AC Repair: Get Your AC Unit Up and Running Again | Fort Worth, TX
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Everyone dreads the sound of their air conditioner unit turning off in the middle of a hot summer day. When that inevitable day comes, and your AC unit stops working, you may be faced with a costly repair bill. However, there are some things you can do to help prevent expensive repairs from happening in the first place! This article will discuss tips to help keep your AC unit in good shape and running all summer smoothly. We will also provide other helpful information in regards to AC repair.
Dangers of Ignoring AC Repair
You may be tempted to put off an AC repair if it’s not a dire emergency. However, it’s essential not to neglect your AC unit and instead schedule regular repairs to avoid potential problems. You could be putting yourself and your family at risk by ignoring your AC unit. Here are a few dangers of not fixing your AC unit:
Complete failure of the unit: If you continue to put off repairs, your unit could eventually fail. This would leave your home without air conditioning in the middle of summer and could result in a very costly repair bill.
Health risks: A malfunctioning AC unit can cause health problems for you and your family members. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health problems.
Safety risks: An AC unit that’s not working correctly could result in your home feeling warmer than usual, which is a fire hazard. A faulty air conditioning system can also cause you to lose power during an emergency such as a heatwave or natural disaster like a hurricane!
Increased utility bills: If your AC unit is not working correctly, you could be spending more money than usual on utility bills. A faulty AC system can cause the air conditioner to work harder and lead to higher energy costs.
Damaged furniture or other belongings from excess humidity: If your AC unit is not working correctly, it could lead to increased humidity levels in your home. This can cause damage to furniture, fabrics, and other belongings.
Mold growth in your Fort Worth, TX home: If your AC unit isn’t working correctly, it can lead to increased moisture levels in your home. This could potentially result in mold growth and other costly damage.
Tips to Avoid Expensive AC Repair Costs
Keep your air filter clean
Clean or replace the filters for every unit in your home every month during peak summer months when you are running them constantly. This helps circulate more cool air throughout the room, which will keep it colder inside and prevent damage to the AC unit itself by not allowing dirt and debris into its components that can cause it to overheat.
Check your outdoor unit
Once a month, go outside and check to ensure no debris is blocking the airflow coming from the AC unit. Debris such as leaves, dirt, grass, or anything else can cause the unit not to function appropriately and overheat. If you find any blockages, clear them immediately.
Schedule routine maintenance
Another way to help prevent expensive AC repair costs is to be proactive and have routine maintenance done on your unit. This can usually be done at a lower cost than if you wait for something to go wrong with the unit and then pay for an emergency repair.
AC repair professionals in Fort Worth TX, such as One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth, offer a preventative maintenance plan. They will come to your home regularly and do a full inspection of your AC unit, making any necessary repairs and adjustments to keep it running smoothly. This can help avoid more expensive repairs in the future.
Keep pets away from your AC unit
Like children, pets can get curious and play around an air conditioning unit. If they do so when it is running, they could be injured by getting too close to the fan blades. They can even be electrocuted by touching it during a storm while standing in puddles of water that have accumulated.
Unplug your AC unit during storms
If a storm is expected in your area, be sure to unplug your AC unit from the wall. This will help protect it from any potential damage during a storm, such as lightning strikes.
Adjust the thermostat
Adjust the temperature on your AC unit to a higher setting before leaving for work, and then turn it back down again when you get home. This can help save money by not allowing the house to become too cold while nobody is there, but it also does not make the AC constantly run throughout the day.
Fix minor issues immediately
Most people don’t think about their air conditioner until it’s too late. They wait until the system is malfunctioning or completely broken before seeking repairs. Unfortunately, this often leads to more expensive and extensive repairs down the line. By ignoring minor problems with your AC unit, you could be setting yourself up for a greater overall repair bill.
If something seems off with your AC unit, such as not cooling the house down or turning it off and on, do not ignore this. A minor issue with your unit can become a larger problem later if you try to wait for it to fix itself rather than getting a repair professional out there immediately.
Do not overload circuits
It may be tempting to plug in as many appliances as possible when the weather is hot, but you should avoid overloading circuits. This can cause your AC unit to work harder than necessary and lead to a breakdown.
AC Repair vs AC Replacement: Which Is the Right Option for You?
