Imagine the scorching summer is at its peak, and the sun is blazing in all its glory.
The weather is as hot and humid as it can be. You are sweating, unable to breathe well, and your heart is pounding.
To make things worse, your air conditioning system is not working well. You worry that it might break down altogether.
Fuming, you say to yourself: “If only I had gotten it serviced earlier in the season. I should have invested in regular maintenance.”
Let’s face it: Appliances of all kinds, your air-conditioning system, in particular, require regular service and maintenance.
With continuous usage, it experiences wear and tear. If left untreated, this can not only lead to frustration and stress but also prove to be quite costly down the line.
After all, chances are you might even have to discard the current air conditioning system and get a new one.
Having said that, let’s now delve deep into how you can service your air conditioning system, shall we?
But before that, first, let’s take a look at how the air conditioning system works. Only once you completely understand how your AC works, you can proceed to service it. Isn’t that right?
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
How The Air Conditioning System Works?
The air conditioning system is a central heating and cooling system that provides cold air indoors. This all happens while removing the hot air and humidity from inside.
Air conditioners of all shapes, sizes, and brands operate on the same fundamental scientific principle and mechanical means.
The AC unit has seven main parts:
1. Compressor
2. Condenser
3. Evaporator
4. Blower
5. Fan
6. Filter
7. Thermostat
There is an indoor unit that includes an evaporator and blower fan. There is also an outdoor unit that houses the compressor, condenser, and fan.
Two actions occur at the same time – one indoors and the other outdoors.
Functioning of the Indoor Air Conditioning Unit
The thermostat monitors and controls the temperature. Once it senses that the temperature needs to be lowered, it sends signals to the indoor and outdoor unit of the air conditioning system to begin. The fan within the indoor unit pulls the warm air from indoors. The air is first filtered and then passes over the cold evaporator coil. The liquid refrigerant within the cold evaporator coil turns to gas and absorbs the heat from the air, cooling it. This chilled air is then circulated indoors.
Functioning of the Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit
Simultaneously, the refrigerant gas goes into the compressor within the outside unit via a copper tube. The compressor pressurizes the gas and sends the refrigerant to the condenser coil, which also pulls air from the outside through a fan, allowing the transfer of heat energy to the outside air, which is then released outside. The refrigerant is then converted to liquid form, and it flows back into the evaporator coil in the indoor unit. The process starts again until the desired temperature is achieved.
Regardless of the type and brand of air conditioner, one thing is certain: it requires timely service and maintenance to perform at its best.
The Benefits of Air Conditioning Service
You might be wondering why go through the hassle of servicing your air conditioner when it’s neither malfunctioning nor out of order.
Here are five main benefits you can get by investing in air conditioning service:
1. Cost Savings
Being proactive and getting your air conditioning system serviced regularly can help you save hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Yes, that’s right.
It allows you to spot and solve any issues before they become substantial enough to cause any major issues. Issues that might require professional help. The issues could include major repairs or even replacement of the air conditioning system altogether.
2. Better Quality of Air
Let’s face it. Your air conditioning system plays a pivotal role in the indoor air quality of your home.
If serviced and maintained, the quality of the air improves. While lack of care can negatively impact the health and wellbeing of you and your loved ones.
3. Comfort, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Whether you are planning on chilling indoors in the summer, relaxing after a long day, or inviting guests over, the last thing you want is an air conditioning system that doesn’t work, right?
With effective and regular air conditioning service, you no longer have to worry about such issues and can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
4. Energy Efficiency
Regular upkeep of the air conditioning system works wonders for you and the planet.
It helps optimize the performance of the AC unit, making sure it runs as efficiently as possible. It also means consuming the minimum amount of energy.
This saves you from the high energy bills and lowers your carbon footprint – a win-win.
5. Extends The Lifespan
A steady pace of wear and tear with the course of time is a given. However, if you neglect your AC, it will start malfunctioning and breakdown way too frequently, causing you to replace it.
With regular tune-ups and service, you can make sure your air conditioner runs smoothly for years to come, saving your hard-earned cash as well as helping you avoid the hassle that comes up with repairing and replacing the AC.
Steps To DIY Air Conditioning Service
While servicing the air conditioning unit requires knowledge and expertise, you can indeed service the air conditioning unit yourself by following a few essential guidelines.
You’ll need to take out a few hours from your schedule, and it might incur a cost of up to $100, depending on the materials required.
Normally, you’ll need tools and materials such as a screwdriver, pliers, vacuum, knife, foil tape, brush, shims, coil cleaner, water, and bleach.
Shut Down The Power
The first thing you need to do is turn off the power supply.
Make sure to not only switch off the power unit but also the breaker.
Air conditioning units use high amperes of current, and for your own safety as well as security, you need to ensure that the power is completely switched off.
Inspect and Clean The Condenser and Fins
Debris tends to accumulate in the condenser over time regardless of where the outdoor unit is placed. Vacuum the debris and then clean the fins using a garden hose.
Note that fins are thin metal pieces that can get bent quite easily. Hence, you should not use a pressure washer to clean them.
While cleaning the fins, do inspect them to make sure they are flat as well as straight. If not, use a butter knife to straighten them out carefully.
Similarly, check the level of the condenser. In case it is off-level, use the shims to bring it back to its original position.
Clean The Evaporator Coils
It’s time you move to the indoor unit. Start with the evaporator coil – it will be sealed with foil tape and lie above the blower motor. Use a brush to dust it off. Then, spray the coil cleaner and rinse.
Clean The Drain Pan & Pipe
Make a homemade cleaner of bleach and hot water. Then pour it down the drain of the air conditioner.
You can even use a drain pan tablet, which ensures that algae doesn’t grow in the drain, and it freely flows for a considerable time period.
Change The Air Filter
Simply replace the old air filter with a new one. This basic and easy step to service the AC is extremely important.
It is recommended that you change the filter twice each year or even more if you live in a dusty area.
Turn The Power Back On
Now that you have followed all the steps and serviced your AC, secure anything taken apart and turn the power back on.
Let the AC stay on for a while – you’ll soon start noticing the results.
Professional Air Conditioning Service
The great news is that neither do you have to understand how the air conditioning system works nor do you need to know how you can effectively service it.
You don’t even have to go through the strenuous process of servicing your air conditioning unit yourself, which requires specialized tools and can be dangerous at times.
Simply call in the professionals.
Save your time and energy while making sure the job gets done properly the first time around so that you are all set for the season ahead.
You can get in touch with the licensed professionals in your neighborhood who can take care of the entire process for you without you having to do a thing.
They will have the experience, trained expertise, and the right equipment as well as strategies up their sleeve to properly service your air conditioning system in a timely manner.
Takeaway
If you are from Fredericksburg or Stafford, Virginia, you know that summers here can be sweltering hot, and humid.
A properly functioning air conditioning system is a necessity.
After all, you sure want to relax and refuel indoors, have a great time with your loved ones, and sleep like a baby, don’t you?
It all starts with investing in regular air conditioning maintenance. Regular AC service ensures that your air conditioning system works well. If any problem arises, it is catered to before it causes your air conditioners to malfunction and break down. This small investment prevents costly repairs which drain your energy and wallet.
OHA Home Service provides high-quality, professional, prompt, and cost-effective air conditioning service in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and surrounding regions. In case you run into any trouble with your air conditioning system or want to get it regularly serviced, simply give us a call.
From carefully listening and understanding your needs to evaluating and diagnosing the problems, and effectively solving them, we do it all, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on your comfort and wellbeing – ever.
Isn’t that just what you want?
