Average homeowners don’t know much about their air conditioners. So, when something goes wrong, they may not know how to fix it themselves or even describe the problem to an HVAC technician properly. This can lead to common mistakes that delay A/C repairs Perkinston, MS, cause unnecessary damage, or end up costing more money in the long run.
Here are some of the most common A/C repair mistakes people make, which you can avoid as early as now:
- Not changing the air filter
A clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons for an air conditioner repair call. The air filter protects your unit’s evaporator coils and blower motor from dirt and dust, and it should be changed at least once every three months (more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area).
Failure to do so can lead to many problems, including reduced efficiency, increased energy costs, and even premature wear and tear on your A/C unit. If you’re not sure how often you need to change the filter or don’t know where it is located, you can consult the manufacturer’s manual or ask a professional technician during your next tune-up.
- Letting the outside unit get too dirty
Your air conditioner’s condenser coils are located in the outdoor unit, and they need to be able to dissipate heat to work properly. If the coils are covered in dirt and debris, they won’t be able to do their job, and your A/C will have to work harder to cool your home. Worse, it can lead to a breakdown that may require expensive A/C repair Perkinston, MS.
That’s why it’s important to keep the area around your outdoor unit clean and schedule a routine maintenance call, preferably once a year. In the meantime, you can use a garden hose with a spray attachment to remove any dirt and debris accumulated on the unit. Simply run the hose over your A/C – being careful not to damage any of the delicate components. Give it a good rinse afterward.
- Ignoring strange noises
It is normal for A/C units to make some noise, especially when starting up. But if it gets louder or changes in quality, it’s definitely time to call in a technician for help.
Clanking, for instance, could indicate that there’s something loose inside the unit. Rattling might mean that the fan blades are damaged or imbalanced. If you hear any loud screeching, hissing, or whistling sounds, it probably means that there’s a refrigerant leak. A blocked or dirty air filter and a loose or vibrating belt may also cause these noises to develop.
- Trying to DIY
When something goes wrong with your A/C system, it can be tempting to try to fix it yourself due to the idea of saving more money. But is it really worth the risk?
While there are some basic troubleshooting tasks that you can do on your own, such as changing the air filter or cleaning the outdoor condenser coils, anything beyond that should be left to the professionals. After all, they have the training and experience to quickly identify and fix any A/C repair Perkinston, MS – preventing further damage and saving you money in the end.
- Skipping preventative maintenance
As with any appliance, keeping up with regular maintenance is highly beneficial for extending its lifespan. When it comes to air conditioners, this means having a professional inspect and clean your unit at least once a year. Doing so will ensure that small problems are caught early on before they have a chance to turn into bigger, more expensive A/C repairs Perkinston, MS.
You can also start with the basics, such as replacing the air filter, checking the refrigerant levels, and cleaning your unit. If you’re having trouble remembering when to do these things, set a reminder on your phone or calendar so you can stay on top of it.
- Turning the thermostat down too low
When it’s hot outside, it can be tempting to crank your air conditioner’s thermostat down to the lowest setting in an effort to cool off quickly. However, keep in mind that A/C units have an optimal temperature range that must be operated within.
Setting it too low will only attract a variety of problems, such as putting a strain on the unit and reducing its lifespan. Additionally, refrigerant lines can freeze up when operating outside of the ideal temperature range, which can lead to costly repairs. It’s best to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and let it run regularly, rather than turning it down low for short periods of time.
- Running the unit 24/7
While it’s important to keep your air conditioner running during hot summer days, keeping it on around the clock is actually a recipe for disaster. Not only will this cause your energy bills to skyrocket, but it can also lead to premature wear and tear on your unit. It is best to give your A/C a break every now and then and use fans or open windows to cool your home when possible.
- Neglecting regular cleaning
Here’s a sad reality: most people do not think about their air conditioner until something goes wrong. But neglecting regular maintenance can lead to bigger repair issues down the road.
In addition to changing your air filter and keeping the area around your outdoor unit clean, you should also clean your air conditioner’s coils on a regular basis. Dirty coils can cause your unit to overheat and break down, so be sure to clean them with a soft brush or cloth. You can do some cleaning prep at least once a year.
- Failing to schedule professional repairs
There are a few reasons why people might fail to schedule A/C repair Perkinston, MS right away. In some cases, they don’t realize that their unit is broken down, and they continue to use it until the problem becomes too obvious to ignore. Other times, people might be aware of the problem but think they can repair it themselves or put it off until later since it’s not an emergency. And in other cases, they simply forget about their air conditioner until it’s too late.
Even if you take good care of your Air Conditioning system, it will inevitably need professional repair at some point. When this happens, it’s important to call a reputable HVAC company as soon as possible. Trying to fix the problem yourself or simply ignoring it will only make things worse and could ultimately lead to a total system breakdown.
- Not having a backup plan
Although you may not want to think about it, there’s always a chance that your air conditioner could break down when you need it most. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan in place, such as an emergency A/C repair Perkinston, MS that you can call 24/7. This way, you’ll know that help is just a phone call away if your unit ever decides to quit on you.
We cannot stress enough the importance of air conditioners. They provide us with comfort during the hot and humid summer days. However, we often take them for granted and do not give them the care they deserve. As a result, we end up with an inefficient A/C system that causes our energy bills to skyrocket and eventually breaks down on us.
Be sure to keep these simple tips to extend your unit’s lifespan for years and avoid A/C repair Perkinston, MS that will hurt your pocket.
How to Find the Best A/C Repair Service
When your air conditioner breaks down, the last thing you want to do is wait around for a repairman. But finding a reputable A/C repair service doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
Here are a few tips to help you find the best service provider in town:
A solid track record is a good place to start.
When looking for an A/C repair Perkinston, MS, check to see if the company has been in business for a while and if they have a good reputation. You can do this by reading online reviews or asking your friends and family for recommendations.
Check the company’s licensing and insurance status.
Will the company be able to provide you with proof of insurance and licensing? This is important because it will protect you in case something goes wrong during the repair process.
Inquire about their warranty policy.
It’s also a good idea to find out if the company offers any type of warranty on their work. This way, you can rest assured knowing that you won’t have to pay for any repairs if something goes wrong down the road.
Get a free estimate.
Finally, make sure to get a free estimate from the company before you agree to their services. Doing so will help you determine exactly how much the repairs will cost so that you can budget accordingly.
North Bay Heating & Air Provides A/C Repair in Perkinston, MS
Don’t let A/C repair be last on your list of priorities. North Bay Heating & Air proudly offers repair services for all makes and models, whether central air conditioners or ductless systems.
Give us a call today at (228) 392-5092 to schedule a free estimate!
