May 4, 2020
Your Hampton Roads home’s central air conditioning system has had months of rest, but now that spring is in full swing and summer is steadily approaching, you’ll soon need your AC to start pumping out cool air. This year indoor comfort is more important than ever, as it’s likely that your family will be spending more time inside than years past.
No one likes dealing with unexpected (and potentially expensive) AC repairs, and while crossing your fingers and hoping for the best way have worked once or twice in the past, you can save yourself a lot of headache by taking a few simple steps right now to get out ahead of any developing HVAC problems, before you end needing to replace your air conditioner.
1. Clear the Outdoor Area Around Your Condenser
Your AC’s condenser unit is the large box-shaped piece of equipment outside your Norfolk or Virginia Beach home, and it needs to be kept clear of debris, branches, tall grass, leaves, and anything else that might restrict air flow, which can lead to breakdown and inefficient operation. Keeping the area around your condenser trimmed and clear will help ensure you’re getting the most out of your AC this summer.
2. Check Outdoor Wiring for Damage
While you're clearing the area around your condenser, it’s a good idea to check for any damage to the wiring as well. If you see wear or anything that would indicate there’s a problem, that’s a great sign to call a technician for air conditioning repair.
3. Inspect Your Central Ductwork
Is your AC not cooling your house as much as you’d like? In addition to your air conditioning unit itself, the condition of your ducts can also play a large role. Air leaks and poor duct insulation can lead to significant energy loss. If there are sections of your ductwork visible in easy to access areas of your home, like your basement or attic, take a look and see if there are cracks or gaps or other signs that cool conditioned air is having trouble reaching the rooms of your house.
4. Replace Your Air Filters
Air filters for your air conditioner unit help improve the quality of the air circulating in your central air system and throughout your home, but you need to check and replace or clean them regularly. A dirty air filter can slow air flow through your AC, leading to increased wear and tear and more frequent breakdowns.
5. Check Your Coolant Lines for Insulation
Your coolant or refrigerant lines are what help transfer heat out of your home. You can find these pipes running out of the back of your condenser and heading into the house. Are they insulated, and is the insulation worn down, peeling, or cracking? If so, get them fixed, or you’ll be wasting energy!
When You Think of AC Repair, Think of Russell’s HVAC
Why does your AC sound so loud when it’s running? How do you fix your cooling unit outside your house? Luckily, Russell’s has the answers you need to get your AC back up and running in time for summer, and keep it there. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance in the spring is one of the best ways you can ensure that you and your family will benefit from low energy costs and high home comfort all cooling season long.
