How Can I Avoid Expensive AC Repairs?

Posted: 2021-08-05

Dealing with a faulty air conditioner is never an easy thing. It consumes time, causes discomfort and inconvenience. And depending on the severity of the damage, it can cost a considerable amount of money. But there are steps you can take to avoid serious damage to your AC, and that’s what we’re going to give you in this article.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Hugo MN. In case your cooling system suffers a major problem, let us know. Our seasoned technicians are NATE-certified, knowledgeable, and qualified to deal with any issue your AC may have.

Here are four tips for you to consider.

Clean your filters regularly.

Your air conditioner’s filters are the easiest to maintain, but they are also the most oft-overlooked parts. When your filters are filled with dirt and debris, they can actually affect the overall performance of the system, causing it to perform at poor levels, resulting in discomfort for you and your family.

The filter collects many pollutants that could otherwise cause adverse effects on your health. A dirty air filter compromises the airflow of the inside of the system, which can cause it to work harder than it should. As a result, the system will wear out much sooner. This goes without saying that the added energy it consumes will cause you to pay more for inferior cooling.

A clogged filter makes your system lets airborne particles travel into your system’s internal parts, leading to the untimely breakdown of the more sensitive parts. If you have household pets, people with allergies, or respiratory conditions, you should clean or replace your air filter at least every 30 days.

Keep in mind that filters with a higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating need to be changed more often because they trap more pollutants in the filter.

The proper management of your filter will allow your HVAC system to perform its job with ease, giving you greater comfort and lower energy costs.

Clean the condensate line and outdoor unit.

You should know by now that dirt is a major cause of expensive AC repair costs, and dirt within the condensate line is no different. It causes water to back up in the indoor unit, which means the system has to work harder to provide for your cooling needs.

Also, dirty outdoor coils or housing can block the dissipation of heat and could lead to overheating. When this happens, turn the thermostat off as well as the AC’s circuit breaker. Using a vacuum, siphon the debris out of the condensate line. Then, flush the line with a 10 percent bleach solution to remove bacteria and mold. Clean the outdoor unit’s casing. Then, use a garden hose to get rid of debris. If in any way you find this uncomfortable, call a professional.

Deal with odd noises immediately.

Just as you know there’s something wrong when you hear strange sounds as your car runs, the same thing is true of your cooling system. Watch out for rattling, grinding, hissing, and buzzing sounds, which tell you the system needs help. Before the sound gets extremely loud, you should call a qualified technician right away to inspect the system and make the necessary adjustments or repairs. Ignoring these sounds is a recipe for costly repairs.

Schedule annual system maintenance.

Professional HVAC technicians know the importance of the proper maintenance of heating and cooling systems concerning the performance, safety, and lifespan of the system. Even when your AC seems to be working just fine, it is still a good practice to schedule a yearly professional HVAC servicing. Failure to look after your HVAC system can easily diminish its lifespan in half or cause parts to die prematurely.

If you want your air conditioner to last longer and avoid costly repairs, it’s important to schedule annual professional maintenance. This session will ensure you don’t void your warranty, which is crucial in case of part replacements and repair works. To keep your warranty intact, make sure you schedule annual maintenance.

Ask Four Seasons Air Specialists

To find out more about taking care of your air conditioner, give us a call. We are your reliable Forest Lake AC repair and maintenance company.