Your AC provides you with comfort and luxury when you need it most, during those long Raleigh summer months of bright sunlight and visible heat waves wafting over the ground outside. That said, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your cooling system at all times. An air conditioner in peak condition ensures that every cent you spend on your utility bills is utilized optimally. To that end, it’s worth checking out your Air Conditioning from time to time to confirm that it’s working the way it’s supposed to.
Basic AC Check
There are a few easy things you can do to make sure your AC unit is using energy efficiently. The first thing you’ll want to do is check your air filters to ensure they aren’t dirty. Filthy filters are the cause of many common AC problems since they prevent clean air from circulating through your system and force it to work harder than necessary as a result. Once every month, check your filters—and if they’re dirty, replace them yourself. This will nip a lot of basic air conditioning issues in the bud.
You’ll also want to have a look at your thermostat every so often, to make sure it’s regulating your system correctly. A malfunctioning thermostat needs immediate replacement, but in most cases, thermostat problems are much simpler in nature, and can simply be solved by replacing the batteries. While you’re at it, check your breaker to make sure that it hasn’t tripped. This often causes perfectly functional units to stop working.
When it comes to mechanical issues in your cooling system itself, one of the clearest signs is the presence of ice on your air conditioner. Ice shouldn’t be forming on your coils (or anywhere else). Puddles of liquid should be equally concerning. Either of these can be evidence of a refrigerant leak, which needs to be dealt with by a professional Raleigh air conditioning repair company immediately. The problem is often a cracked drain line.
A healthy AC system should be ice-free, use clean air filters, and supported by a working electrical system (including the batteries in your thermostat). Outdoor units should also be free from debris such as lawn clippings, sticks, and piles of leaves. The most important sign of a working air conditioner, however, is the way it makes you feel. Is your Raleigh home cool? Are your utility bills reasonable? Ask these questions first, then go through the tasks listed above and call in a professional HVAC service technician twice a year for best results.
