The Ultimate Guide to AC Repair and What to Look For

Well, summer has passed, as has the bulk of the cooling season, when air conditioning is a daily necessity. Now is a good time to assess how your air conditioner performed and whether any changes or AC repair might be needed before the next long cooling season.

• Were there extremely hot days when the AC struggled to keep the home comfortable?
• Check the utility bills. Was energy use up this summer in comparison to the same period last year or the year prior?
• Were AC repairs needed, or are repairs necessary before the hot weather next year?
• Did something seem off this summer? Did the AC create unusual noises or smells of any kind?

If everything is fine, a simple preventative maintenance visit is all that is needed before next summer. But if any of the above indicators are present, you might need to gather a little more information. Find answers to some of these AC repair questions.

1. How old is your air conditioner? If you were not present when it was installed, take a picture of the serial/model number plate and go to the manufacturer’s webpage. These numbers will reveal when the equipment was manufactured, giving an approximate date of installation. This information is important, since the average length of service for air conditioners is 15 to 20 years. If your air conditioner is struggling AND is closing in at the end of service life, you have time to do some planning before an emergency forces your hand.
2. How frequent and expensive are the needed repairs? During the early years of service, repairs are likely to be infrequent, simple, and inexpensive. But as the air conditioner ages, the need for repairs increases, and the expense of repairs may begin to climb. Be sure to keep records of repairs, since the accumulation of AC repair expenses can factor into decisions concerning replacing a system.
3. How frequently has a technician maintained the system? If changing the air filter has been sporadic and preventative maintenance has been infrequent, it significantly impacts the efficiency and longevity of an air conditioner. Research shows that neglecting maintenance can lead to a 5% to 9% loss of efficiency annually. If you neglected maintenance in the past, it is not too late to start. And make sure the air filter is changed quarterly. The loss in efficiency for well-maintained air conditioners is between 3% and 5% annually, so maintenance makes a difference.

When your system was installed, it used the best equipment available and was as efficient as it would ever be during its service life. Losses of efficiency accumulate every year. A new air conditioner system, using improved technology and refrigerants, will be 30% more efficient than your old system when it started. The combination of these factors makes efficiency a very important factor when considering an air conditioner replacement.

1. Does your air conditioner make your home comfortable? It was designed to cool the air, clean the air, and move the air to keep the home healthy and fresh. How is it holding up? Did it struggle when the temperature soared above 1000? Where are the hotspots in the house, where the air conditioner just couldn’t quite reach? How about those sounds and smells? Do furniture and flooring accumulate more dust than normal?

If your air conditioner is exhibiting one or more of these indicators, it may be time to begin planning an AC replacement of the old system, rather than trying costly AC repair once again.

Is Your AC Failing? Schedule a Professional Inspection and Avoid Emergency AC Repair

Don’t wait for a complete system breakdown to address your AC issues. Catching problems early with a professional inspection can save you from a costly emergency AC repair down the line. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, schedule a service appointment with the trusted experts at AirPro Houston. Contact us today to ensure your system is ready for the next cooling season.

For professional AC repair and maintenance you can trust, contact AirPro Houston. We have several financing options available with great options. 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 Cypress AC repair needs.