28 Jul 2018

20 Things to Know About AC Repair in Atlanta

AC unit repair

Atlanta, GA – We are well into summer, and looking for the best ways to beat the heat. If your air conditioning unit isn’t cooling quite like you’d like it to, or if you’re just ready for an upgrade, what do you need to think about before air conditioning repair or replacement in Atlanta?

Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning has more than 40 years of experience keeping Atlanta residents cool and comfortable. Here are 20 things to think about before AC repair.

  1. How much time do I have before repairing or replacing my unit? This will depend on your comfort level, as well as safety concerns. Temperatures can get very warm in the summer, making it uncomfortable not only to sit and relax, but to sleep, as well. But there are also safety concerns to consider. If your unit seems to be failing, it is important to understand what the issue is – mechanical or electrical failures could be fire hazards.
  2. Is a repair best, or should I replace my entire unit? This is often a personal decision, but should be influenced by several factors. First, how old is your unit? If it is nearing the end of its life, it may make sense to replace rather than repair. Likewise, if there cost to repair is close to that of replacing with a new unit, you may want to upgrade.
  3. How much space am I cooling, and has that size changed since the AC was first installed? This is an important consideration. If you have built on to your home at any point since the AC was first installed, you may need to upgrade to a larger unit to be able to comfortably cool off the home.
  4. Would I like features other than just cold air – are energy costs or environmental concerns important to me? A unit that cools is important, but are you concerned about energy efficient units that can save you money each month on your utility bills? Many units will also do a great job of decreasing the humidity in the air.
  5. Is there anything new in the heating and cooling world to consider? Technology changes rapidly, and the heating and cooling world is no different. From geothermal systems that use the cool temperature underground to cool your home, to heat pumps that can act as AC in the summer and heaters in the winter, to ductless mini split systems that are great for small spaces like garages or additions, there is a lot to think about.
  6. Are there unique needs to consider about where I live? The area of the country where you live can affect the way your AC unit works, so it is important to take these into consideration when repairing or replacing a unit.
  7. Is a programmable thermostat important? Some people love the ease and convenience of a programmable thermostat, and the ability to control the temperature when no one is at home. If you work during the day, it may be of benefit to you to be able to program a thermostat to ensure the AC isn’t cooling the house when no one is home.
  8. Does my AC unit affect the health of those in my home? Your unit also works to filter contaminants out of the air. If you are a pet owner, have asthma or allergies, you need to take these into consideration when repairing your unit.
  9. Do my ducts need to be repaired or replaced? Leaks in your ductwork could be a problem if you notice your home isn’t quite as cool as it should be. A professional technician can check your ductwork and repair any leaks to ensure the cool air is flowing properly.
  10. Is my home insulated enough? Your cool air could be escaping through your roof or other areas where your insulation is lacking.
  11. What type of refrigerant does my AC use? Refrigerant helps kick-start the cooling process. Freon, or R-22 refrigerant, is used in older units. However, it is being phased out by the government, so if your unit uses Freon, it will be more expensive to continue to repair.
  12. Are my energy bills steadily increasing? This is a good sign that your unit is starting to fail. An inefficient system will kick on more often as it struggles to cool your home.
  13. Does my home have difficulty maintaining a comfortable temperature? If your home can’t keep a steadily comfortable temperature, it is a good sign that it needs to be looked at. It could be due to the age of the unit, part of the unit needing a repair, or that the unit is the wrong size for your home.
  14. How many years does an air conditioning unit last? AC units typically last between 12 and 15 years, but its lifespan can be reduced if its capacity isn’t matched to the home. If your unit is too large or too small, it could be overworking, which can shorten its life.
  15. Am I changing my air filters out regularly? If your AC is trying to work through dirty filters, chances are it is overworking and running inefficiently. Filters need to be changed out regularly.
  16. Do I maintain the unit properly? Just like you take your car for regular tune-ups, you should do the same for your AC unit. A licensed technician should inspect your air conditioning unit once a year to ensure everything is working properly. This can save you big on repairs as problems can be detected and corrected before they become bigger issues.
  17. Is the outdoor unit properly cleaned and maintained? Keep yard debris clear of the unit, and be sure the unit is regularly cleaned.
  18. Am I doing all I can inside to ensure my unit can run efficiently? Close curtains and blinds in sunny rooms, and be sure all vents are free of anything that could block them. Be sure windows and doors to the outside are properly sealed.
  19. Do you have reasonable expectations about how cool your home can get? There can typically only be about a 20 degree difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature. For instance, if it is 100 degrees out, your home may not be able to cool down to 70 degrees.
  20. Who do I call for AC repair? It is important to remember that not all companies are the same. You want to hire a company with experience, who does quality work and who will be there when you need them. Be sure the company is insured and technicians have the required certifications for the work being done. Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning has more than 40 years of experience and offers 24 hour air conditioning repair.

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