If your air conditioner is malfunctioning, your first instinct may be to call a technician. AC repair can be complicated, and most technical fixes require the help of an expert. But before that happens, there are some things homeowners can do to prepare for an AC repair service. Here are some steps you can take to make the AC maintenance process smoother for everyone.
Getting Ready for Your Air Conditioning Repair Service
Locate Your AC Units
Simply knowing the locations of all the units in your home is an essential first step. Your HVAC technician will be able to quickly and effectively check that each unit is functioning correctly.
If you accidentally miss a unit, your problem might not be properly addressed, and this can be both frustrating and expensive. Many issues with your AC will worsen over time if maintenance is delayed. A thorough HVAC repair is critical.
Clear the Area
Checking the area around each unit is necessary to ensure that every component is accessible. You don’t want to wait until your technician arrvies to start cleaning up a mess! Outdoor units should be clear of debris and obstructions that could be in the way.
Know the Model Number
The more you know about your unit, the smoother your AC repair will be. Look up your unit’s model number and thoroughly explain any problems you are having with the air conditioning unit. This information will help your HVAC tech quickly and accurately identify the issue behind your malfunctioning AC system.
You don’t need to know everything about your air conditioning system. If you did, you wouldn’t need to schedule HVAC maintenance—you’d just do it yourself!
DIY AC Repair Services
Before scheduling AC maintenance, troubleshoot for common problems. While big fixes require the help of a technician, several common issues are surprisingly simple to correct.
Electrical Malfunction
First, if you find that your AC unit has suddenly stopped working, the problem could likely be electrical. If you’re experiencing this problem, check your circuit breaker for a blown fuse. Fix the fuse, then run a quick test to ensure your air conditioner is up and running. If this works, there is no need to schedule air conditioner repair.
Dirty Air Filters
Another common problem leading to cooling system malfunction is dirty air filters. Routine filter maintenance is key to keeping your unit running smoothly. Neglecting this routine maintenance tip could negatively affect your air quality and energy efficiency.
Exactly how often you should replace your filters will vary on several factors. House size, HVAC system usage, the presence of pets, and other factors can all affect an air filter’s lifespan. Forty-five days, or roughly every month and a half, is a safe recommendation for checking your filters. You may only need to replace your filters with lower-maintenance units every two to three months.
Filter replacements require minimal work, and you can do the job yourself. Just ensure you know how to access the filter and get the right size and model filter beforehand. And, of course, power off all systems before doing any work on them.
Educate Yourself
Even if you cannot diagnose the problem yourself, troubleshooting can be helpful. Digging into the situation allows you to be more educated when discussing your issues with your technician. The more knowledge you have about your AC unit, the better equipped you’ll be to help solve the problem.
Don’t be afraid to ask any HVAC-related questions you may have. Questions can help your HVAC technician better understand your problem and will help you learn more about your air conditioning system.
Document Past HVAC Services
In addition to grasping the technical aspects of your AC unit, you should also know its history. Any time maintenance is performed on your air conditioner, make a note of it. This information can benefit your technician the next time repairs or maintenance are needed. Current maintenance records can help technicians diagnose or rule out specific problems with your home cooling system.
Documenting your air conditioner’s service history is also simply a good habit to get into. The more you know about the function and maintenance of your unit, the better you’ll be able to keep up with regular maintenance and solve future problems more quickly.
Scheduling Air Conditioner Maintenance
It’s easy to overlook problems with the timing of your repair service. Make sure you schedule your tune-up for a time when you have no other obligations. You’ll need to be present in your home to let your technician in and answer any questions they have, making the process much smoother and easier for everyone.
You should also be ready to answer potential phone calls from your technician before their arrival. If you’re waiting for your appointment and get a call from an unknown number, don’t ignore it! That’s probably your AC repairman calling to confirm the appointment.
Know the Cost of Air Conditioner Repairs
Most responsible AC repair companies will have clearly defined prices for all possible services. It may not initially be possible to know the cost of repairs if you don’t yet understand the problem. But you should be able to get an estimate on potential repairs before services. Make sure you’re prepared to cover the cost of repairs before your scheduled appointment.
It’s essential to find a reliable AC repair company that emphasizes honesty and transparency. Most reputable companies will be upfront about their pricing—nobody wants to get ripped off and pay more than they need to for repairs.
What to Expect From Service Patriots Air Conditioning Service
At Service Patriots, you’ll always get an honest, trustworthy repair service. All of our technicians are highly experienced and knowledgeable so that we can offer the best possible service to you.
Our technicians answer any questions about your air conditioning and its maintenance. We offer expert guidance to solve your home’s air conditioning troubles while respecting your time, privacy, and budget. Our technicians will work to diagnose and solve your problems as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Your air conditioner should keep you feeling comfortable in your home. Your HVAC technician should help you feel satisfied that you’re getting the best possible service.
Service Patriots has provided southwest Washington and northern Oregon with top-quality HVAC services for over 20 years. Contact us today to schedule an AC repair service or set up a maintenance plan.
