Some country regions get so hot that air conditioning is not a luxury but rather a necessity. People can suffer, get sick, or even die from heatstroke in their own homes. So when you hear unexpected noises coming from your air conditioner in Naples, TX, you should take it seriously because the last thing you want is the air conditioner to stop working unexpectedly.
There are many parts to the air conditioner system, including the refrigerant, filter, condenser, evaporator coil, and ductwork. Each part can break down or cause problems leading to your air conditioner not running efficiently, making noises, or not running at all. Here are a few tips to help you keep your air conditioner up and running all of the time.
Embrace preventative maintenance.
While it is essential to be aware of unexpected noises, preventing noises with preventative maintenance is the best approach. Air conditioners should be inspected by a trained HVAC technician at least once a year before the hot season. Having them checked regularly can avoid most breakdowns, as the technician can spot problems before they are fully developed to keep everything running smoothly. The technician can also ensure the filter is being regularly changed out to improve efficiency and air quality. Depending on the type of filters you use, they may need to be changed more often, so it is essential to be away from that and change the filters as needed.
Pay attention to where the noises are coming from.
If your air conditioner starts making weird noises, you need to call an HVAC tech to come look at it. However, knowing where the noises are coming from and describing them on the phone may help differentiate an emergency from a non-emergency. For example, if they are coming directly from the condenser, you may have a bigger problem than a rattling in the ducts. Emergency calls are far more expensive than non-emergency calls, so knowing the difference can save you a lot of money.
Be mindful of the temperature in your home.
If you notice the air conditioner is running more than usual or the temperature in your house is not staying as cool as it should be based on the thermostat setting, you may have a bigger problem. If you start hearing something and the air is not staying cool, you need to get a tech over, and you should turn off your air conditioner until they get there. Turning off the air, especially when it’s hot out, is not ideal, but if it isn’t working correctly, it will cost you a lot of money. When the house isn’t reaching the desired temperature on the thermostat, the condenser will keep running, which is expensive, but it can also cause the condenser to burn out. A technician can determine why it isn’t running correctly.
Have an idea of what you’re looking at.
You don’t need to know everything about the air conditioner, but answering simple questions will help your technician know what to expect when coming to look at it. For example, if you are on the phone and the tech asks if the condenser is freezing up, you want to know what the condenser looks like to see if it is covered with ice. You should also understand how your thermostat works in case they have any questions about the settings on your thermostat.
Like any home repairs, dealing with air conditioning problems can be frustrating, especially during the hot months. However, addressing the issue as soon as you realize it will make it much less frustrating. Combine that with preventative maintenance, and you shouldn’t have too many HVAC emergencies.
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