Emergency Holiday Breakdown

Avoid Last Minute Holiday AC Repairs

With the holiday season fast approaching you need to ensure that your living environment is at its best for your family and all your holiday house guests. One thing that is often overlooked during the winter holiday period is the air-conditioner (AC). Even in the slightly cooler months, the last thing you need is a malfunction requiring you to call for emergency AC repair services.

The purpose of an AC is to remove heat from a confined space and thereby reduce humidity and lower the temperature. This creates a comfortable interior environment for rooms that are hot because of the weather, or due to multiple electronic appliances. AC extends its use from cooling a room to general conditioning of the environment such as heating, cooling, dehumidifying, cleaning or general ventilation.

The ideal AC for you will depend on what environment you want to create, as well as the capabilities of your electrical system. There are calculations that can be done to figure out optimum efficiency and result. Winter can leave your home feeling rather dry, and summer can be very hot and humid. AC can create the ideal environment for the hours spent indoors.

How does it work?
As an electronic device, the mechanics of an AC need regular maintenance. In a nutshell, an AC has three main parts; a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. Chemicals are used to convert a gas, to a liquid and back to a gas through a process of operations.

Like most electronic appliances, ACs often need to be repaired, especially after excessive use. The last thing you want is to be without an AC in summer to cool down, or in winter to circulate your air. So what happens when your AC breaks down in the middle of the holiday season, and you expected to spend majority of your time in the comfort of your own home?

Prevention is better than cure
To prevent your AC from breaking down in the holiday season, there are a few points to consider.

• Change the filter of your AC. Airflow is dramatically influenced by a dirty or worn-out filter. The filter is a critical part of the AC regulating healthy and clean air flow efficiently. As a guideline, they should be changed every three months.
• Schedule annual (or semi-annual) check-ups to make sure that everything is operating smoothly.
• Inspect your AC unit for storm damage with every passing storm. These damages can range from a dent in the blower fan, to a complete uprooting of the system. Even the smallest damage can influence the efficiency and energy costs of your AC system.
• Give your AC the occasional break from working by lowering the thermostat at intervals. This will lower your energy costs, and prevent unnecessary pressure on the machinery.
• Keep your AC vents open and uncovered to prevent the system from overworking itself. Keeping the vents closed or covered increases the chances of the machine overheating or freezing which can trip the circuit breaker, increase energy costs and inhibit adequate ventilation.
• Clear the outside of your unit. Although you may be very fond of your shrubbery and hard-worked garden, make sure that they do not cover up your outside unit. The optimum distance from the unit is three feet of clearance. You will notice that the efficiency and ventilation increase dramatically.
• Keeping the inside area of your unit clean is also important. Prevent any dust build-ups and make sure that the unit is easily accessible for any electrical emergencies.
• Check regularly for water leaks. Water leaks around the AC is not a good sign – if you see any, make sure that you call in a professional before damage occurs.

The best solution for fixing your AC is to get in a professional. This can be tricky in the holiday season when shops are closed and people are away. The convenience of technicians, such as Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, that offer 27/7 services are invaluable.