Going Back to School With Air Conditioning 101

Learning the Basics of Your Air Conditioning System

During the summer heat, people need to ensure their AC systems are working correctly so their spaces can be adequately cooled. In this blog post, AC technicians provide tips for property owners to keep their properties comfortable all season. These can include ensuring they have the correct type of air conditioner installed, recognizing the signs that an AC system needs to be repaired or replaced, and the benefits of scheduling routine maintenance.

Common Types of Air Conditioners

acPeople have numerous air conditioning options to cool their spaces in the summer months. Most properties in Texas use central AC systems or ductless mini-split systems. These are both excellent at cooling entire properties, but they have key differences. 

  • Central air conditioning systems: Central AC is designed to cool an entire building or home. They have a centralized cooling unit, usually located outside the building, connected to a network of air ducts that distribute the cool air throughout the space. These are commonly used in homes, offices, and commercial buildings.
  • Ductless mini-split systems: These ductless mini-split air conditioning systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units. Each indoor unit is installed in the room or zone where it’s supposed to cool. Ductless mini-split systems are versatile and can cool individual rooms or multiple zones separately. They are also highly energy efficient, partly due to their lack of air ducts.

Signs an AC Unit Needs Repairs

When the summer heat arrives, property owners must ensure their AC system can adequately cool their property. To avoid having their unit completely break down, they need to watch for signs indicating they need air conditioning repairs or an air conditioner replacement. 

Symptoms to watch for include:

  • The system is not properly cooling the building
  • There is insufficient airflow coming from the vents
  • Strange noises are coming from the system
  • Foul odors are coming from the unit – which can indicate mold or mildew
  • Water or moisture is leaking from the system, indicating a clogged line or a refrigerant leak
  • The system keeps turning on and off, which could mean there’s a problem with the thermostat or compressor
  • The energy bills are increasing, signaling the system isn’t working efficiently
  • There is ice forming on the coils, showing there are low refrigerant levels

Routine AC Maintenance

acProperty owners should schedule air conditioner maintenance services at least once a year and change their filters around every three months. Routine air conditioning maintenance can help prevent air conditioners from completely breaking down, prevent problems, extend the AC’s life expectancy, delay air conditioning replacement, and save money on energy bills.  

During these services, HVAC technicians can perform the following tasks:

  • Clean or replace the air filters. Property owners can also perform this task, typically at least every three months.
  • Clean the condenser coils. These can accumulate dust and debris. Experts will remove it to keep the unit operating efficiently. 
  • Clean the condensate drain. Professionals will ensure it’s not clogged. This can lead to water damage if it’s not cleaned.
  • Clean the evaporator coil. Like the condenser coil, this must be cleaned regularly to remove debris.
  • Check the refrigerant levels. Technicians will check the refrigerant levels to ensure there isn’t a leak or other problem. 
  • Inspect the thermostat. Professionals will inspect the thermostat to make sure it’s working correctly. 
  • Examine the blower. Experts will check the blower assembly for dirt or debris, clean them, and add lubricants as needed.

About Steve’s Refrigeration

Steve’s Refrigeration is a family-owned and operated commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration company serving Pampa and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward price quotes, financing, and the latest technology. Call them today for industrial and commercial air conditioning services in Pampa, TX.

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