When to Call an AC Repairman

It’s the dog days of summer, your AC unit is making loud or strange noises, or only hot air is coming out, worse yet, it’s not functioning at all! While any of these may strike fear into the heart of a sweaty home-owner, these are also very common reasons to call a professional.

If you are experiencing problems with your AC we have a few common sense recommendations you’ll want to look at before you call in the professionals.

First, and easiest, check your thermostat, make sure it’s set to the proper temperature, and hasn’t been accidentally switched from cool to heat. We know, that seems like a “no brainer” but it just takes a second to double check.

Secondly, clean your air conditioner. Dust, and debris around and inside your AC can reduce its efficiency thereby reducing its ability to cool properly. Before you clean it, please shut off the power.

Third, check your drainage tubes for any blockages or obstructions. This is one of the most common reasons home-owners call in a repairman, and also one of the easiest to fix. If you see pooling water around or below your unit, it is usually the result of obstructions like dirt, algae or ice. You can clean out or replace the tube if you find a problem.

Finally, change the filter. When your AC is running regularly, it is recommended to change the filter every month.

If none of these are a solution to your AC problem, then it becomes time to call for an AC repairman.

How Often Should I Get Heating and Cooling Maintenance?

Benjamin Franklin said it best; “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Even if you don’t suspect any problems, maintaining your heating and cooling equipment will cost far less than ignoring it and having to deal with the cost and hassle of emergency repairs, whether it is either freezing cold outside or in the dog days of summer.

As your AC or heating system runs, it accumulates dust and grime in critical areas that affect its efficiency, areas like the condensing coils and air filters. Without proper and regular maintenance, it can lose up to 5% of its operating efficiency each year due to the buildup. This lowers the capabilities of your equipment to cool or heat your house as it could if it were clean.

The recommendation for having regular maintenance to your equipment is twice a year. Once in the Spring, to check the cooling equipment, and once in the Fall, to check your heating system. Getting ready in the Spring to make sure your AC is in prime condition by having it inspected, serviced and cleaned is the best way to ensure that no emergencies arise just when you need your AC the most. It is recommended to have a service professional come to your home when it is not the peak season so that he will be able to take the time to inspect your equipment thoroughly. Likewise, if you have a separate unit for heating, have maintenance done in the early Fall, to ensure that it will be properly functioning and safety inspected for carbon monoxide leakage before placing it in operation.