In a hot climate, it’s great to be cool. Our Tampa air conditioning lets us sleep and helps us be our best through the hottest days. It’s such a part of our lives that it’s easy to forget that our air conditioners must be regularly maintained.
Some things are easy for the homeowner. Other repairs are complicated, technical and require a professionally certified HVAC company like Air National to accomplish.
Doing the Basics
For window mounts or the big units on the side of the house, regular cleanings and a filter change should be a part of every season. It’s not hard to remove the cover and replace the panel of webbing that catches lint and other particles out of your conditioned air.
Some warm water and a good shot of compressed air gently on the exposed fins will help to increase the longevity of the unit. Be careful not to put pressure on the fragile fins and coils or use hot water that could cause corrosion.
Make sure the drain is clear, always cover the unit or store it away when more naturally cool temperatures take over and you’ve got conditioned air and relative peace of mind in the years ahead.
Big Problems
Without the regular service, however, an air conditioner begins to work much harder to produce the same amount (or less) of cool joy and parts begin to break down. With total neglect, the unit itself may need replacement much sooner than was promised when you paid for it. These are repairs that could be avoided and require a Tampa air conditioning professional to make.
The key ingredient to cooling is a chemical called a refrigerant (most often Freon) that is capable of transforming rapidly from gas to liquid and back again at low temperatures. This runs through two intricate tubes, a compressor, and a critical expansion valve that controls the process. It is a delicate and complicated process that calls for expertise and the right tools, especially since the refrigerant is considered hazardous and requires special handling.
When the air gets stuffy, it could be that the fan is the problem. Belts could be worn, loose or broken. The motor may be low on oil and is stained to the breaking point.
If mysterious signs of water or mold are showing up on the inside of the house near the unit, there could be a problem with the condensate that is released with the heat when air is cooled. This could be a simple or complicated fix, but should be checked out professionally to ensure all is well.
If you have having any problems with your Tampa air conditioning system, give Air National a call!
