You don't need to grab your wallet and driver's license. And you won't even have to fasten your seat belt. For this test run, you'll need only a notepad – and perhaps the phone number of Experts In Your Home written inside.
If you haven't done so already, it's time to take your air conditioning system for a “ride” around the block. The time is now to assess whether your system is exhibiting any signs that indicate it may not be ready to combat the summer heat.
Give your system a head start by checking the filter and replacing it if it's clogged with dust and dirt. Once filled, the filter can no longer trap the air-borne particles it was meant to so that your system runs at peak efficiency and your indoor air remains as healthy as it can be. A clean filter also can prevent your air conditioning system from suffering a breakdown – probably when you're counting on it most. (Major appliances have a way of malfunctioning at pivotal times.)
With a clean filter in place, turn on your air conditioner and let it run for about 30 minutes. Then look for any of the following trouble signs during your test run. Each and every one points to the necessity to call Experts In Your Home. An air conditioning system tune-up or repair probably lies ahead because these problems won't go away on their own:
- The air conditioner won't turn on, even when you lower the thermostat a few degrees more than usual. This often ends with the installation of a new compressor or, depending on the age of the air conditioner, a new system. If your system is more than 10 years old, the reality is that your system is entering the final phase of its projected lifespan.
- Your air conditioner is making an unusual noise, such as banging or clanking. Just like in your car, noises usually signify real trouble that only worsens if neglected – in this case, anything from a loose screw to a bad (indoor) motor to a bent (outdoor) blade.
- You feel an obvious difference in comfort: There might be little air – or no cool air at all – streaming through your registers. Or one room or area of your home might feel warm. Conduct some basic troubleshooting steps before calling the Experts: Ensure that your thermostat is turned to “cool” – yes, it happens – check the circuit breaker and inspect the area around your registers, which shouldn't be blocked by furniture or window treatments. Outdoors, make sure that there is a 2-foot “clear zone” around your unit and an 8-foot zone above it. Experts In Your Home will inspect your system from top to bottom and everywhere in between, including the ductwork – a silent “conspirator” in home cooling problems.
- Your air conditioner turns off before your home cools down sufficiently. This perplexing problem could be caused by a poorly placed thermostat – Experts In Your Home has relocated many thermostats from high-sun spots as well as cool zones – to poorly insulated refrigerant lines.
- Moisture or a puddle of fluid near the unit outdoors. Many times, this condition indicates that there is a refrigerant leak, which calls for a one-two punch: a refill and a repair.
Sometimes, it takes more than a test run to determine that your air conditioning system needs attention; a few abnormally high electric bills often point indirectly to an air conditioner that is running poorly. A tune-up and thorough cleaning can rectify this problem, as well as many others. Remember that dirt is the biggest enemy of your system. Experts In Your Home follows the U.S. Department of Energy's maintenance recommendations and:
- Checks the thermostat settings and controls
- Tightens the electrical connections and measures the voltage and current on the motors
- Lubricates all moving parts
- Checks the condensate drain
- Cleans the evaporator and condenser coils
- Cleans and adjusts the blower components
- Checks the refrigerant level and the unit for refrigerant leaks
It's possible that between your test run and our inspection, we might encounter other “speed bumps” along the way to getting your air conditioning system to work like it should. But we won't let any of them slow down your system this summer. Contact our experts in Chico for a consultation the minute you sense trouble; we'll steer your system on a winning track so that it can compete in the race against the summer heat ahead.
