Advice for Preventing Air Conditioning Troubles
It's almost time for spring cleaning, and why not add the air conditioning in the home to the to-do list for maintenance and cleaning? This will help improve the air quality for home occupants and give the system a tune-up to get ready for hot summer days ahead! Any homeowner's last thing is for the AC to go out during the hottest months of the year, right?
Why Change the Air Filter?
One should change air filters on air conditioning systems at least every 90 days. Still, manufacturers recommend decreasing that to once every 30 days for homes that have pets or home occupants with allergies to common household allergens like dust or dander.
Why change it more often?
Air filters get clogged with dust, dander, hair, and fur faster when pets live in the home, and pushing air through dirty filters can reintroduce that dirt into the house, which means more frequent cleaning and lower air quality.
The simplest solution is to change the air filter and improve air quality!
How to Make Sure the Thermostat Is Working Properly
- Not maintaining the requested temperature
- Screen is locked
- Dirt is causing poor connection or intermittent connection
- Batteries died, so the unit has no power
- Frayed wiring or miswired
- The unit needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear
- The breaker flipped and needs to be reset
Check the thermostat if the AC appears to be malfunctioning but the problem isn't readily apparent in the AC unit. This option is often a simple fix, and many homeowners feel confident in their ability to choose a new unit at the hardware store and change to a new one if necessary.
Follow the directions in the packaging, and be sure to take a picture of how the old unit is wired before completely removing it from the wall. This will save a lot of hassle and trying to figure out how the unit should be wired with nothing to reference.
For homeowners unable to locate the manual that came with the original unit but still wanting to see if the problem is fixable, many manufacturers have online manuals or online support to ask questions.
Keeping the AC Maintained Year-Round
Air conditioner repair or replacement can be expensive, and why go through the hassle if it can be prevented by regularly maintaining the unit? Annual cleaning and inspection performed by licensed and certified professionals give peace of mind to homeowners that want to provide a safe environment for their families.
Maintenance plans clean debris from the unit, measure voltage, check refrigerant and inspect for any minor repairs that could become major repairs if not treated. Most plan providers will offer additional benefits like discounts on repairs or parts, warranty on labor, and front-of-line privilege during peak hours or emergencies.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling provides customers in Livermore and the Tri-Valley area with an easy and enjoyable experience from friendly, helpful staff members. A call to Barker means the entire system is tested to find a holistic solution that lasts!
