In our 70 years of experience repairing and servicing air conditioner units, we have found ourselves addressing some common misunderstandings about how they work. Our technicians have done their best to provide guidance and solutions to home and business owners on maintaining their AC in top condition. Here is a look at the three most common problems and their fixes.
If you would like to learn more about keeping your air conditioning running efficiently and to schedule AC service in the St. Louis area, contact our heating and air conditioning professionals online or by phone today.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioners
Problem 1: Setting the thermostat to a lower temperature does not mean colder air
Often people will set their air conditioner to a very low setting in an effort to quickly cool down a hot house. However, a lower setting does not make your AC work faster, it makes your unit work longer, and in the process, consume more energy. So, it may take your AC several hours to cool your home down to the desired temperature. Resulting in higher energy bills and more wear and tear on your system.
What you can do
Set the temperature to your actual desired temperature, and avoid major temperature swings. Ideally, you should set your AC about 10° and 15° degrees lower than the outside temperature. That is neither too high nor too low. About 78° to 83° is the sweet spot.
You can also consider installing a smart thermostat that you can control from your mobile phone. That way, you can set a higher temperature just before you leave your home and adjust it to a lower level when you are heading back, always coming home to the perfect temperature.
Problem 2: Neglecting regular AC filter maintenance causes major air conditioner problems
As a general rule, it is recommended that you clean or change your AC filters every month or two during the cooling season. Clogged filters can give rise to a number of problems, all of which are easily observable:
- Your AC may use more energy to cool your room, reflecting in your energy bill
- Your rooms may not cool to the desired temperature
- The indoor air may feel stale
If these warning signs escape you, then your system will work harder than it needs to, ultimately causing your system to freeze up.
What you can do
As already advised, have the filters replaced every month or two during the months when the air conditioner is in use. Apart from filters, the evaporator and condenser coils can accumulate dirt over time as well. Once a year, have your HVAC technician visually inspect the coils and remove dust and dirt build-up.
Problem 3: Needing to refill your AC’s refrigerant is a problem
The refrigerant in your AC exists within a closed, sealed system. It recirculates continuously within the system and should not need to be refilled at all when working properly. However, over time and due to inevitable wear and tear, leaks can form in compressor, evaporator coils and service valves, causing the refrigerant to escape out. The telltale signs of a refrigerant leak are:
- Warm air from vents
- Bubbling or hissing sounds from outdoor AC unit
- Ice on refrigerant lines
- Higher than usual energy bills
What you can do
If your AC has a refrigerant leak, the leak should be properly repaired before the air conditioner is recharged with refrigerant to the appropriate level. Handling refrigerant is risky as it can cause frostbite, rashes, and eye irritations. Only certified technicians should handle and dispose of refrigerant. They have the right tools and expertise to provide the necessary repairs and safely add refrigerant to your air conditioner.
Contact Galmiche & Sons to Properly Maintain Your Air Conditioner
There are many things you can do to keep your air conditioner in fine working order. Annual AC servicing and timely repairs are crucial to maximizing enjoyment from your AC. For St. Louis homes and businesses, Galmiche & Sons is a one-stop shop for flawless AC repair and servicing. If you have questions about keeping your air conditioner running efficiently, talk to our heating and air conditioning technicians. Contact us by phone at 314-993-1110 or request a quote online.
