If you’re like most Dayton homeowners, you take advantage of the mild spring weather to tackle cleaning and home maintenance chores before the summer heat and humidity settle in. Although you may not need it yet, don’t forget to take care of your cooling system this spring. You can prevent summer discomfort and inconvenience by having a reputable HVAC pro check the system to see if it needs A/C repairs or replacements like these:
Refrigerant Leaks
If your A/C is leaking refrigerant, it will use more energy but won’t cool your home properly. A technician can check whether the refrigerant level is low, and perform various tests on the refrigerant lines, evaporator and condenser coils to find leaks that need repair.
Blocked Condensate Drain
If your system’s condensate drain is blocked by dirt, algae/mildew growth, water is sure to back up and overflow the drain pan. You may not notice there’s a problem until you spot damage on your walls, trim, carpet or flooring. When a technician flushes the condensate line during routine HVAC maintenance, this kind of damage is easily avoided.
Broken Condenser Fan Belt
The outdoor fan helps cool the condenser coil to facilitate heat transfer. If the fan belt breaks and the blades stop spinning, you can end up with a ruined fan motor or damaged compressor due to overheating. A technician can check whether the belt is worn and replace it if needed, reducing the chances of a mid-summer breakdown and costly equipment damage.
Electrical Issues
Your cooling system contains many different electrical components, such as wiring, motors, relays, capacitors, integrated circuits and contactors. Having these components inspected for wear and damage before you turn on the A/C can avert a breakdown that leaves you without cooling, or a possible fire.
Equipment Replacement
If your A/C is 10-15 years old and needs major repairs, an experienced HVAC pro may advise you it’s more cost-effective to replace it with new, efficient equipment.
To schedule a cooling system checkup for your Dayton-area home to learn if A/C repairs are needed this spring, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services.
