Lighthouse Point, Florida Air Conditioning Repair

Are your utility bills excessively high lately and you’re not sure why? You might need Lighthouse Point, Florida air conditioning repair services, if so. Particularly in the case that you don’t know the last time that your AC unit was tuned up, it’s better to investigate the situation sooner rather than later—as this can prevent total AC failure just when you need it most, like the hottest months of Florida’s summer! But what causes an AC unit to fail, and why do you need to regularly maintain your AC unit? In this article, we will discuss how to safely check your AC unit for signs of wear or damage, most common reasons AC units quit working, the importance of regularly maintaining your air conditioning unit, and more!

How to Safely Inspect an AC Unit

Fortunately for the average homeowner or landlord, the cost of regular AC unit maintenance is relatively low, and can be as little as $75 in Florida! However, it can help speed the process of calling and diagnosing the problem if you are able to take a look at the unit while on the phone with an expert AC technician. Simplifying the process for the maintenance company may even save you money by shortening the length of their visit—plus you might learn something along the way.

The first thing you are going to want to do when you inspect your AC unit is to make sure the thermostat is responsive to your guidance. You can test this simply by adjusting the dial up or down a few degrees and listening to hear if the HVAC unit whirrs to life.

The second, very important step, is to unplug the AC unit from its power source. Go to your breaker box and be sure to switch the fuse off. Do not skip this step, as HVAC units command a lot of electricity, and neglecting practice this could result in injury.

Finally, examine your unit for leaks, broken or disfigured fins, and a buildup of dirt, dust, or other debris. If there is foliage growth around your AC unit, be sure to clear this away to allow for proper air flow. Check the air filter as well to see if it is clogged with dust, and make sure the evaporator drain is free-flowing. However, if any of this is beyond your experience level, it is always wise to call in a professional air conditioning repair service like Lucas Technical Air. They can effectively and efficiently help you troubleshoot your HVAC issues and get your climate control back to working condition in no time.

Common Reasons AC Units Fail

HVAC-regulated climate control is one of the creature comforts that sets mankind apart from the animal kingdom—and so often we can take our HVAC units for granted! Should these crucial components of our home fail, however, we can quickly go from eating a lovely dinner to sweating in discomfort, especially if we live somewhere warm. However, when it comes to troubleshooting your AC unit, there are a few key common places where they tend to quit working. Here are the top five reasons AC units fail:

1. Thermostat issues: If your actual thermostat malfunctions or sends error messages, your HVAC will not respond in accordance with your wishes. The good news about this problem is that it is not only simple to diagnose (as we have outlined above) but can be a relatively easy fix of replacing the broken thermostat.

2. Worn or neglected components: If you can’t remember the last time your AC unit was serviced, you should probably consider calling a professional HVAC technician. In fact, it is recommended that you have your AC unit maintained at least once a year—particularly if it sees regular, even daily use. Common components to wear out include fan blades, the compressor, wiring, and more.

3. Busted evaporator coil: Something you should routinely look for when inspecting your AC unit is any sign of frost accumulation or ice buildup on the evaporator coils. This most commonly occurs when your unit has restricted airflow or has run out of refrigerant—so be sure to check these areas to see if you can remedy the problem swiftly.

4. Refrigerant leaks: One of the most obvious indicators of a problem with your AC unit is leaking fluids puddled up around the foundation. Leaking refrigerant not only is hazardous to the lifespan and efficacy of your HVAC unit but is a danger to the environment as well. If you spot an AC unit leak, call a professional AC repair service right away!

5. Bad electrical connection: It follows that if your AC unit does not have access to its primary source of power, it follows that it will not be able to function properly. A blown circuit breaker or fuse is one surefire way to cause your HVAC unit to fail. Especially if you believe your air conditioning unit’s root problem to be due to electrical wiring, take care when addressing this issue as it can be dangerous—and don’t be afraid to call in the pros.

Why Maintain Your AC Unit Regularly?

The answer to this question comes down to simple mathematics; it can cost between $75-$200 annually to have your HVAC unit serviced, but as much as $7,500 for a replacement unit! The national average cost for an HVAC replacement is well over $5,000—though if maintained properly, a good AC unit can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years.