Understanding the Basics of Air Conditioners
For those in academia, summer break may be nearing its end – but the heat of summer is far from over. Most Philadelphia residents will likely have to keep using their air conditioners to stay cool well into the school year. And with all that usage comes an increased likelihood of a breakdown or other issue rearing its ugly head!
That's why this is the perfect time for homeowners to learn more about their air conditioning systems – even a basic understanding of the AC unit can help homeowners identify problems early, and even help prevent them in the first place. So read on to learn about the main types of ACs, how to tell when they're malfunctioning, and how to keep them going strong all year long!
The Most Common Types of Air Conditioners – Central & Ductless
Two main categories of air conditioning systems are central AC and ductless AC (also known as a mini-split air conditioner). Both types share a few key components – an indoor air handler unit (which absorbs heat from indoor air), an outdoor condenser unit (which releases that heat into the great outdoors), and a compressor (which circulates a chemical refrigerant between the two units to facilitate the process).
The main difference is that central air conditioners utilize air ducts to deliver cool air throughout the home from one main unit, while ductless air conditioners utilize multiple smaller units installed throughout the home. One key advantage of ductless systems is that they allow individual rooms to be cooled independently for unbeatable zone control. However, they tend to come with a higher up-front cost due to the number of installed units. Ultimately, which type is best for a given home depends on various factors – so homeowners should always consult a trusted HVAC contractor to determine what's right for their needs.
Signs an Air Conditioner Needs Repairs
One of the most valuable things a homeowner can know about their air conditioner is how to tell when it's failing or needing repairs. If left unchecked, even relatively minor issues can have a cascading effect, causing undue wear and damage to the system as a whole – so it's vital to spot problems as early as possible. Some common signs of AC trouble include:
- Little or no airflow from the vents
- Warm air coming from the vents
- House never gets cool enough (even with the AC set to 'cool')
- AC runs for a short time and then turns off (known as short-cycling)
- AC runs constantly but never reaches the right temperature
- Loud noises from the AC unit or ducts (banging, rattling, screeching, rumbling, etc.)
- Strange smells from the vents (musty or mildew smell, burning smells, etc.)
- Unusually high energy bills (indicates a loss of efficiency)
These issues can often be resolved with professional air conditioning repair. But in some cases - particularly if the unit is more than 10 years old - air conditioning replacement may make more economic sense, as the cost of repairs on an aging unit will only grow each year.
The Importance of AC Maintenance
One thing that cannot be understated is the importance of maintaining the air conditioner, whether a brand-new unit or one with over a decade under its belt. Proper AC maintenance helps mitigate wear & tear, prevent major issues, and maximize energy efficiency. This is why most manufacturer warranties stipulate that a qualified professional must service the system annually.
During a professional air conditioning maintenance visit, technicians will thoroughly clean the unit (with special attention to the heat exchange components like the evaporator and condenser coils), check refrigerant levels, test electrical components for proper function and amperage, and lubricate or replace moving parts as needed – and many more tasks designed to optimize performance and keep the system in good shape.
And between professional maintenance visits, homeowners have "homework" to do – simply changing the air filters every 3 months (or every 1-2 months to compensate for heightened allergies, respiratory conditions, or many pets in the household). This will help keep the unit (and the indoor air) clean and maintain proper airflow throughout the house – as far as homework goes, that's not a bad tradeoff!
About City Plumbing
For over 20 years, City Plumbing has been Philadelphia's one-stop shop for all things plumbing and HVAC. With their competitive up-front pricing, rock-solid satisfaction guarantee, and passion for community involvement, it's no surprise City Plumbing has won numerous awards, including the Angie's List Super Service Award and the BBB's Torch Award for Ethics. Their licensed, background-checked, and drug-tested experts are available 24/7 for emergency service, so call City Plumbing anytime for air conditioning services in Philadelphia, PA!
