An HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system or a central AC is an expensive appliance. This means that the longer you use it, the better the chances of recouping your investment. With that in mind, it is important to consider all of your options. The primary tool to help you in this task is regularly scheduled AC Service. This may seem obvious, but a surprising amount of people actually forget about having the system serviced every year, and this can be hard on the unit. For example, the refrigerant that collects heat from the home and results in cool, air also carries the lubricant that is used by the condenser. When the refrigerant runs low, there is an increased chance that the condensing system could overheat and burn out or lock up.
Another problem with a low refrigerant level is reduced efficiency. If the refrigerant is low, then the unit can’t charge properly and must work harder to generate the treated air. Another point of consideration is overall airflow through the system. Over time, the blower fan and evaporator coil will accumulate dust. This dirt will cake up and reduce the amount of air that is pushed through the system. The only real solution is to clean everything thoroughly. Unfortunately, most evaporator coils are placed in such a way that they are difficult to clean completely. An AC technician will need to remove the evaporator coil and wash it in an acid bath. Sadly, cleaning the blower is a bit harder because all you can do is scrub the vanes of the fan or replace it.
The average service life of an HVAC or central AC will vary by quality and how the unit is treated, but quality AC Service can extend that life by years. It is also important to have the unit checked at the first sign of trouble. Using an air conditioner with a possible fault will usually make the problem worse and increase the cost of the repair. If at all possible, it is best to shut the unit off until the contractor can check out the system. To learn more about air conditioning service and repair consult the experts at Four Seasons Heating and Cooling Specialists Inc. You can like them on Facebook.
