than you expected to this summer, so it’s better to find out sooner or later if you do have any problems.
As mentioned above, the best way to do so is with maintenance. However, there are other things to watch and listen for. For instance, if you hear a loud clanking or grinding, it may be that a component has become loose, or that motors have lost their lubrication and are creating friction inside your system. Whatever the case may be, tackling repair issues right away is essential to ensuring the health of your air conditioner.
Contact your HVAC and plumbing experts at Rentmeister Total Home Service today!