Texas heat is no joke and you need your air conditioner running at maximum capacity more than ever; Especially when we’ve been experiencing record-high temperatures, and it’s just the beginning of the season. No one wants to deal with a broken air conditioner, and certainly not considering the steamy start to this Texas summer. Servicing your air conditioner before making it work hard all summer long is a great way to prevent that problem.
Here are three things to look out for to know when to call a professional like Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating for your maintenance today.
Your Filter Is Dirty
No one wants to worry about low air quality in their home.
If your air conditioning unit is bogged down with dirt and debris in the filter, the amount of airflow is reduced. This also causes more energy to be consumed as the unit works harder to push air through.
You can check the filter yourself easily. There are a few different places the filter could be depending on the type of air conditioner you have.
The main filter locations are:
1. Where the return ducts enter the ac unit
2. Behind the return air grill
3. In the blower compartment
Once you remove the filter from the unit it is easy to tell if it needs to be replaced or cleaned. Hold the filter up the light so you can tell how much light is able to pass through. A clean filter should be semi-translucent, if it is visibly dirty you are in need of a cleaning or a replacement, depending on the type of filter.
You might need to check your air filter more often than you think, especially if your family includes furry pets. Energy Saver recommends checking filters every 2 months.
A clean air conditioning unit doesn’t have to work as hard to push air through dirty filters and coils. These two parts are essential for the unit to function properly.
Your Energy Bill Is Unusually High
Is your summer energy bill higher than you expected? The Texas heat may not be the one to bear all the blame, it may be your air conditioner. If you have already checked the filter, it may be time for a professional to take over the routine maintenance.
Another consequence of dirty filters is that prolonged usage allows the dirt to seep through the filter and muck up the coils, which are key pieces in cooling efficiency. Clean coils will not only save you money by reducing the amount of expended energy, but also by extending the life of the whole air conditioning system.
Cleaning the coils is more involved than checking the filter and it is a good idea to trust a professional with such a key piece of your air conditioning unit.
Your Home Is Taking Longer to Cool
If your air conditioner is running a little longer than usual and your home still isn’t cool, this is another sign it’s time for professional maintenance. This can be a symptom of more than dirty filters and coils.
You can check the coil fins, which are the exterior protective barrier to the coils and they can be easily bent, resulting in reduced airflow. It is also possible your unit may be in need of more refrigerant among other issues.
When your AC unit is taking too long to cool, it could be a sign that it is about to go out. Don’t wait until it is already malfunctioning to call a professional. Regular maintenance and cleaning can save you from sweltering.
Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating: Keep Your Home Cool This Summer
Better yet, keep your home cool every summer. Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has been servicing the DFW area since 1975. These DIY cleaning tips help a lot, but nothing will extend the life of your AC or minimize energy usage like the care of a professional.
Clean air in your home, a lower energy bill, and an air conditioning unit that cools quickly are a few things that will improve your summer. Give our team a call today to request a free estimate!