When your air conditioner starts to act up, it can be challenging to know whether you need a simple repair or if it’s time for a replacement. The following are some factors to consider when deciding whether AC repair or replacement is the right option for you:
Age of your air conditioner
The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is around ten years. If your AC unit is older than this or you are experiencing more and more problems with it each year, it may be time to consider a new unit. Replacing your AC is more expensive than having it repaired. Still, if you factor in the costs of repairing an older unit and replacing it with a newer model that can work much more efficiently, this option isn’t as pricey.
Amount of use your AC unit gets
If you use your AC unit a lot, it will naturally wear down faster than one that isn’t used as often. If your air conditioner is constantly working hard to keep up with the warm weather, this can lead to more frequent repairs and eventually replacement. Therefore, if your AC unit is getting used more than it can handle, it’s time to consider a replacement. Install a new unit with the capacity to handle a heavier workload.
Extent of damage
Another factor to consider is how extensive the damage to your AC unit appears. If the damage is minor and can be easily repaired, then a repair may be the best option. However, if the damage is more severe or multiple issues with the unit, it may be wiser to replace it altogether.
Cost of repairing vs replacement
The cost of repairing your AC unit vs. the cost of replacing it is another crucial factor to consider when making your decision. If the repair costs are more than half the price of a new AC unit, it may be wiser financially to go ahead and replace it instead. A new unit will also come with a warranty, whereas the repairs on an old unit may not. Therefore, if your AC unit is on its last leg and repairs will cost you more than replacing it, then this might be the best option for you.
When in doubt, call an AC professional
If you’re still unsure whether you need a repair or replacement, it’s always best to call an AC professional for advice. They will be able to assess the condition of your unit and give you a more accurate idea of what needs to be done. They can also provide a quote for the cost of repairs or replacement, so you know what to expect financially.
What Are the Signs That I Need AC Repair?
Some common signs that you may need AC repair include:
- Your unit is not cooling your home as it should
- There is water leaking from the unit
- The fan is not working
- The unit is making strange noises
If you are experiencing any of these problems, call a Fort Worth, TX professional for repairs. Do not try to fix the issue yourself, as this could lead to further damage.
Why DIY AC Repair Is Not a Good Idea
When your AC unit isn’t cooling your home as it should, the temptation to try and fix the problem yourself may be strong. However, DIY AC repair is not a good idea. Why?
- Risk of causing more damage: If you don’t know what you’re doing, trying to repair your AC unit yourself can cause more damage. This means that the problem will likely worsen and eventually require a professional repair anyway.
- Incorrect repairs: Even if you can fix the issue yourself, there’s no guarantee that the repair will be done correctly. This could lead to further problems down the road and even an AC unit that doesn’t work at all.
- Lack of knowledge: Unless you’re a trained professional, you likely don’t know as much about AC repair as someone who does it for a living. This means that you may not diagnose the issue correctly or fix it.
- Safety risks: DIY AC repair can be dangerous. If you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s a risk that the problem will get worse over time, and your unit may even stop working altogether.
- Cost: If you try to repair your AC unit and end up making the problem worse, you may have to call in a professional anyway. This can end up costing you more money than if you had just called them in the first place.
- Time: DIY repairs can also take longer than hiring a professional. If you’re not familiar with how to fix an AC unit, it may take you a while to figure it out. This means that your home will be without AC for longer than necessary.
When it comes to AC repair, it’s always best to leave it to the Fort Worth, TX professionals. They have the training and experience to fix the issue quickly and correctly, and they can also provide advice on whether repairs or a replacement are the best options. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to give us a call at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. We’ll be happy to help!
AC Repair Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AC repair cost?
The price of a repair will depend on the extent of the damage. Repairs are typically cheaper than replacement, but there is no fixed standard for pricing since each situation is unique. Call us today to get a quote!
Do I need to change my filter when getting repairs done?
Typically, no. However, if the filter is visibly dirty, it may be a good idea to change it before the technician arrives. This will help them diagnose the issue more quickly and accurately.
What should I do if my AC unit isn’t cooling my home?
If your AC unit is not cooling your home, you should call a Fort Worth, TX professional for repairs. Attempting to DIY repair the unit could result in further damage and will likely cost more money.
How long should I wait before getting repairs done?
If you’re still unsure if it’s time to repair, call a professional to assess the unit. They can let you know whether your AC needs immediate attention or if there is no need for an emergency visit just yet. However, waiting too long could result in more extensive damage that will require a greater investment to repair.
Expert AC Repair Services in Fort Worth, TX
If you need AC repair, our team at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth is here to help. We have years of experience repairing all types of AC units, and we can get your unit back up and running in no time. Contact us today for a free estimate!