Summer is in full swing and that means one thing for many people: air conditioning. If your AC unit isn’t working properly, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to try to repair it before calling in the professionals. In this blog post, we will discuss some expert tips on AC repair Black Canyon City, AZ. We will also provide some information on what to do if you need to replace your AC unit.
Understanding Air Conditioners
First, it’s important to comprehend how an AC unit works. Air conditioners work by using a refrigerant to cool the air inside your home. The refrigerant is circulated through a series of coils and then compressed. This compression process causes the refrigerant to become very cold.
The cold air is then circulated through the ductwork in your home and into each room. Air conditioners are designed to last for many years with proper maintenance. They are durable and reliable, but they can still break down from time to time.
Different Types of Air Conditioners
There are four main types of air conditioners: central, ductless, window, and portable. Each of these types has its own set of pros and cons. They serve the same basic purpose, but they do so in different ways.
- Central Units
Probably the most popular type of air conditioner, central units are designed to cool the entire home. They are typically installed in a central location, such as the basement or attic. Central units are very efficient and can cool your home or office quickly due to their large cooling capacity.
One of the main disadvantages of a central unit is that they require ductwork to be installed throughout your home. This can be a costly and time-consuming process. If you don’t have ductwork in your home, a central unit may not be an option for you.
- Ductless Systems
Coined as “mini-splits”, ductless systems are similar to central units in that they can cool your entire home. However, they don’t require any ductwork to be installed. Ductless systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit(s) by a small conduit.
Ductless systems are very efficient and can save you money on your energy bill. They are also very easy to install and can be done so by a qualified HVAC technician in just a few hours.
The main disadvantage of ductless systems is that they can be more expensive than other types of air conditioners. They also require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.
- Window Units
Window units are the most common type of air conditioner and are typically used to cool a single room. They are installed in a window and take up very little space. Window units are relatively inexpensive and can be bought at most home improvement stores.
The main disadvantage of window units is that they can be loud and intrusive. They also only cool the room in which they are installed, so you will need multiple units to cool your entire home.
- Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are designed to be moved from one room to another. They have wheels for easy transport and can be plugged into any standard outlet. Portable air conditioners use a hose to vent the hot air out of a window or door.
Portable air conditioners are a great option for people who don’t want to install a permanent unit. They are also relatively inexpensive and can be found at most home improvement stores. The main disadvantage of portable air conditioners is that they are not as efficient as other types of air conditioners. They also require proper ventilation in order to work properly.
Troubleshooting Your AC Unit
Although it’s important to only let a professional handle your AC repair Black Canyon City, AZ, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot your unit on your own. Below are some common problems and their solutions:
Check the Thermostat
The first thing you should do if your AC unit is not working is to check the thermostat. Make sure it is set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. This way, your unit will know to turn on and begin cooling the room.
If the thermostat is set correctly and your unit still isn’t turning on, you may need to replace the batteries. This is a common problem with older units. You should also check to see if the thermostat is set to “heat” instead of “cool.” If it is, this could be why your unit isn’t working.
Clean Your Air Filters
Your air filter is the first barrier against dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. Over time, these filters can become clogged with debris, which can restrict airflow and cause your unit to work harder than it needs to.
You should clean your air filters at least once a month. To do this, simply remove the filter from the unit and rinse it off with water. You may need to use a mild detergent to remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Once the filter is clean, put it back in the unit and turn it on.
If you don’t see a difference in performance after cleaning your air filters, you may need to replace them. This is a common problem with older units as well. Air filters are relatively inexpensive and can be bought at most home improvement stores.
Check Your Circuit Breaker
If your unit suddenly stops working, the first thing you should do is check your circuit breaker. It’s possible that the power to your unit has been shut off due to a tripped breaker. To reset the breaker, simply flip it back to the “on” position.
Once the breaker has been reset, try turning on your unit. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional for AC repair in Black Canyon City, AZ. They will be able to diagnose and fix the problem.
These are just a few tips for troubleshooting your AC unit. If you still can’t get it working, or if the problem seems to be getting worse, it’s always best to call a professional AC repair Black Canyon City, AZ. They have the right tools and knowledge to get your unit up and running again.
Ways to Prevent Unexpected AC System Breakdown
When it comes to your air conditioning system, it’s important to be proactive. They are expensive to repair or replace, so it’s best to do everything you can to prevent them from breaking down in the first place. Below are some tips for preventing AC system breakdown:
1) Schedule regular maintenance.
One of the best ways to prevent AC system breakdown is to schedule regular maintenance. This means having a professional come out and inspect your unit on a regular basis. They will be able to clean it and make any necessary repairs. This will help prolong the life of your unit and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
If you don’t want to schedule regular maintenance, you can also do some basic maintenance yourself. This includes cleaning the air filters and making sure the coils are free of dirt and debris. These simple tasks can go a long way in preventing AC system breakdown.
2) Be mindful of how you use your unit.
Another way to prevent AC system breakdown is to be mindful of how you use your unit. This means not using it more than necessary and giving it a break every now and then.
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it’s especially important to give your unit a break. Otherwise, it will have to work overtime, which can lead to breakdowns.
In addition, you should also avoid using your AC unit if there is already cooler air in the room. This will only make the unit work harder and increase the chances of a breakdown.
3) Understand the signs of a problem.
Finally, it’s important to understand the signs of a problem. This way, you can call for AC repair in Black Canyon City, AZ before the problem gets worse. Some common signs of a problem include strange noises, leaking fluids, and decreased airflow. If you notice any of these problems, it’s best to call a professional right away.
By following these tips, you can prevent AC system breakdown and keep your unit running smoothly all year long! If you do experience a problem, be sure to call an AC repair Black Canyon City AZ as soon as possible.
Call Mountainside Air Conditioning and Heating For Professional AC repair Black Canyon City, AZ Today!
At Mountainside Air Conditioning and Heating, we are your one-stop-shop for all things AC repair in Black Canyon City, AZ. We have a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who are ready to help you with any problem you may be having.
We understand the importance of having a working AC unit, which is why we offer repair services. This way, you can rest assured knowing that we will be there when you need us most.
In addition, we also offer preventative maintenance plans. So, you can avoid AC system breakdowns before it happens. Contact us today at 602-540-5640 to learn more about our top-quality HVAC services!