With summer in full swing, and the dog days just around the corner, a well-maintained air conditioning unit can help your home be an oasis in the Dallas heat. Emergency calls are common this time of the year as AC units are stressed around the clock.
Homeowners that are faced with an emergency HVAC call, are often amazed at the amount of hassle that can be saved by implementing a simple and regular HVAC maintenance schedule. Like other home systems, your air conditioning needs proper maintenance to keep your family safe and cool during the seemingly endless summer months.
Whether you found this article by chance, or because you are in need of emergency service, know that the Dial1 Johnson team is the go-to for Midlothian HVAC repair. With offices across the metroplex, our skilled technicians are never more than a short distance away.
DIY Maintenance Options
When it comes to HVAC Midlothian TX homeowners should look at maintenance as two sides of the same coin. Just about every homeowner will be looking for ways to reduce costs, and the good news is that there are a number of measures that can be taken on by intrepid homeowners. Below are the four most common items DIYers can tackle.
Filter Replacement
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to promote a healthy HVAC is to change the filter regularly. There is no hard and fast rule to when you need to replace your filter, as it will vary from one home to the next. Factors such as pets and climate can accelerate the need to replace your filter. The best practice is to check it monthly and replace it accordingly.
Dirty Coils
Dirty coils can be a major problem for your air conditioning unit and luckily cleaning them is a chore that can be done by just about any homeowner. Coils will be located in both units, inside and outside, and need to be regularly cleaned so that warm air can be removed and cool air can be returned to your home. Make sure that the electricity is off, and clean the coils with a paintbrush or the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
Unnecessary Debris
One of the simple maintenance items that homeowners can handle is to simply keep the area around their air conditioning units clean and clear of debris. In order to work efficiently, your system will need to pull in air. Unkempt grass around the outside unite can block airflow, causing your system to work harder and increase the likelihood of a breakdown.
Fin Damage
Debris isn’t just an issue around the unit. The fins help to remove heat quickly from your system, over time they can become clogged or bent. With the electricity turned off, simply spray down the fins with your water hose, taking care to not get water on the AC motor. Carefully reshape bent fins to help increase airflow.
Professional Maintenance Items
Homeowners that are unsure of their ability to tackle the previously mentioned maintenance items should simply rely on the expertise of an experienced HVAC technician. Doing so will remove doubt and ensure that maintenance remains on schedule.
Larger maintenance items, outlined below, are critical to your system’s well-being and should only be completed by a licensed professional.
Annual Maintenance
Scheduling annual maintenance should be a top priority for every homeowner. Not only will this help you protect your investment and increase system longevity, but it is also frequently required to maintain the factory warranty on your HVAC unit. Schedule maintenance before peak seasons to avoid Midlothian HVAC repair during the heat of summer.
Electrical Issues
Any and all electrical issues that your system might be experiencing should only be addressed by a professional. HVAC units have 240 volts running through the line and improperly handling can be fatal. Don’t chance it, trust someone that has been properly trained.
Short-Cycling
Short-cycling is a common issue that HVAC Midlothian TX systems face. If you notice that your system is cutting on and off at very short intervals, chances are there is a larger problem that needs to be addressed. DIYers should steer clear of trying to diagnose the problem, as short-cycling can be caused by a wide variety of culprits.
Benefits of AC Maintenance
Whether you are taking DIY maintenance steps or are trusting your system to an HVAC professional, the benefits certainly outweigh the costs associated. Air conditioning systems are a large investment and critical to your home, investing time and money will help with both short and long-term gains.
Maintain Factory Warranty
As mentioned above, many manufacturers require that your system be serviced annually by a licensed professional. This helps to ensure that both parties are protected from large repair bills, as many minor issues are caught during these inspections.
Avoid Unexpected Costs
No homeowner looks forward to unexpected costs. Having a budgeted amount to help maintain your system is much more cost-effective than crossing your fingers that a large repair bill is not dropped on your lap. With replacement costs averaging $5000-10,000, it pays to spend $50 each month on maintenance.
Longevity
HVAC units are one of the most expensive home investments, right there alongside your roof and windows. Air conditioning systems are designed to last 15 to 20 years. Lifespan can be greatly reduced without proper maintenance. Replacing a system every 5-10 years is simply not an option for most homeowners.
Finding Midlothian HVAC Repair
Even the most diligent homeowners will eventually need to work with a trained HVAC technician. Whether that is general maintenance or an unexpected repair, it pays to have a trusted team that you can rely upon to get your system back up and running in a timely manner.
Minor inconveniences can turn to emergency situations in the Texas heat. Rather than chance your system with an unproven provider, turn to the team that Midlothian homeowners have trusted for over 50 years. Dial1 Johnson has a team of highly trained technicians that are only a call away. With offices in Cedar Hill, Midlothian, and Desoto, we are nearby when issues arise. Schedule an appointment by calling 469-518-2809 or visit our website to learn more about our services.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.