How do you know your house Air Conditioning or AC system needs service

The days when air conditioning was the preserve of the rich and famous are long gone. Nowadays, when almost every second house has air conditioning, it follows that there would be maintenance issues as well. 
 
However, professional air conditioning services cost money. Hence, before calling one to your house, you should be able to determine whether you need one in the first place. Here are some tips that can help you reach a decision:


1. Check if the condenser outdoors and the indoor unit are working properly. If they aren't, it may be a simple case of a blown out fuse or breaker, which can be replaced easily without the need to call a professional.

2. Check the filter regularly. One sign that indicates the need for change is the accumulation of ice inside the inner cooling unit (evaporator section). If you are unable to detect this by eye, you can do so by touch. If the metal section seems cold to the touch, it may indicate the presence of ice that blocks the normal flow of air, thereby resulting in decreased efficiency. A professional must uncover the sealed unit and replace the filter.

3. Check the fan blower belt for excessive slack or damage. This is another possible reason for low cooling performance by obstructing air flow.

4. Be sure to regularly wash the condenser coil by spraying water on it. This is especially important if the external unit is in a dusty area or one where leaves fly around. These can clog up the coil and cause the unit to operate ineffectively.

5. Check that the thermostat is set properly. Improper setting of the thermostat can often give the wrong impression that the air conditioning unit is not working properly.

There are some things you need to keep in mind while carrying out any examination of your air conditioning unit:

1. Do not attempt repairs unless you're qualified to do so. In many states it is illegal for an uncertified person to perform air conditioning repairs.

2. Do not attempt to add or remove refrigerant from your system unless you are licensed by the EPA. This is considered a very serious violation of environmental regulations.

3. Do not handle the electrical wiring; you may end up causing yourself serious harm.

4. If you detect any problems with your air conditioning unit that cannot be corrected by the tips given above, call a professional. Again, do not call an electrician but an air conditioning expert who has the knowledge to deal with such issues.

Once you have decided to call a professional, do your research and choose the right person or company based on the following factors:

1. Reputation - Go online for reviews, ask friends and neighbors and call up any clients that they mention to confirm their claims.

2. Recognition - Ensure that the person or company is certified by the appropriate authority.

3. Cost - This is important but should be subservient to the first two factors when you make a choice.

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