Before you even get to turn your air conditioner on for the first time, there could be some repairs needed. We don’t use our AC systems during the colder months, and if the system hasn’t been serviced and maintained, there could be problems. It’s a great idea to get your air conditioning system serviced at the start of each cooling period. This will ensure that the equipment is ready for the hotter months ahead, the system will be more reliable, and it will be far more energy efficient. Let’s take a closer look at some of the problems that you could encounter when you turn your AC system on for the first time in months.
A Reduction in Airflow
Often, when an air conditioning system hasn’t been used for a while, it can have a lower than anticipated level of airflow. The air filter in your system is essential to keep particles out of the system to protect sensitive components. It also helps you maintain your indoor air quality by trapping contaminants, such as pet hair, skin cells, pollen and other materials that can trigger asthma or other conditions.
When the system hasn’t been switched on for months, there could be a build up of these materials in the air filter. Perhaps the air filter wasn’t changed at the end of the last cooling season, or if you use a reverse cycle system for heating in winter, there could be a build up of debris from winter heating. In both cases, the air filter will need to be cleaned or replaced to restore the airflow to the correct level.
The air filter can be easily replaced by someone without any formal HVAC training. The location will be clearly illustrated in your owner’s manual and if you cannot locate that, look for your make and model number online to get a pdf manual. The air filter should be cleaned or replaced every 1-3 months depending on the level of contaminants in your home. As an example: pet owner’s may have to check their air filters more often due to the extra pet hair circulating in the home. Some air filters can be removed for cleaning with soapy water and others will require replacement.
If the air filter isn’t replaced, you’re putting your AC system at considerable risk. The airflow will be compromised, this will affect the delivery of treated air throughout your home, and it will mean that your system will have to work harder. This will place additional strain on your components, and it can cause these parts to wear out quickly. Checking and replacing the air filter is usually included as part of a regular service, but it’s important to check it regularly from that point on and clean or change it when it looks dirty. If you’re in doubt, clean the air filter anyway, there is no such thing as an air filter that’s too clean.
A Refrigerant Leak
The AC system in your home is a closed system, and the refrigerant circulates throughout your home removing heat and moving it outside. When a refrigerant leak occurs the system will struggle to remove the heat and cooling will be less effective. If you suspect that you have a refrigerant leak, this can be confirmed by checking the exterior compressor unit. If the compressor and/or pipes are covered in ice and frozen there isn’t enough refrigerant present in the system.
Many people believe that their refrigerant level needs to be refilled regularly to work well. This is not true, HVAC technicians refer to refilling as recharging the system, and it’s only necessary if there is a leak in the system. The leak needs to be found and repaired before the system can be recharged. This can be a tricky task; a leak could be anywhere in the system, and a professional HVAC technician will be needed to track it down and fix it.
An Aging AC System
Air conditioning systems are complex pieces of equipment, and it needs regular servicing and maintenance to work efficiently. But, even equipment that has been maintained well, ages and eventually it will not be economically viable to repair. A modern AC system should give you at least a decade of dedicated service if it’s well cared for. If your air conditioning system is older than a decade, you may find yourself spending an ever increasing amount of money or repair bills.
When you get your AC system serviced your HVAC technician will advise you about any potential problems that you need to be aware of for the future. This may include advice on replacing your AC system for a newer model. Some people perceive this as a way to sell an air conditioning system to them, but it’s a good idea to consider this carefully.
In many cases, buying a newer and more energy efficient system will cost less than the repairs needed to keep your older system limping on for a couple of years. Like any industry, the cooling field is constantly evolving and the technology available now is significantly better than the older equipment. When you install a new AC system, you will notice better performance, increased efficiency and other features that will make your home more comfortable.
General AC System Tips
If you want to boost the efficiency of your AC system, you may want to consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. This is a great way to get more control over your indoor cooling when you’re not at home. It’s also a great idea to get your ducts checked to make sure that no treated air is escaping. Improving your indoor insulation will make your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter without using any energy.
The most important thing that you can do to keep your AC system working efficiently is to schedule some regular maintenance at the beginning of each cooling season. Every component will be checked and then repaired or replaced as required. The HVAC technician will be able to identify smaller issues before they can develop into larger problems that will be harder and more expensive to fix.