Tag: conditioner

Prepare for the Summer With Air Conditioner Maintenance

Air conditioning unit next to an organizer filled with colored pens and markers, set against a house and greenery background.

Benefits of Early Spring AC Maintenance 

In the cooler regions, it may still seem too early to think about getting ready for the summer. With cool nights and mild days, the high heat of summer still seems distant. However, this is the perfect time to take a few steps to ensure the summer stays comfortable. 

The biggest hedge against air conditioner problems in the summer is spring AC maintenance before the cooling season begins. Here are some specific reasons why homeowners choose to give their air conditioners some TLC during this time of year. 

Improved Energy Efficiency 

filter Air conditioners must work hard to keep the home cool during the summer. Using up all that energy means one major thing for homeowners: big utility bills. Often, summer utility bills are so high that homeowners try to tough out a muggy, warm home instead of allowing the air conditioner to cycle. Luckily, this doesn't have to be a game that people play when the mercury rises. 

Air conditioners lose efficiency as they age, which means that the same cooling power costs more year after year. The only way to stall this natural process is to ensure seasonal AC maintenance is completed. Doing so will turn back the clock on the cooling equipment and ensure that the system stays efficient. When the air conditioner is efficient, it is cheaper to operate, so homeowners can keep the home cool without breaking the bank. 

Better Reliability and Fewer Repairs 

ac repair The thought of air conditioners brings to mind the high operating costs of air conditioners to the homeowner. These costs come in the form of energy bills, as discussed above, but they also include the bills for repairs when things go wrong, and these bills can be more upsetting. 

Dealing with unexpected mechanical failures is stressful for two people. First, losing the air conditioner at the height of summer means sweating it out until it is fixed. Second, emergency repair costs are far higher than the cost of routine service, so these repairs can quickly bust a budget. Not only does AC maintenance lower the utility bills associated with cooling the home, but it can also help reduce the need for emergency repairs. By allowing a professional the chance to clean, inspect, and lubricate the machinery, homeowners can ensure reliable service in the coming year at a fixed, predictable cost. 

Longer Lifespan 

Finally, the last major benefit of spring air conditioner repair is that it allows the unit to last longer than it otherwise would. This results in major cost savings over the unit's life because it delays AC replacement for several years, allowing the homeowner to plan and save for a new unit. When a professional finally determines it is time to upgrade, AC replacement will be much smoother. 

On average, an air conditioner is expected to last 20 to 25 years with good maintenance. Neglecting maintenance can mean the unit only lasts 15 years. Not only will the owner be wasting money on AC replacement, but the efficiency and unexpected repairs will make the cost of ownership far higher. Don't take the risk. Start saving money and immediately get professional AC maintenance from a local professional. 

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning handles seasonal maintenance on heaters and air conditioners. Their teams are also on call for emergency AC repairs. Call today for straightforward pricing on HVAC service in Danbury, CT. 

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Understanding Your Air Conditioner

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Common Air Conditioner Questions Answered

For most homeowners, you rely on your air conditioner on a daily basis, but likely don’t know how it works. Of course, that’s why you always hire a professional anytime you need repairs or maintenance.

However, two air conditioner FAQ's are: “how do air conditioners work?” and “can I fix one myself?” The first question deserves a little discussion and, in answering the first one, you can take a look at when it’s a good idea to fix one yourself, and when it’s a good idea to call a technician.

The Essential Air Conditioner Parts

ac parts

Air conditioners work by transferring heat inside your home to outside and then replacing that heat with cool air. In order to do this, there are many parts that must work together.

Some common air conditioner parts are the evaporator, blower, condenser, compressor, filter, fan, and thermostat.

If any of these parts break down, it can cause malfunctions and eventual total system failure, depending on the part. For most homeowners, the main components you see and interact with on a daily basis are the thermostat and vents. However, those internal components are critical to the entire cooling process.

A Working AC System

Now that you know the different parts of the AC system, you can get an idea of how they work together. In a working AC system, it all starts with the evaporator.

  • working acEvaporator: The coils of the evaporator remove heat from the air that passes over them. Much like a fridge, this part of the AC system uses refrigerant to do this.
  • Blower: The blower consists of a fan that pulls the cool air from the evaporator and sends it through the ducts.
  • Condenser: The condenser’s job is to release the heat collected by the evaporator to the outside world. This is how the heat is transferred from inside your home to the outside.
  • Compressor: In order for the condenser and the evaporator to work together, they need the compressor, which moves the refrigerant between the two. This allows the system to keep functioning properly.
  • Fan: The fan, located in the outdoor unit, is used to disperse the removed heat released by the condenser, sending it away from the house and the system.
  • Filter: The filter, as you probably know, is essential in keeping the air quality in your house high. Filters keep out pollen, mold, and many airborne particles that may contain harmful bacteria. This is why regular filter replacement is so important.
  • Thermostat: The thermostat is the “brain” of the system. It measures the temperature inside the house and tells the rest of the working AC system when to start and stop working.

When to Seek Professional Help

pro help

For many parts of the air conditioning system, you need to have some expertise in order to responsibly and accurately fix them. Obviously, some things, like replacing batteries, are easily done by yourself.

But when something goes wrong with one of the major components of the system, it’s always best to call a professional tradesman. Not only can improper repairs cause damage to your unit, but in many cases, because your air conditioner uses electrical components, it can lead to a fire.

Scheduling routine maintenance visits can also go a long way in preventing AC emergencies in the first place. Plus, many companies offer filter changes, diagnostic checks, and in-depth preventative measures with their maintenance packages. The best thing to do is to stay ahead of the game by scheduling regular maintenance.

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

For the best plumbing and HVAC company in Danbury, Connecticut, look no further than Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Superb customer service, excellent workmanship, and punctual, friendly technicians are their specialty. Plus, they’re licensed, bonded, insured, and offer 24/7 emergency service.

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