Tips for Central AC maintenance this summer

 Summers just get another level horrifying if your central AC gives up upon you. Since the hot season is just around the corner, the question comes up, when is the right time to begin your centralac maintenance? The answer is right now! The more sooner you start, the faster will you be done with all the necessities or realise that you need a replacement so that you don’t watch you AC crash on an extremely humid day.

How to maintain your central AC?

Here are few basic tips that you need to know about central AC maintenance this summer.

• Clean the Air ducts: Air ducts generally get clogged with dirt, dust, lint and other particles which gets stuck. It makes the air flowing process more difficult resulting into over straining the whole system. Clean the ducts by vacuuming them to ensure proper hassle-free air flow in you HVAC system.

• Ductwork minute cleaning: Apart from all the dirt that gets accumulated in the ductwork, there are chances that the network is affected by home built of rodents and other pests which gets minutely passed on into the airflow system. This leads to reduction in your air flow quality leading to an unhealthy lifestyle. Hence minutely checking and cleansing the overall ductwork is an extremely crucial step of your central AC maintenance.

• Replace your air filter: Air filters are one of the most crucial elements in the central AC. The air which is circulated throughout the house gets returned back to the central AC as the old air and gets filtered for any air dust particles, dirt and other disease carrying elements. After some time, this filter starts getting clogged. Hence it is important that you replace your air filter before entering into the summers in order to have a fresh start.

• Furnace filter clean up: A clean furnace filter can save up to 15% of your energy consumption. So, if you feel much energy was being consumed last year, might as well give this a check and ether replace or clean your furnace filter. The accumulate a lot of dirt over the time hence leading to a faulty overall network and HVAC system. If you have installed temporary ones, change them every month on the same day to avoid the hassle of memory. If you have opted for a permanent one, clean it every month for highest efficiency.

• Dehumidifier drying: Dehumidifiers can be something which is often overlooked in the process of central AC maintenance. But drying out the dehumidifier is extremely crucial in order to ensure its working in its optimum level. To dry out, first open the outer covering and let the system dry out first. Then clean out the area with a vacuum to remove excess dirt and other particles and voila, it is good to go!

• Inspection of the wires: If you feel your AC has an overheating problem or even otherwise, it is important to check the wiring connection before the season began. Make sure to switch off the power before checking out for faulty wires. If you spot any scorched, frayed or damaged wires, call for a professional help.

• Outside Compressor cleaning: Cannot really stress enough upon the importance of keeping the compressors clean. The central AC condenser and compressor coils tend to get dirty resulting into less heat absorption which overall causes a huge damage to your HVAC system. Just make sure not to get any part wet and clean the coils after straightening them. Look out for any dead leaves, etc which may have been accumulated during the winter season.

• Checking of the insulations: When your system pipes are having own out insulation, it may lead to heating up of the whole network. It is important to figure out if there is any faulty insulation which needs to be repaired. You can easily replace them with new pairs yourself.

• Annual Clean Up: All these step by step process may seem extremely tiring and it indeed is. Unless you are absolutely on a tight budget, HVAC companies do provide with annual clean and tune up services which do not cost that much compared to cost of repairing in general. Hence annually keeping a check can help you to save from the future bigger damages.

When to buy a new one?

Central AC maintenance tips work well until you need to maintain them every now and then and they need way more attention than they need. Frequent services, huge bills, more power consumption and breakdowns every now and then are huge signs that you need to replace your central AC instead of increasing the bill more. These bills might look small compared to replacing them, but add on the total amount you spent and have to spend more, its defiantly not worth and risky for your family.

These were some of the basic tips upon centralAC maintenance. Its always handy to keep the pointers in mind but its much more safer and time saving if the annual check-up is done!

Step by step guideline for basic split system repairs

Let’s accept it, regular maintenance of AC can not only become an extra headache but also an additional cost regularly which often we don’t like to pay. Hence leaving the split system untreated for ages before it starts showing alarming signs of huge repair or even replacement. Well, to avoid that regular servicing is necessary but if you are ready to take that extra hassle at home to do the basic split system repairs, then doing it at home isn’t a Greek task and can obviously save you from paying that regular servicing bill.

Let’s look into some of the basic issues faced in a split system AC:

Ø  Worn out electrical connections.

Ø  Disturbance in the compressor.

Ø  Overheating or failure of motor leading to its non-working.

Ø  Filter and coils clogged with dirt.

Ø  Spike in energy bills.

Ø  Warm air being blown out.

All these issues can be attempted to solve by your own self at basic level provided you have some basic knowledge with electrical appliances.

Guide for basic split system repair:

First things first, many times the problem lies in the fact that the Split system repair process would be as basic as cleaning the system. At times clogging of pores and coils cause the system to not work properly. Along with that warm air, disturbed electrical connections, etc can be detected in this process itself.

1. Disconnect the system from power source: Its very crucial to make sure that the machine is not connected to any power before doing any split AC repairs in order to avoid any sort of electrical mishap.

2. The capacitor grille: At first the Capacitor grille needs to be removed. This can be done using a proper size screwdriver or any basic knife.

