3 Tune-Ups For Aging AC Systems
Scheduling a yearly inspection and service for your home's air conditioning system will help it last for longer while potentially reducing the number of high-cost repairs you'll face in the future. Unfortunately, not every homeowner keeps up with this critical maintenance, leaving some systems running poorly. The good news is that it's never too late for a tune-up.
If you can't remember when you had your air conditioner serviced, it may be time to stop putting that appointment off for next year. However, servicing aging or poorly maintained systems might require a few extra steps. Keep reading to learn about three relatively low-cost, high-impact tune-ups your HVAC tech might carry out to keep your home's AC kicking for many more years.
1. Replace Line Set Insulation
You can think of your air conditioner's line set as the plumbing that carries refrigerant around the system. Since split-system central air conditioners use both an indoor and outdoor unit, this plumbing is necessary to move refrigerant (and heat) between them. Because of temperature changes in the refrigerant, these lines can produce condensation when your AC is on.
Modern AC systems use line wrap to insulate exposed plumbing and prevent condensation. However, older units may not have this insulation, and it can break down and wear off over time. If you haven't maintained your system, adding line wrap is one cheap and easy service that your HVAC tech can provide during their tune-up.
2. Re-Level the Unit
Your condenser unit sits on top of a concrete or plastic pad that helps to keep it level and above the ground. Uneven condenser units may vibrate or even cause premature wear on critical components such as the compressor. Likewise, a condenser unit in direct contact with the ground is more vulnerable to rust, pests, and water damage.
Over time, condenser pads may sag, and your unit may shift out of level. An HVAC technician can check easily adjust and re-level the unit during an inspection, restoring its efficiency and helping to protect the most expensive parts of your system. This simple tune-up step may cost nothing, but it can have a big impact on your air conditioner's reliability.
3. Check and Replace Capacitors
Capacitors are a common failure point on many central air conditioning systems. A dead capacitor can create unusual symptoms, such as a hard-starting compressor, or stop your AC from turning on at all. During their inspection, your AC technician will check your capacitor for correct capacitance to ensure that it isn't already on its way out.
Although you might not like the idea of replacing something that still works, replacing a weak capacitor is a great way to ensure your system keeps running reliably without any unexpected downtime.
For more information on AC services, contact an HVAC contractor.
Share