Reducing Your AC Repair North Houston Costs This Summer

It is officially summer now! It was hot yesterday, and tomorrow it will be hotter! With temps like these, air conditioning is extremely important for health, safety, and comfort. Going without AC for an extended period would be inconvenient and uncomfortable. Residential air conditioners need some TLC AC Repair North Houston to ensure they cool, clean, and dehumidify indoor air, and you can help.

1 Change the Air Filter

Air conditioning principles require a lot of air movement. The blower motor for a 3-ton air conditioner will move 1200 cubic feet of air per minute, the entire volume of the house it serves, in just over a minute during each cooling cycle. Even the most basic air filter captures 80% of airborne particles with each cooling cycle. When an air filter clogs, it seriously restricts the flow of air through the system. The blower motor must work harder. The compressor motor works harder. All the electrical controls are straining to overcome the restricted airflow. The first thing an air conditioner technician does is to check the air filter.

Develop your own reminder prompt—seasonal reminders, calendar notifications, etc.—and change the air filter at least once every three months. This ensures great indoor air quality and unrestricted air movement to keep your home clean and cool.

2 Clean the Condenser Unit

Another area where dirt builds up and hampers the air conditioning function is the outdoor condenser unit. On inspection, the condenser is a box of tubes and fins surrounding a large interior fan. Refrigerant gas collects hot air from the inside of the home, and this heat needs to be released into the great outdoors.

The fan draws air between the tubes and fins, preparing the gas for the next compression cycle. Dust, pollen, and grass clippings get pulled onto and between the fins, acting as insulation to keep the heat inside the tubes. The AC Repair North Houston solution: a common garden hose can wash the dust and debris away and allow the free flow of air between the tubes.

Remove the protective cover pieces surrounding the tube network with a screwdriver and gently wash the whole network structure. Do not use a pressure washer, which can bend the fins and diminish air movement. Return the covers when you have thoroughly cleaned the condenser.

3 Common Sense Housekeeping Tips

Keep drapes and blinds closed during the heat of the day, especially on the south side of the house. Natural light is good, but solar gain is not so good. Sunlight on a hot day can raise the indoor temperature as much as 10 degrees.

Take time to program your programmable thermostat. Schedule temperature changes according to the family’s comfort preferences and regular activities. This avoids the desire to “bump” the temperature down anytime it feels hot—a very inefficient comfort plan.

Observe the vents and notice when furniture, drapes, or clothing articles cover a supply or return vent. Talk about restricting airflow!

Use ceiling fans to thoroughly mix the air. The rotation should be clockwise in the heating season and counterclockwise in the cooling season. Moving the air does not change its temperature, but it will feel cooler.

Insulate and seal whenever possible. Most insulated space is covered during construction, but certain renovations and upgrades allow for improving R-value. When the opportunity arises, purchase the best windows, doors, and insulation the budget allows.

4 Plan for Professional Maintenance

The rest of the list are tasks that most homeowners can tackle with no problem. But other necessary tasks need to be completed regularly to ensure your system is working at top-notch performance. Most homeowners do not have the equipment or training to check refrigerant levels or test electronic controls and mechanisms. Preventative maintenance should be scheduled annually.

Call the AC Repair North Houston Experts

With our four decades of experience as an AC Repair North Houston contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your AC Repair North Houston needs.

We have AC Repair North Houston financing options available, including great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your AC Repair North Houston, Tune-up maintenance, and needs for HVAC Replacement.