Staying cool in the Sebastian summer requires routine care for your air conditioner. At Family Heating and Air, Inc, we offer annual AC maintenance to keep your cooling system working efficiently. Our technicians recommend scheduling this service once a year to ensure your machine gets you through the heat of summer without breaking down. Maintenance involves several steps designed to lower the risk of breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and give you more years of function from your air conditioner.
Look, Listen, and Smell
The technician will inspect the mechanical components of your system, assessing for wear and tear. The technician will power on the AC and check for loud noises or odd smells. Your air conditioner should be relatively quiet during operation other than a slight mechanical whir of the fan. Loud banging or clanging noises require further investigation and diagnosis. You should never smell anything from the vents or the machine while the AC is cooling your home. Foul smells may be the result of hot components that are damaged or overworked. Other bad odors come from the air ducts, requiring further inspection.
Clean the Coils
Your air conditioner has evaporator and condenser coils that help transfer air and produce the cold air that comes from your vents. These coils get dirty over time and may accumulate dust. The technician will carefully clean these coils to prevent overheating and other issues associated with dirty components.
Clear the Condensate Drain
Your AC creates moisture as it produces cold air for your home. This moisture turns into condensation, which needs a pathway to flow away from your unit to prevent damage to electrical parts. The condensate drain moves this water from your unit to a safe place. The drain should be cleared of debris and your technician will ensure it is not clogged. A clogged condensate drain means that the water stays in the unit, which could cause mechanical failures.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Some of the parts inside your air conditioner move during operation. These parts require lubrication to prevent damage from friction. Your technician will inspect each of these parts for signs of excessive wear and lubricate them to prevent future damage.
Inspect Wiring and Electrical Connections
Your AC has many electrical components and wiring that help power the unit. Your technician will inspect these components and ensure the wires are intact and securely connected. Loose or frayed wires pose a risk of electrical fires and failures. These damaged wires may be the result of overheating, critter infestations, or old age. Never attempt to handle the wiring and electrical connections inside your air conditioner. Electricity is dangerous to the untrained person and could result in shock or electrocution.
Check the Refrigerant
Your technician will check the refrigerant level in your air conditioner. Refrigerant is necessary to create cold air and keep your home comfortable. If the refrigerant level is low, the technician can add more. If it is empty, the technician may inspect for leaks. Refrigerant is a hazardous substance when not properly handled. Only a licensed HVAC technician with special training and skills should check and fill the refrigerant.
Test Safety Controls
Most air conditioning systems have safety controls that prevent operation when a malfunction is detected. For example, if water builds up inside the drip pan, a device triggers an alarm to the AC, preventing operation until the water level lowers. The technician will test each of these safety controls to ensure they work as they are designed. If a safety control test fails, you should not operate your AC until it has been fixed.
At Family Heating and Air, Inc, we understand the importance of a reliable and efficient air conditioner to get you through the extreme temperatures of summer. That is why we are dedicated to having the most skilled technicians around. In addition, we provide skilled heating and cooling repairs, expert installation of new furnaces and air conditioners, and maintenance for your heating system. We also work with heat pumps and ductless mini-splits to give you more versatility when heating and cooling your Florida home.
Schedule AC maintenance with the best technicians in Sebastian by calling Family Heating and Air, Inc today.
