Don't Get Heated Up Over Air Conditioning Repair

Every year, summer comes back with its sweltering temperatures. You may find yourself sweating it out because your air conditioning is not working properly. You swore to yourself that you would take better care of your units this year, and now you just wish you could get it going. The good news is that no matter the type of unit you have, you can get it repaired. Air conditioning repair is a relatively new business and it doesn't have to break the bank.

But even if it is inexpensive, avoiding it entirely is hands-down the cheapest option. So what can you do to keep from needing air conditioning repair at all? Maintenance, of course! Just like in your car, regular maintenance will keep your unit efficient and running like new.

The most basic element of AC maintenance is taking care of the filter. Cleaning the filter every month and replacing it every three months is recommended. To clean the filter, move outside, and make sure the power is cut off from the machine. Cleaning the outside coils can help air flow. Be gentle and use a soft brush to wipe dust out of the coils. Brush the same direction as the fins, as you don't want to bend the fins. These two small things can help your machine run more efficiently.

While your doing this maintenance it's important to check for other problems. Some problems you may notice that need repair can be determined by just looking at the machine. Tools are not required for this. First, find your machine's air intake. Is it sucking air in? When you go outside to where your machine is supposed to expel air, does it blow out the air properly? A good way to tell is to bring a piece of paper with you, and note whether or not the paper sticks to the unit or blows away. What about drainage? If you check the float switch and it's floating, that means your machine is not draining. If you find any of these problems, you will probably need to call in a professional to help you repair your unit.

Keeping yourself up to date on how your machine is running can keep big problems from forming. When you make the call for air conditioning repair you will be able to report information to your repair company, which will help them determine exactly what the problem is more easily and therefore get your unit running again more quickly. Keeping up on maintenance and repairs will extend the life of your machine as well as keep your family feeling comfortable throughout the summer heat.