What To Do If Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air

There is nothing more frustrating than coming home and finding that the temperature inside your house is almost as hot as the temperature outside. Unfortunately, air conditioners often let us down at the most inopportune times. It could be the result of a major mechanical failure, but it could also be a relatively easy fix. A couple of places to start are by performing regular maintenance and checking on refrigerant levels.
One of the most important parts of maintenance is checking for refrigerant leaks. A refrigerant leak is a major reason for system inefficiency and failure, and it also poses a threat to our environment. Plus, studies have shown that air conditioning systems just one-half pound low on refrigerant can lead to as much as a 20% increase in usage, thereby pumping up utility bills.
Systems more than a few years old probably use R-22 refrigerant, which will be banned by the Environmental Protection Agency after Jan. 1, 2020. Systems that use R-22 can still be serviced and charged if necessary until the deadline. But, you need to keep an eye on your system to monitor for any possible leaks. If your system is not cooling the way it should or you suspect it may have a leak, you need to schedule immediate service. If system replacement is necessary, newer systems that use more environmentally-friendly refrigerants such as R-410A should be considered.
Cleaning and replacing your system’s air filter will also help your air conditioner do its job. A clogged or dirty filter can lead to decrease in indoor air quality and damage to the system’s evaporator. A dirty evaporator can lead to your system being unable to cool the air and higher utility bills.
As the heat and humidity of summer continues to build, so does the demand on your system. Perform regular maintenance, and check your refrigerant levels and air filter more often during the cooling months to keep your system running smoothly. This could help prevent costly A/C repairs. Schedule a system tune-up today. Just call Dixie, and it’s done!