Learn the Basics of Your Home's Air Conditioner System
August is back-to-school season, so it's time to prepare the kiddos for success as they head back to the classroom. But even if summer break is over, the hot summer weather isn't - the air conditioner still has plenty of work to do before fall. As the kids head off to school, what better time for homeowners to learn a little about their air conditioners?
Homeowners who understand their air conditioning system's basic ins and outs are better equipped to identify problems early and keep their systems running smoothly and efficiently. This can mean lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and greater peace of mind. So this article will lay out what every homeowner should know about their AC!
The Most Common Types of Air Conditioners
Two main types of air conditioning systems are central AC and ductless AC. Both central and ductless systems utilize a series of fans and copper coils filled with liquid refrigerant to capture heat energy from indoor air and release it into the great outdoors. Still, there are key differences between the two systems.
Central air conditioning involves one main unit (more specifically, an indoor air handler unit to cool the indoor air and an outdoor condenser unit to release the heat into the outdoors). This central unit circulates air throughout the home using a network of air ducts and vents.
On the other hand, ductless air conditioner systems involve several smaller units installed throughout the home - typically one for each room that requires air conditioning. These systems require no air ducts because the indoor unit blows cold air directly into the room in which it's installed. These are often referred to as "ductless mini-split air conditioners."
Central AC systems tend to be more discreet since the ducts are hidden behind ceilings, walls, or floors, while ductless systems feature visible units mounted on the walls. Ductless systems are often more efficient since one can control the temperature room-by-room, and cool air doesn't have to travel through ducts in uninsulated areas like attics. However, other factors such as ease (and cost) of installation, home layout, and the household's individual needs play an important role in deciding what type of system to install.
Signs an Air Conditioner May Need Repairs
Despite their differences, central and ductless AC systems exhibit similar symptoms when something goes wrong. For instance, air conditioners tend to be the single biggest source of energy consumption in the home, so when the energy bills are unusually high, it often indicates that a malfunction of some kind is hampering the AC's efficiency.
Some of the more obvious signs that the AC needs repairing include:
- Unusual noises coming from the unit (such as banging, hissing, or metallic screeching)
- Unpleasant odors (such as a mildewy, musty, or burning smell)
- Weak airflow
- Warm air coming from the registers
Still, the house never reaches the correct temperature. While these symptoms usually point to an issue with the unit itself, they can also be caused by old or damaged ductwork or even something as simple as a dirty air filter.
Understanding AC Maintenance
Knowing when to call for air conditioner repair will allow homeowners to address problems before they escalate and cause further damage to the unit. Still, one can avoid most problems altogether with routine maintenance.
A typical maintenance visit from an AC service professional involves:
- A thorough inspection and cleaning of the unit
- Testing of electrical components and safety devices
- Recharging the refrigerant lines
- Lubricating fan bearings
- Calibrating the thermostat
It's best to schedule professional AC maintenance once yearly before summer's heavy workload. Annual maintenance will mitigate wear and tear, extend the unit's lifespan, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of costly problems and breakdowns.
While professional service visits are indispensable, there's one vital maintenance task that homeowners can handle themselves - changing the air filter. Replacing the air filter regularly will help ensure proper airflow to and from the unit, allowing it to function at peak efficiency. It's generally recommended to replace the filter every 3 months. Still, some homeowners may find that more frequent changes are necessary, particularly if they have more than one furry friend living in the house!
About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has proudly served the Danbury community for over 30 years. As an award-winning and BBB-accredited local business, they always provide up-front pricing and fast turnarounds and do everything in their power to ensure every customer is satisfied. They also offer rewarding maintenance plans and 24/7 emergency service, so don't hesitate to call Carmine's for air conditioner repair and maintenance in Danbury, CT!
