1. How Does An Air Conditioner Work?
In order to cool a home, air conditioners use a refrigerant that absorbs and discharges heat. Warm air moves across the evaporator coils. Then the refrigerant in the coils absorb's the air's heat and "cools" the air. The refrigerant turns from a cool liquid into a hot gas that is transferred to the outside unit, where it's compressed and condensed back into liquid form. The hot air is released outdoors and then the refrigerant travels back to the indoor unit to continue the cooling process.
2. How Often Should I Have My AC System Maintained?
For a residential AC system, it's recommended that you have your AC serviced 1-2 times per year, especially in the spring before the summer heat hits. For areas with high levels of contaminants in the air such as kitchens, hair salons or workshops, additional service may be needed to keep your AC system in tip-top shape!
3. Why Should I Service My AC System Regularly?
Routine maintenance on your AC system keeps your unit running at maximum efficiency. This can significantly extend the lifetime of your unit and reduce your operating costs. In addition, if your system is under warranty, routine maintenance is often required to keep that warranty.
4. Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?
There are several reasons why an AC unit could be leaking water. Condensation on the coils should fall into a drip pan that is then drained away or pumped outside. If excess water is finding it's way into your home, that condensate is likely not being drained away properly. The most common reason is that dirt and grime clog up the drainage system. Another issue could be that the pump is broken, in which case that would need to be replaced. If cleaning your coils doesn't fix the issue, it's time to call in a professional HVAC repair technician at the Lake of the Ozarks to determine and resolve the issue.
5. How Often Should I Change My AC Filter?
The single most important thing you can do to maintain your AC system is replace the filter regularly. It's recommended that you check your filters monthly, especially during the hot summer months when the system is working extra hard to cool your home. Some higher efficiency filters can last up to three months, but it's still a good idea to check them. If you have a disposable filter and you see that it's covered in dirt, you can easily replace it yourself. You can get filters at your local home improvement store, just make sure you get the correct size for your unit.
6. How Long Does The Average HVAC System Last?
On average, most HVAC systems will last anywhere from 10-20 years. As your unit starts to age though, the efficiency can decrease. Your unit may get louder and require more frequent maintenance and repairs. When this happens, you'll need to make the decision to continue repairing it or invest in a new HVAC system.
7. How Do I Know If My AC Unit Needs Replaced?
If your AC system is more than 10 years old and you're having to repair it frequently, you might consider replacing your system. While it may seem like a big investment now, it can save you money in both repair costs and energy costs over time. Find a trusted Lake of the Ozarks AC company to schedule a consultation for an estimate on a new system. Do the math and see what the best option is for you at the time. You don't want to keep throwing money at repairs to turn around and have to replace it soon after because it entirely breaks down.
If you have other questions about your AC unit, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 573-480-4313. Royal Heating & Air is your full-service, locally owned and operated HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. From installation to preventative maintenance, we've got all your HVAC needs covered!
Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"
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