As summer draws near, air conditioner service ought to be something that crosses your mind repeatedly as you ponder your complete home comfort. Of course there are a host of things to keep an eye out for when thinking about air conditioner service, but a few concerns are more routine than others as you prepare to ramp up your air conditioner use for the season.

No matter when you last had your air conditioner service completed, be sure to keep these five potential concerns in mind when your air conditioner is on the fritz.

1.     The refrigerant is leaking

There are a couple things that can cause low refrigerant levels. It could be due to an undercharge during installation or the system could have developed a leak over time. Adding refrigerant to an already leaky air conditioner is akin to using a band aid on the Hoover Dam. It’s not going to cut it. Leaks should only be fixed by trained technicians like the ones at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Greater Richmond so that you can make sure your system is operating at its best. Having that simple air conditioner service completed means that you’ll fix the leak and have the refrigerant charge match the precise specifications of the manufacturer, which provides you with top performance and efficiency.

2.     Inadequate maintenance

Allowing filters and coils to build up with dirt and grime will not only decrease your system’s efficiency, but it may cause a host of other concerns if unaddressed. Scheduling routine maintenance on your air conditioner with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling means that you’ll have a system providing you comfort when you desire it most.

3.     Starting cycles too often

The air conditioner fan controls and compressor are most susceptible to wear, and if you have an air conditioner that cycles on and off often, you’ll likely have this issue. You’ll also want your service provider to check the wiring to make sure there isn’t any corrosion and that the wiring job itself is done correctly. Cycling on and off during cooling season might also be a sign that your system is not sized correctly, and if that is the case you will also notice your home may have high humidity issues.  Because there are several concerns to look at, you want to be sure you’re dealing with someone as knowledgeable and experienced like the pros at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

4.     Sensor damage

Air conditioners and their thermostat sensors are another common issue that can lead to air conditioner service or AC repair. Thermostat sensors, normally located behind the control panel, measure the temperature of air coming into the coil. This helps your air conditioner know whether it needs to turn on or stay off. So if the sensor is disturbed you could be left with a system that cycles nonstop.

5.     A clog in the drain lines

Condensation is made by your air conditioner during the cooling process, and your system is created to take care of its own drainage. If the drain becomes clogged you might be subjected to mold or mildew problems, which can lead to an entirely different set of issues.

No matter the age of your air conditioner, there will always be problems that can rear their heads when it is used routinely. Summer is when your system should be running at its peak, so give the team at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Greater Richmond a call at 804-302-6657.