Tips on Performing Regular Maintenance and Obtaining Repairs from an HVAC Contractor

Keeping one’s central air conditioning system in good repair is essential in making sure that the unit will operate effectively and efficiently when the temperature outside is on the rise. While most people think a great deal about their air conditioning service in Salt Lake City during the hot months of summer, many do not give it much thought as the weather turns cooler. However, in many cases the fall and winter season of the year can be the ideal time to perform regular maintenance on the unit and to have an HVAC Contractor handles any extensive repair work that may be needed.

Most central air conditioning systems are made up of two separate units. Generally, the condenser unit is housed outside and the blower unit is housed indoors near the furnace. The condenser portion converts a gas, such as Freon, into a liquid so that it can cool the air within the home. The blower is used to move the cooled air from the system and out into the various rooms of the home. Both systems will need to be checked on a yearly basis by either the homeowner or an HVAC contractor.

One of the first things that should be done on both of these units is cleaning. Both the condenser and the blower tend to collect a good deal of dirt and other matter. This can cause an array of issues within the unit and can often be the reason that a HVAC contractor needs to replace parts or perform extensive repairs. The condenser unit contains coils that should be rinsed off using a high-pressured garden hose and nozzle. The blower unit will need to be vacuumed to ensure that the majority of the dirt that has accumulated in and around the unit is removed. This can help in prolonging the life of the central air conditioning system and keeping utility costs a bit lower as well.

Once the units are cleaned, the outdoor unit should be inspected to ensure that none of the thin metal fins on the unit is bent and blocking the flow of air. Sometimes a homeowner can fix these with a fin comb from a hardware store. However, often it is best to contact an HVAC contractor so that they can better assess the problem.

The blower unit generally has both a motor and a fan. The motor should be examined to make sure that any opening or vent is not clogged with debris since this can block air being able to circulate around the unit. If air cannot move around the motor, it may overheat and this can lead to extensive work needing to be done by a company that specializes in air conditioning repair in North Salt Lake. The fan and fan belt should be inspected as well. If either of these elements shows any signs of damage or look worn, they will need to be replaced by an HVAC contractor before the unit will be ready for use again.

Jodi Hugoe