In summer, there’s rarely a good time to be without a functional air conditioner in Yucaipa, CA. With daytime temperatures holding steady in the upper 90s, having your AC break down could prove dangerous. Worse still, mid-season AC problems often appear when local HVAC companies are already inundated with service requests. The good news is that there are ways to expedite appointment scheduling for urgent repairs. There are also safe, simple strategies for troubleshooting minor and common issues.
Most Mid-Season AC Issues Are Maintenance-Related
Before scheduling AC repairs, check for and troubleshoot some of the most common air conditioner problems. These include:
- Dirty HVAC air filters
- Closed air vents
- Incorrect thermostat settings
- Blocked condenser units
Troubleshooting optimizes AC operating conditions. Swapping out dirty air filters and opening closed air vents improves airflow throughout HVAC systems. If your air filter is coated with heavy, lint-like debris, replacing it could resolve problems like icing, short cycling, and overheating.
All AC condenser units require at least 24 inches of clearance on all sides. This is where air conditioners release the heat that they extract from the indoor air. If your outdoor condenser unit is blocked by overgrown shrubs, grass, or trees, removing these obstructions could resolve overheating and emergency shutdowns.
Check for tripped circuit breakers, and make sure that your thermostat is set to “AUTO” rather than “ON.” The “ON” setting initiates your air conditioner’s blower fan, but it won’t initiate an actual cooling cycle. You should also verify that your thermostat setting is lower than the current temperature of your indoor air.
You Can Avoid Home Cooling Emergencies With Pre-Season AC Tune-up Service
Given that most summertime cooling emergencies are the result of poor or insufficient air conditioner maintenance, you can limit your need for mid-season repairs by scheduling a pre-season AC tune-up. If you’ve delayed annual tune-up service or have skipped it outright, your air conditioner is unlikely to make it through the entire summer season without developing issues.
Limit Your Wait Time With an HVAC Preventative Maintenance Plan
Among the best ways to avoid long waits for summer AC repairs is by signing up for an HVAC preventative maintenance plan. In addition to covering the costs of annual tune-up service for all covered HVAC equipment, plan memberships include priority scheduling for repairs and discounts on all necessary labor and parts. Best of all, if your air conditioner breaks down after hours or over the weekend, an HVAC preventative maintenance plan could limit your spending on after-hours service, too.
Some Problems Indicate the Need for AC Replacement
Most air conditioners last between 15 and 20 years. With moderate use, proper installation, and diligent maintenance, some might last as long as 25 years. If your air conditioner has already supplied two decades of service, there’s a good chance that you may need an AC replacement rather than repairs.
Damaged Ductwork Could Lie at the Heart of Your Cooling Problems
If you have weak airflow at your HVAC air vents, declining indoor air quality (IAQ), and fast-rising energy bills, your problem may lie in your HVAC air ducts. Hiring an HVAC company that can handle air duct replacements and repairs will expedite the repair process.
Clear a Path for Technicians
When the time for your appointment arrives, clear a path for your technician. Curbside parking makes it easier for technicians to access truck-mounted equipment and carry heavy replacement parts and tools. Your provider will need easy access to your outdoor condenser unit, your thermostat, and your indoor air handler.
Keep Cool While Waiting for Help to Arrive
Even with an HVAC preventative maintenance plan and priority scheduling, you may have to wait for several hours before your technician arrives. To keep everyone cool, turn your ceiling fans on and set up standing fans if available. You should also close your window treatments to block out solar heat. If you have aging adults, infants, or people with compromised immunity in your home, consider moving them to an air-conditioned building until your cooling service is restored.
We help residents of Yucaipa, CA maintain cool, comfortable, and all-around healthy homes throughout the summer months. You can count on us for exceptional heat pump, AC, and ductless mini-split services. We also offer IAQ improvements and HVAC air duct maintenance and repairs. To sign up for our preventative maintenance plan or schedule an appointment, contact Of Course! Heating and Cooling now.
Today!