3. Filter cleaning: After this the filer can be spotted covering the panel coils. After you find this, put the filter in a bowl filled with chlorine and soap water. It should be washed extremely well to remove any dirt or mould then should be left to dry.

4. Cleansing of coils: After the filter is being cleaned, now the evaporator coils should be vacuumed and brushed entirely with care to ensure removal of all sorts of dirt and clogged particles from the coils.

5. cleaning of the lower half: After cleaning all these parts, install the machine back into its position. With the help of a hard bristle brush, clean the bottom half of the split system in order to remove all the dirt and clogged parts.

6. Avoiding growth of scurf: After all, these steps, it is crucial to put in a spoon full of bleach in order to avoid any sort of further scurf growth in the split system.

Diving in specific issues for split system repair

Even after a proper cleaning, sometimes some specific problems seem to persist. Well that is when it’s time to repair these specific problems. Specific Split system repair can be addressable to one or multiple issues as well. It is first crucial to detect what exactly is the problem caused by the system in order to repair them.

Below some specific common problems would be discussed along with some basic step by step guide:

·         Warm air is being sent out by the AC-

There are few things which needs to be checked. Firstly, check if the Thermostat is set at a temperature lower than 5 degree Celsius compared to the room temperature. Check the cooling effect by decreasing it further if required. If there is no change even after this within 15-20 mins, make sure that the condenser is cleaned and there isn’t any leakage. If any of these don’t help, its time to call for servicing.

·         Split AC isn’t turning on-

First check the obvious power supply. Then look for the mode set in the thermostat. It has to be cool. After that figure out if there are any torn, faulty electrical wires or chipped off mice wires. Check for any fuse problem in the power supply of the house. If things still don’t change, call for split system repair servicing.

·         The fan fitted in the splits isn’t working-

figure out if there is a disconnection caused between the power supply among the internal machines of the AC i.e. weather the fan is receiving the power to run. Many times, the fan stop working due to accumulation of ice in internal coils which needs to be treated. Call for maintenance if the problem isn’t solved.

·         Fungal growth in the split system-

Fungal growth or mound can be extremely harmful for both health and the life duration of the split AC. If the problem is still isn’t solved after cleaning, it’s better to call for an expert split system repair service.

These were some of the basic step-by-step split system repair guidelines which one can try out in order to do the basic repair. However, regular servicing and expert solution is something which one must always look for. 

How air conditioning repair can help in troubleshooting the AC problem?

The worst thing that can happen on a hot summer day, is that your AC stops working! Something that you would least expect! And no matter how many DIYs and tips these websites give you, we all know at last what really works is professional help. Unless it’s a very minor problem, taking the help of a trusted air conditioning repair service is always the best option. Some of the problems with air conditioners are due to poor installation technique, lack of regular inspection, inadequate maintenance etc. How many times have you faced difficulties like leaky ducts of AC or insufficient cooling? If you don’t go for AC repair service once in a while, it’s likely that these problems will occur again and again.

Still don’t think that air conditioning repair service is worth those bucks? Trust us it’s more economical than getting your AC completely replaced.

Let’s quickly scan through some of the AC problems:

1.      Low Refrigerant: It means either your refrigerant doesn’t match the manufacturer’s specification or it leaks. Manually adding refrigerant yourself does not work here. A trained professional has to fix any kind of leaks and test for repair.

2.      Poor maintenance: Sometimes the AC coils and filter accumulate dirt which results in failure of the compressor fans and the AC doesn’t work properly.

3.      Electric Control Failure: If you operate your AC quite frequently sometimes, the compressor can wear out due to electrical fuse or corrosion of wire.

4.      Sensor Problems: The position of the sensor might get displaced and it comes in direct contact with the coil and its function gets disturbed.

5.      Drainage Problem: Sometimes when the weather is too humid the AC drainage gets clogged and thus its function is impaired.

Now let’s see how can air conditioning repair service help troubleshooting the major AC problems:

1.      Air conditioner blows hot air:  Imagine, you’re back from office on a scorching hot summer day, sat down to relax but suddenly hot air starts coming out of AC! Isn’t it something very annoying? Sometimes the problem may occur if the vents or the thermostats are open. That’s why it is important for you to keep a check on the air filter. Also, the fan motor might not work properly due to poor electrical power. No matter what are the cases, you will need a qualified technician to inspect the unit.

2.      Air conditioner leaking water: Have you noticed that sometimes, when the weather is too hot or humid outside, a tiny puddle of water accumulates below your condenser unit? This normally happens when the AC has worked for a long time. Otherwise it is mostly likely that there is a problem with the refrigerant or if the condensate pan is broken. Also, there can be a blockage in the drainage or the air filter might be dirty. In such cases, you will need the help of an air conditioning repair service in detecting and solving the problem.

3.      Air conditioner not cooling enough: Many a times, it might have happened, that no matter at whatever temperature you set your air conditioner to, the room doesn’t get comfortably cool. Is this the case with you? This is because either your system is too old or it was installed by inexperienced technicians. Also, sometimes, the system might not be of the proper size according to the size of your room. Though AC replacement might sound like a better idea here, but even a proper inspection and repair can do the work.

