Table of contents
- Services performed by local air conditioning repair companies
- How to find an air conditioner repair shop near you
- When to Hire an Air Conditioning Repair Company
- Do-it-yourself vs. hiring a local AC repair company
- Questions for a local air conditioning repair company
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Spring is finally here, and with it comes the seasonal cue to prepare for the warmer summer months and associated higher temperatures. This seasonal change and the hot summer ahead begs the question: When was the last time you showed your air conditioner some love? We know you appreciate the work your air conditioner does to keep you cool and comfortable, but to make sure your unit is primed and ready for the job, you might need to pamper it a little now so you can do it later can take advantage of.
Air conditioning companies perform several important services that can keep your air conditioner working properly, and it's a good idea to review this list of services. You may just need to make an appointment with yoursAir conditioning repair companynow, so that your air conditioning runs smoothly later.
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Services performed by local air conditioning repair companies
Air conditioning repair companies maintain a checklist of services to ensure your air conditioner is ready when you need it. Some of these services include:
Check refrigerant gas levels
Refrigerant gas is the chemical compound that works in air conditioning to absorb heat and create cool air. There are three different types commonly used for air conditioning and it is important to know which one your particular machine uses (your service provider can check this level and top it up for you).
Inspection of the fan motor
Signs that your fan motor could use a little TLC include rattling noises when the fan is on, fan blades spinning slowly, or misfiring, which means the fan won't turn on or off when you try to run your air conditioner.
Testing the air conditioner thermostat
A faulty thermostat in your air conditioner can prevent it from operating at your desired ideal temperature and cause it to draw more electricity than is desirable to keep your air conditioner running. Troubleshooting this part of the air conditioning system requires some electrical knowledge as well as some specialty tools, and a service repair company will certainly have both.
Checking the unit capacitor
A small amount of condensation is normal when operating an air conditioner, but if you notice excessive leakage from the unit, it could be a sign that the condenser needs service or replacement. Another sign that the condenser may not be working at its best is when you find that your air conditioner just isn't keeping you as cool as it used to. Any unfamiliar noises or loud noises coming out of the device during operation can also indicate problems with the condenser.
Compressor Inspection
Problems with the operation of your air conditioner's compressor can result in poor airflow quality, if not a lack of ability to fully generate and expel cool air. If your air conditioner won't turn on or makes strange, unfamiliar noises (usually rattling or rattling), this could indicate an electrical problem related to the compressor that a qualified, licensed repair person or company could fix. Getting to the compressor is not that easy as it requires a special meter to read the ohms (units of electricity) of the compressor and you may even have to remove parts of the air conditioner to get to the compressor, just leave it in the hands of the Experts.
How to find an air conditioner repair shop near you
Be sure to read customer reviews of any company you are considering and request proof of licenses and accreditations to ensure you are truly receiving expert service. It's also a good way to ask for recommendations from family and friends who could offer contact information for a company they've used and, more importantly, are happy with.
When to Hire an Air Conditioning Repair Company
Ideally, air conditioning inspections should be done at least once a year, and that easily increases to twice a year or more if you live in warmer climates. To help you remember, it might be easier to mark these dates (you don't have to be specific, just mark the spring season and add another reminder in six months if you live in a warmer climate), to start researching and booking your maintenance service.
Don't wait until the warmer months arrive to book your service as you could be stuck in appointments and risk limited availability.
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Do-it-yourself vs. hiring a local AC repair company
While you may have your air conditioning repair company number on your short code and use it regularly to service your unit, there are some maintenance steps that are fundamental to the routine maintenance of any air conditioner and should therefore ideally be carried out by the owner towards a repair company. One of these routine maintenance tasks is checking your air conditioner filter to make sure it is free of dust and other contaminants.
A dirty filter can affect the overall performance of your air conditioner and negatively impact your health if mold, bacteria or pollen builds up in the unit, so you should take on this task yourself and make sure you remove the filter and clean it routinely. thoroughly with soap and water. With the right cleaning tools, you can perform this maintenance step on your kitchen sink or tub in under 30 minutes and is widely considered a handyman.
You could probably pay a repair company to clean the filter for you if needed, but if you want to save it's easy enough to do it yourself. It is recommended to clean the filter at least twice a year.
Another important maintenance step considered home improvement is cleaning both the inside and outside of the unit to clean vents, ducts, and exposed surfaces where dust and dirt, leaves, and other debris can safely get to foliage as well as spiders . nets. Try to do this maintenance step twice a year for the inside of the unit and once a year for the outside of the air conditioner.
It is a good idea to clean the device after each use if condensation or water forms on or around the device. By making this DIY step a routine, you can keep unwanted odors and mold at bay. If your air conditioner has a "dry out" feature that can be activated after use to evaporate unwanted moisture, it makes this maintenance step a lot easier!
Questions for a local air conditioning repair company
When researching and hiring a local air conditioning repair company to service your unit, it's important to ask the right questions so you can determine whether or not the company you're considering is right for you. Here are three key questions that can help you choose the right company:
How long have you been in business?
Experience is important when it comes to servicing items like air conditioning and the idea is that the longer a company has been in business the better, as years of service can be a strong indicator that they are doing something good.
Is your company authorized and certified?
Since air conditioning maintenance requires expert knowledge of electricity and the inner workings of an air conditioner (we don't know about you, but compressors, condensers and motors aren't for everyone), you'll want to make sure whoever you hire has the right skills to handle it to get the job done.
Do you have insurance?
Life happens and sometimes even in the world of service and repair things can go wrong. Although you want your repair appointment to go smoothly with no problems or mishaps, visiting an insured company at your home will ensure that in the event something happens to your property or the people they go to get your air conditioner repaired, everyone are protected and covered.
How much does it cost?
Be sure to check rates for service in advance and get a written quote or estimate before the repair company shows up so you're not surprised with an astronomical bill once the repair is complete. Please note that there may be a standard initial charge for inspecting the unit (some companies offer free estimates, so ask), with additional charges based on the type of repairs performed.
If you can describe the problems you're having with your air conditioner and get approximate numbers from the repair person to fix those problems, you may be able to get a better idea of how much the service will cost. You can also avail a flat fee for routine air conditioning inspection and maintenance.
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