The Basics of Every AC System
Every tenant and homeowner needs to understand the basics of their air conditioning systems. By knowing a little about the system design and how to look for signs indicating that the air conditioning unit needs repairs, owners, and tenants can know when the system isn’t acting right. In honor of the back-to-school season, here is a quick guide to help everyone understand basic information about the system that keeps their home comfortable and how to maximize its effectiveness.
Different Types of AC Systems
The first thing that everyone needs to know about an air conditioning system is the style of the system in the home. With decades of development, most homes are cooled by one of two systems: central air conditioning and ductless mini-split air conditioning. Both systems are completely different, but they offer different benefits to the owner.
- Central AC: Central air conditioning is the most common type of air conditioning found in homes and businesses in the US. What makes these systems unique is the presence of a central blower that pushes conditioned air through ductwork to cool the entire home at once. The main benefit of these systems is that they are easy to use and most people are familiar with them.
- Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning: Ductless mini-splits are a relatively new technology that is rapidly gaining popularity. These systems use a system of hidden pipes to transport refrigerant instead of cooled air. The cooled refrigerant is distributed to individual cooling heads around the home, allowing owners to cool only certain portions of their home or for different temperatures in different spaces. By utilizing this zone control, homeowners can reduce their energy bills by not cooling unoccupied spaces.
Signs to Call for AC Repairs
Once the people living in the home understand their cooling system, they need to know how it operates to spot problems as soon as they manifest. Luckily, both types of systems have similar indications that something is wrong. Some of the signs that it is time to call for AC repairs are:
- New, unusual noises
- Long cycles
- High utility bills
- High humidity or poor indoor air quality
- Poor cooling power
- Loss of performance or operation
When these problems are noticed, occupants should call a professional for repairs. This can restore lost cooling power and prevent the problem from worsening and causing extra damage.
Always Remember AC Maintenance
One of the drawbacks of any mechanical system is that it needs periodic attention because wear and tear reduces its effectiveness and life expectancy. Both types of air conditioners are no exception. Whether central AC or ductless mini-splits are present in the home, seasonal maintenance is necessary. Most manufacturers recommend spring maintenance for air conditioners and fall maintenance for heaters. If the home is heated and cooled using the same central or ductless system, it should receive professional attention twice yearly to keep it running effectively and cheaply.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling has an excellent AC maintenance program to keep owners’ bills low and reduce the likelihood of problems. They also offer emergency service and upfront pricing for AC repairs. Call today for AC maintenance in Livermore, CA & the Tri-Valley.
