Is your AC unit working hard or hardly? Is it running constantly or finally resting in peace? These are all questions you might be asking yourself and wondering if you need to call a professional. Perhaps, to an untrained eye, the answers aren’t readily apparent.
The best way for you to determine if your unit needs professional assistance is by inspecting the components of your system. Here are some tips that will help you get started down the road of inspection:
- Inspect the outside unit with a critical eye. Look for any visible damage to the exterior of your air conditioning system, such as holes in the outer cabinet from potential animal infestation or physical abuse. Make note of any loose fasteners on the base plate that secures the compressor and/or fan motor assembly.
- Examine the refrigerant tubing leading from the condenser to the evaporator coil. Look for signs of corrosion or rust, which can cause blockages and lead to sub-optimal airflow.
- Inspect around fasteners that secure the metal hoods on both sides of the compressor. Make sure these are securely affixed because any failure here will cause serious damage to your unit.
- Look for any visible oil leaks around the compressor motor housing because this indicates a potential problem with the bearings or seals. If you’re not knowledgeable about these types of AC repairs, now is the time to call in an expert so they can inspect it for you.
Why Hire An AC Repair Contractor
Now that you know how to inspect your air conditioner properly, are you ready to take on the task? First of all, if your HVAC unit is blowing warm air, it’s probably not a good sign. The problem could be very minor and easily repaired but it might also indicate that you need an entirely new AC unit. If you’re not comfortable with that kind of situation, call in an expert to inspect your unit before you pay for any repairs.
The most important reason to hire a professional League City A/C contractor is that it can save you money. It might be possible to avoid unnecessary refrigerant recharge or new compressor replacement by having your AC inspected first. Heating and cooling service technicians are highly trained and can get to the root of your problem quickly. They also have the knowledge, equipment, and tools necessary to properly diagnose any issues that might be plaguing your unit.
If you’ve been thinking about a new heating and cooling system but don’t want a full replacement because of its associated expense, it might be wise to have your AC inspected before you invest in a new model. Many times, an AC unit that is just 6 or 7 years old doesn’t need to be replaced at all if it can be properly repaired by an HVAC technician.
Repair Or Replace: Which Is The Better Option?
Answering the question, “should you repair or replace your AC unit?” is something you might have wondered about. The answer depends on the age of your current AC system and how long it has been in service. If it works perfectly right now but was installed 8 years ago, you might want to consider a new model because of the efficiency and lack of maintenance.
If you feel overwhelmed with the prospect of having to pay for a new AC unit, you should call an expert first. A trained technician can inspect your system and let you know if it’s worth keeping or needs to be replaced entirely. Replacing a central air conditioner is a fairly straightforward procedure that most homeowners can do themselves, but if you are not the DIY type it might be best to call in an expert.
