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It’s never a good feeling when your AC breaks down and you need AC repair in Culpeper, VA. For one, your comfort levels will suffer because those breakdowns never happen when it’s convenient like on the hottest day of the year. For another, you may be anxious about what could be wrong and how involved and costly the repair might be.
Of course, the best way to avoid the need for repairs is to know what you can do to hopefully avoid needing them in the first place. We like to inform our customers of all the ways they can avoid seeing us and that includes how to avoid AC repairs. Let’s go over the many things you can do as a homeowner to avoid air conditioning repairs.
Change the Air Filter Every 1-3 Months
Maintaining your filter is something that homeowners can do on their own that really helps your system run well and thus decreases the likelihood of an AC repair. Your air conditioner’s air filter has an essential job: to keep dust and dirt from reaching its internal parts.
When your air filter gets clogged with dirt and dust, not only does that get into your AC’s components, but it also results in decreased airflow. That means your air conditioner will struggle to do its job while its performance suffers. Keep replacement air filters in stock and set a reminder to change it on a regular basis.
If you have pets, a large household, or live in an urban area where the air quality can be an issue, you’ll need to change it every 4-6 weeks. The best way to know when to change it? If it’s visibly dirty and clogged, it’s time to change it.
Know the Sounds and Signs of an AC on the Decline
Getting a jump on potential repairs is the best way to keep them from becoming major problems. That’s why it’s important to know the signs that your AC is struggling. Always be on the listen for unusual sounds such as hissing, grinding, bubbling, or shrieking. Short cycling is another problem that needs prompt attention. This is when your AC is unable to complete a cooling cycle and turns itself on and off multiple times a day.
Schedule Annual AC Maintenance
We cannot stress this enough, but maintenance is truly the best way to keep your air conditioner running at peak performance. Annual tune-ups for central AC systems and bi-annual tune-ups for heat pumps and mini splits are the optimal way to avoid repairs. We’re not joking when we say that 70-80% of the air conditioners we see that need repairs are on systems that haven’t received regular maintenance.
In addition to less likelihood of needing repairs, here are some other benefits of maintenance:
- Your AC has a better chance of lasting for its estimated lifespan of 10-15 years
- You’ll enjoy better energy efficiency and reduced utility bills
- Improved cooling capacity for the best home comfort
- Protection for equipment warranty
Our motto here at Dynamic Heating and Cooling LLC is “Excellence in Everything We Do!” So when you need exceptional AC repairs or maintenance, we’re the contractor to contact.