California’s temperatures have gone up by nearly 3° since the 20th century. Moreover, six of the hottest years the state has ever recorded occurred since 2014!
Even the Bay Area, with temps often lower than the likes of Sacramento, has had record heat. So, it’s no wonder governments are strongly recommending staying in air-conditioned spaces.
That’s enough reason to make sure your air conditioner is in top condition before summer. If not, it’s best to schedule your system for AC repair services ASAP. The sooner you get it fixed, the less you need to worry about your home turning into an oven.
If you’re unsure of what to fix, worry not, as we’re here to guide you. Read on to discover the repairs your AC may need to ensure it works throughout the summer.
1. Get Your AC Condensate Line Cleaned
Also called the drain line, the condensate line is a PVC or metal pipe that leads to the outdoors. It connects to a drain tray or pan, which, in turn, collects the water droplets that drip from the evaporator coil.
Thus, the primary function of the drain line is to channel all that moisture out of your home.
Because of its purpose, though, the condensate line is almost always damp when you have the AC turned on. As a result, algae and molds can grow inside, causing a blockage.
If that happens, the collected moisture won’t have a way to exit your home. Instead, it may pool in or overflow out of the drain pan. That can then cause even more water or mold damage to your home.
So, inspect your indoor AC unit before the peak cooling season starts. Look for signs of dripping water; if there are, contact an AC repair company to check your system. If you let the technician catch the issue early, the pro may only have to clean and unclog the drain line.
2. Repair or Replace a Leaky Drain Pan
If you have an older air conditioner, it likely comes with a metal drain pan. Unfortunately, metal and moisture don’t mix well, as water can induce rusting. So, if your AC drips water, its tray may already have holes in it due to corrosion.
If you have a relatively newer unit, it most likely has a plastic drain tray. Plastic pans are more durable than metal ones, but they can still crack over time.
Either way, it’s best to get an HVAC repair company to fix or replace a leaky drain tray ASAP. Otherwise, the water will keep seeping through and lead to costlier water damage.
Also, note that the EPA suggests drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent molds. So, not addressing a leaking drain pan right away can give them enough time to grow.
3. Have a Leaky Refrigerant Line Sealed
Refrigerant lines are copper pipes typically covered with insulating foam. If your air conditioning system has an outdoor unit, you can see part of these tubes behind it.
In any case, a leaking refrigerant line allows the chemical to seep out of the pipes. That can result in a frozen evaporator coil or your AC experiencing a loss of cooling power. You may also hear hissing or even gurgling noises from your unit.
If you notice any of those symptoms, call an AC repair specialist in the Bay Area as soon as possible. Otherwise, your unit is going to perform inefficiently.
Moreover, the longer you wait to get that leak sealed, the more expensive refrigerant it loses. That can get bad enough for the air conditioner to seize up and fail to start. If that happens, you might have to replace the entire system altogether.
4. Fix a Sunken Air Conditioner Pad
An air conditioner condenser pad ensures that the outdoor unit is higher than the ground. It also provides the condenser unit with a flat, stable surface to keep it elevated.
A condenser pad is quite heavy, as it usually consists of concrete or composite materials. Its weight, plus that of the outdoor unit, can force it to settle or sink over the years. That movement can tug on its electrical or refrigerant lines, straining them.
As part of your pre-season AC prep checklist, inspect the condenser pad outside. See if it appears askew, too close to the ground, or is unstable.
If you notice any of those signs, ring up your local HVAC technician to address the problem right away.
5. Replace Air Filters
Did you know that San Francisco County got a passing score in the 2022 State of the Air Report? However, it still received a grade of F since it had many high particle pollution days. Other counties in the Bay Area, such as Alameda, Santa Clara, and Marin, got the same.
That polluted outdoor air can enter your home through mechanical or natural ventilation. For example, your ventilation fans can bring in outdoor air, or outside air can get in via open doors and windows. Then, once inside, your air conditioner can suck in that air and push it through the filter.
For that reason, it’s best to check your air conditioner filter now and see how dirty (or clean) it is. If it’s filthy, clean it (if it’s washable) or replace it (if it’s disposable). If you’re unsure, call an HVAC company to help you locate, wash, or replace it.
6. Invest in a 30+ Point Tune-Up
A 30+ point tune-up is a comprehensive service checklist used by HVAC professionals. The program consists of steps the techs need to clean, maintain, and perform minor AC repairs.
Installing or cleaning AC filters and flushing drain pans are some examples. Likewise, techs who use the checklist also ensure proper refrigerant levels. Moreover, they inspect the evaporator coils, condensers, and even the ducts.
Then, if the pros find any minor problem, they can repair it immediately.
All that makes a 30+ point tune-up a worthy investment to prep and keep your AC in top condition during summer. So, consider getting this for your air conditioner as soon as possible.
Get These AC Repair Services Today
Remember: Extreme heat can cause severe illnesses like heat stroke or heat exhaustion. So, please ensure your air conditioner works efficiently to stay safe during hot days. If it’s not, hire a reliable technician to inspect and fix it before the next heatwave hits.
If you’re in the Bay Area and need AC repair services today, our HVAC experts are happy to help. Feel free to call us now or schedule your appointment online!
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