About Your New Home's AC
If you've moved into a new home with central AC, you want to get familiar with the system. You want to check the filter and keep it clean by replacing it regularly, as you likely know. But, there are a few things people tend to neglect to check, which can cause bigger issues. Here are things you want to check when you first move in, as well as periodically:
1. Check the housing
Go outside and take a look at the housing. The area around it needs to be clean. The vents on the housing need to be dusted off routinely, so air can circulate. Look at the concrete pad the housing is on and make sure it isn't sinking. If it is, call an HVAC repair company and they will come to replace the pad before it ends up causing problems. Also, if you notice any of the vents are damaged, have a tech come check things over and make sure nothing has been damaged inside the housing.
2. Watch for leaks
There are some things to look for to see if you may have leaks. If you still feel there is a problem after considering these things you need a tech to come out. They can find the leaks and fix them. One thing to watch for is parts of the home being cooler than others. Another thing to pay attention to sounds that are similar to hissing that can be the sound of air and/or refrigerant escaping. While you won't know what size of bills to expect in your new home, you want to keep track of them and if you notice a spike one summer, it can mean you have AC issues. Any leak suspicions need to be checked out professionally.
3. Don't skip pre-season yearly maintenance visits
Always have the system maintenance by the HVAC company once the temperatures get close to when you want to turn the AC on. You'll feel more confident that it's going to start up and run fine and you won't be causing extensive damage by using a system that needs attention. During these visits, they'll check the refrigerant level and catch and repair any leaks, if you have them. They'll make sure everything runs and nothing is showing signs of wear or damage. They will make sure things are clean which should make everything all good until their visit the following year.
What to learn more about this topic? Contact local air conditioning maintenance companies.