Things Your AC Technician Should Check During Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your air conditioner (AC) is important for the AC's efficiency and durability. The following are some of the areas that should be checked during the maintenance sessions.
Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant is the fluid that absorbs indoor heat and dumps it outside to cool the house. A low refrigerant level leads to inefficient cooling, inefficient energy consumption, and AC overheating, among other issues. Therefore, the contractor should confirm that the refrigerant level is adequate. Loose connections, damage, and wear and tear are some of the things that can lead to a refrigerant leak.
Duct Conditions
The supply ducts circulate cool air throughout the house while the return ducts take stale air back to the AC for cooling. Thus, damaged or disconnected ducts will interfere with air circulation and your house's cooling. For example, if the supply ducts are damaged, the AC will be cooling the air, but your house will remain warm.
Electrical Connections
Several parts of the AC require electricity to operate -- the thermostat and motor are two examples. The contractor should confirm that all the electrical connections are strong, the electrical insulation is intact, and the AC doesn't have any electrical damage. Electrical issues don't just interfere with cooling, they also increase the risk of electrical fires, damage, and shock.
Physical Damage
Physical damage to the AC can also interfere with its operations. For example, windblown debris can bend the delicate condenser fins, interfering with the heat exchange process. Air ducts can get disconnected or bent after a disaster (for example, if a tree falls on the house). A serious flood can dislodge the outside AC unit out of its usual position.
Belt Conditions
The AC belt connects the motor to the fan. Since the AC requires the fan to cool the house, a damaged or loose belt is a recipe for inefficient cooling. The contractor will check the tension and condition of the belt to determine if it needs tightening or a replacement.
Lubrication
Lubrication is necessary to reduce the friction between moving parts. For example, the AC motor needs to be lubricated for efficient operations. Residential ACs typically uses oil for lubrication. Thus, the contractor will check the volume and condition of the oil since stale oil is just as dangerous as a low oil volume.
Hopefully, the regular maintenance sessions will help you avoid unexpected AC breakdowns. Contact an air conditioning technician if your AC malfunctions despite regular servicing.
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