4.      Air conditioner won’t turn on or off:  You might be thinking in such a case that your remote doesn’t work? No, that is probably not the case. Though sometimes the problem can be as simple as having a dirty filter which can be solved manually, other serious problems like the relay fan getting stuck or a fused thermostat cable, needs professional help. Similarly, in case of a window unit, even if after checking the temperature setting and ensuring the flow of electrical current into the system, if these troubleshooting efforts don’t solve the problem, maybe calling up an air conditioning repair service is the need of the hour. 

5.      AC fan not working: Sometimes, you might notice that your AC fan all of a sudden stop working, but there is no problem with the filter! Isn’t it? This might happen because either the AC coil has freeze or the fan relay or motor needs replacement. Also try to reset your breaker or fuse box. If the problem still continues, it’s probable that your AC’s start capacitor has stopped working. Trying to solve these problems yourself, might cause further damage, and it is best advisable to go for AC repair.

Get the best service Now!

We are sure you are convinced enough by now, why you require an AC repair service! Even if your AC has not faced these problems yet, consider yourself lucky, and prepare your air conditioner for the next summer. Not only does a regular maintenance and repair, solve these problems but also makes the cooling system more efficient, saves energy bills and makes your AC last longer.

If you need professional help, call us now!

Ten Signs that you need to get your AC replacement done

Well, summers might be soon approaching, and you are wondering if your central air conditioner needs replacement. But how do you know when is the right time to get your AC replaced? What is important is constantly looking for warning signs. On an average any standard central AC lasts for 25-17 years and might even last longer when proper maintenance is done. If not, there is a huge possibility that the temperature in your room might not feel comfortable or there can be a rapid decrease in the efficiency levels leading to drastic energy bills.

Doubtful yet? There are certain conditions you can check for to figure out whether a central ac replacement is required:

• The system is more than 12-15 years old
• Your energy bills are rapidly increasing
• Your room is mostly moist and humid
• Your heating or cooling system is noisy
• The equipment needs frequent repairs

Of course, we get that, central ac replacement can dive a little deep into your pocket and so you need to consider many things before getting it done. Worry not, we are here to provide you guidance. Here are few of the warning signs that you can check for:

1. Little or no air flow- You might notice that at times, the vents of ac doesn’t push out air the way it used to, and the air circulation in the room is very poor. This indicates that either the AC’s compressor is damaged or the air ducts have been blocked. In such a situation, central AC replacement is required or else your room might feel suffocating.
2. Your AC blows warm air- Does it ever happen that you feel warm air is coming out of the vents of your ac? Often it happens because either the compressor gets damaged or you AC turns low on refrigerant. It can also be indicative of a faulty duct. In such cases, it is obvious that you need to replace your central AC or else your room temperature might turn quite uncomfortable.
3. Your AC is releasing unpleasant odors- Sometimes you might get a musty or burnt smell from your AC which might indicate that whether your AC has been contaminated with mold or you have a defective electrical wiring. Central AC replacement can get the ducts cleaned of any kind of microbial growth which can prevent you and your family from falling sick.
4. Unusual sounds coming out of your AC- Any kind of sudden, loud sound coming out of your AC can be indicative of problems. Sometimes you might notice that your AC produces a rattling sound or some whistling noises or even some kind of banging and squealing and metal screeching sounds coming out of your AC. This can indicate that either there is a problem in the motor or fan or the parts and bearings are turning loose. In such conditions, it is advised to get your central AC replaced.
5. Your AC needs frequent repairing- Does it make any sense that you get your AC or it’s components repaired again and again? Repairing AC, if there is some serious problem, can help only for a temporary period of time. So it is more wise, if you get a complete central AC replacement in such a situation.
6. Your room has high levels of humidity- Apart from keeping your room cool, what is yet another very important function of your air conditioner? It is maintaining humidity. It might be any weather outside your room, if your room becomes excessively humid even though the AC is working, it means there are certain serious defects. High humidity can lead to microbial growth and make you feel very uneasy. So, it is high time, you consider your AC gets replaced.
7. Moisture leaks through the system- Do you sometimes notice that there is a refrigerant leak from your AC or an unusual colour buildup due to water leakage around the system? While normal levels of moisture doesn’t indicate any problem, if there is excessive coolant leakage it can cause damage to your furniture, floors and even your family’s health condition, since refrigerants are mostly toxic. It suggests that the drain line is somehow blocked or there may be other structural issues and an immediate central AC replacement is required.
8. Malfunctioning thermostat- It might, sometimes happen that your AC system doesn’t turn on or runs for a very short duration. You might also notice that only particular zone in which the AC is located doesn’t get sufficiently cool while other rooms feel perfectly fine. This means the thermostat of your AC has been seriously damaged due to constantly operating, and you need to consider getting your central AC replaced.
9. Your AC is more than 10-12 years old- As your AC gets older, it’s obvious that the efficiency gradually goes down and the system becomes ineffective. This can lead to huge power bills if you don’t consider a central AC replacement.

If you’re looking for some more information about your central AC replacement. Check this out https://www.ritetempnyc.com/.