Summer is in full swing, and with it comes record-high temperatures, especially in Esparto, CA. How can you ensure your family or office employees stay cool all season long? Your air conditioning unit goes a long way, and therefore, maintaining it is as vital as keeping trust with your clients.
Here, we will go over the ABCs of AC maintenance in Esparto, CA – from cleaning filters to checking coils. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a new homeowner just learning the ropes, read on for everything you need to know about maintaining your air-cooling system!
Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
The best way to maintain your A/C unit is to schedule routine maintenance checks with a qualified technician. Doing so ensures it will run at its peak efficiency and reduce the possibilities of breakdown. Additionally, there are a few things you can do daily or weekly to keep your system in tiptop shape.
- Clean drains and coils regularly
Coils and drains can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris over time, leading to reduced cooling performance, increased energy costs, and even a breakdown. To keep your coils and drains clean, wipe them down with a damp cloth every week. You may also want to consider using a coil cleaner to remove built-up dirt and grease.
- Change your air filter, preferably every month
Always keep an eye on your AC’s filter. A dirty or clogged air filter will impede airflow and reduce the efficiency of your AC unit. Change your filter every month, especially if you have pets, to keep your system running smoothly. The replacement may depend on the type of filter you have.
- Keep your room clean
Dust and other particles can build up inside your air conditioning unit and cause it to work ineptly. Keeping your room clean will help keep your AC unit running efficiently. Also, keep pets and plants at least six feet away from the unit.
- Do not block vents or fans
Vents and fans should be unobstructed to allow for proper airflow. Blocking them can cause the AC unit to work harder than necessary and decrease efficacy.
- Check the refrigerant levels
Refrigerant levels should be checked annually by a qualified technician. If the level is too low, the system may not cool your home correctly.
- Inspect the wiring and electrical connections
Regularly inspecting the wiring and electrical connections is crucial for several reasons. Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of AC unit failures, so you have to catch any issues early.
Wiring and electrical connections should be checked periodically for signs of damage or corrosion. Damaged wiring can lead to system failure and a dangerous electric shock. Look for signs of deterioration, inspect the wiring at the compressor, check for broken or frayed wires, and make sure all wires are tightly connected and adequately insulated. Exposed or loose wires can create a fire hazard.
- Make sure your air conditioner is appropriately sized for your home
If the unit is too small, it will not cool your home as required. While if it is too large, it will cycle on and off frequently and may not run long enough to cool your home correctly.
You can find AC sizing calculator online that helps determine what size of the unit is best for your home or office. All you have to do is key in your square footage, climate, and type of insulation into the calculator, and then it will recommend a cooling capacity for your needs.
Alternatively, consult with a heating and cooling expert to help you find the right size and type of air conditioning unit.
- Have your air conditioner serviced annually
Routine AC maintenance in Esparto, CA, is the surefire way to keep your unit running at optimal function. Schedule annual service checks and prevent significant breakdowns at a later time.
Additionally, cover your unit during winter to keep snow and ice from building up and causing damage. And if possible, place it in a shady spot, away from direct sunlight, unless your pocket is well-prepared for a high spike in energy bills.
Make sure to follow these tips to keep your home comfortable and relaxed all summer long!
How Often Should Your Air Conditioning Unit Be Serviced?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the make and model of the air conditioning unit you have, how often you use it, and the climate where you live. However, most experts recommend having your air conditioning unit serviced at least once a year. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific concern.
If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, you may need to have your AC unit serviced more frequently. Likewise, if you use your unit recurrently, you may also need it serviced more often. Overlooking your AC can cause several problems, with increased energy usage and component failure as the most common.
Knowing when your unit needs servicing is pretty basic. For instance, if you have trouble cooling your home or your air conditioner is making strange noises, it is time to consider servicing. You can have a professional technician do a routine maintenance inspection for as long as necessary.
Not sure how often to get AC maintenance in Esparto, CA? You can contact a trusted HVAC technician for advice. They will assess your specific situation and recommend an appropriate servicing schedule.
DIY vs. HVAC Pros
We know how tempting it is to do the maintenance yourself, but is it really a smart move? When should you call in a professional AC maintenance in Esparto, CA? Here are some factors to help you decide.
DIY Maintenance
If you have any experience with fixing things around the house or have some basic knowledge of how the air conditioner works, you may be able to do some basic maintenance tasks on your own. This can include changing filters, cleaning coils, and checking the thermostat.
But as you realize, there are risks associated with DIY maintenance. If you do not know what you are doing, you could damage the unit or even injure yourself. And if something goes wrong, you may not be able to get help from a professional in time to prevent further damage.
HVAC Professionals
If you are not comfortable with DIY projects or do not have basic knowledge of AC units, it is best to leave the job to a professional. HVAC technicians have the training and experience necessary to troubleshoot and fix any problems with your system.
In addition, neglecting to maintain your air conditioning unit properly can lead to more severe problems down the road. So it is crucial to make a regular maintenance schedule and stick to it.
Sure, hiring a professional can be somewhat costly than doing the maintenance by hand. However, it can be worth it for the peace of mind and assurance that the job will be done correctly. The overall cost varies depending on the unit’s make and model, type of service required, and the installation location.
Can Preventive Maintenance Help Reduce the AC Repair Cost?
Many people do not think about the regular maintenance their air conditioning unit needs until it breaks down, and they are hit with an unexpected repair bill. But did you know that routine maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of a breakdown and may even help keep your repair costs down? Tested and proven!
Just make sure to follow routine AC maintenance in Esparto, CA, we have indicated above, and you are all set. You can catch minor problems before they turn into big ones. It can save you money in the long run, as it may be less expensive to fix a minor issue than to replace the entire air conditioning unit.
Alamo Heating & Cooling Offers AC Maintenance in Esparto, CA
Now that you know how to properly maintain your air conditioning unit, it is crucial to choose a reliable and experienced HVAC company to perform annual AC maintenance in Esparto, CA.
Alamo Heating & Cooling provides air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance for residential and commercial spaces in Esparto, CA, and neighboring areas. Our technicians are highly certified and qualified, and they work diligently to ensure your AC is running effectively.
We perform a thorough inspection and then make necessary repairs or adjustments for the unit’s optimum performance. Tips are additionally provided to keep your unit running to a great degree between tune-ups.
Some of the AC maintenance in Esparto, CA we offer include:
- Checking the filter to see if it is dirty and needs to be replaced
- Cleaning the coils on the unit
- Lubricating any moving parts
- Checking the refrigerant levels and Freon charge
- Examining the ducts for leaks or blockages
- Checking thermostat calibration and settings to ensure it is working appropriately
- Making sure that all wires and connections are tight and secure
For more information about our air conditioning maintenance services, please do not hesitate to call us at 707-926-3779 today!
