What you should know about AC repairs

The onset of summer makes it mandatory to get your air conditioner in shipshape, so that your home or office stays cool and keeps you comfortable all day long. Whether you have a split air conditioner or a window unit, servicing it regularly and fixing technical issues at the earliest can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. So, here are the top things you need to know about AC repairs to keep your unit working at its best.

Regular servicing minimizes the need for expensive repairs
Servicing the AC regularly ensures that it runs efficiently. Regular servicing also reduces energy consumption and, in the long-run, reduces costs. A typical service should include:

• Inspecting and cleaning the filter
• Cleaning the motors
• Cleaning the condenser coils
• Checking thermostat settings
• Checking all internal electrical connections
• Lubricating all moving parts
• Checking drainage
• Inspecting system controls
• Adjusting refrigerant levels
• Cleaning blower components

In addition, the technician will also look into any specific complaints the user may have.

AC repair servicing should be scheduled before summer begins
The frequency of how often an air conditioner needs to be serviced depends on how much it is used. If the unit is used mostly during the summer, servicing it once a year should be enough. However, if it is used throughout the year, you may need to service the unit more frequently.

Annual servicing should ideally be scheduled before the summer starts. This ensures that the system is ready to work at its optimal capacity before it is needed. This way, a service technician will also be available at a time. However, if the air-conditioner makes a noise while running or does not cool properly, you should have it serviced immediately.

AC repair costs depend on multiple factors
The cost of servicing an air conditioner varies from brand to brand. The basic servicing cost should cover most of the above points. The cost of replacing any damaged parts may vary. Some brands may offer an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC). Costs can also vary according to the geographical location, need for special equipment, and more.

AC repairs should be done by authorized technicians
While a local technician may charge less than an authorized brand technician, it is not advisable to let them handle your air conditioner. Local technicians may not have spare parts available when needed and may not fit authentic parts like they should.

The other alternative would be to get your air conditioner serviced by an agency that specializes in servicing electrical appliances. In such cases, before signing a contract, you should check the company’s reviews, references for quality of service, prices, license validity, and service guarantee.

Dirty filters are the most common cause for AC repairs
A dirty or clogged filter is the most common reason why an air conditioner might not be able to cool a room effectively. This usually happens when filters are not cleaned or changed regularly. A dirty filter reduces air flow and reduces efficiency. The easiest way to check if a filter needs to be cleaned or replaced is by holding it up against the light and checking if light can pass through it. If light cannot pass through, it is time to clean the unit.

Moving the outdoor unit may help reduce the frequency of cooling issues
If you face frequent issues with the AC, you may need to take another look at where your outdoor unit is placed. Excessive exposure to natural elements can increase the wear and tear of the condenser unit. Similarly, if the outdoor unit is exposed to direct sunlight for a major part of the day, the cooling ability may be significantly reduced. The outdoor unit should ideally be placed in a shaded area.

AC repair warranty has two sections
The warranty that comes with an air conditioner has two parts: part warranty and labor warranty. Part warranty refers to covering the cost of replacing any parts of the AC that may not be working properly. Part warranty may be different for different parts of the AC. Labor warranty, on the other hand, refers to the cost of service visits. Supplemental maintenance is usually not covered by warranty.

Repairs and replacements have their own warranty
One of the advantages of getting an air conditioner serviced by an authorized technician is that most brands offer a warranty on servicing. This ensures that if anything goes wrong within the warranty period, you will not have to pay extra to get it fixed. It is important to check the terms and conditions of the servicing contract to know what is excluded and included under this servicing warranty.

Service call costs may or may not be separate from total AC repair costs
If the air conditioner is out of warranty, the cost of service calls may vary. In some cases, this cost may be adjusted against the total cost of fixing the unit. This means, if the repair involves replacing a part that costs more than the service call cost, you may not have to pay it separately. However, other technicians may charge a service call fee over the cost of new parts.

Regular servicing and on-time AC repairs can reduce utility bills
If the AC fails to cool optimally, it may use more electricity, spiking your utility bills. The common causes can include low refrigerant levels and leaves stuck in the ducts. Both issues can be easily identified and serviced. Doing so will reduce the amount of electricity needed to cool a house.

All in all, timely AC repairs and servicing conducted by reliable agencies can keep your home cool, minimize hassles, and save money.