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Tennessee summers can be very hot and humid. From June to September temperatures can be as high as 100-degrees Fahrenheit. This can be a dangerous time for the young and elderly as well as those with health problems. It is important to keep everybody cool and safe, as It is not unusual for people to suffer dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
It is also important to have good air quality in your home as well. The less pollen and allergens getting into your home, the better. This is a great benefit for those with asthma or other respiratory problems. Once pollen and other irritants and toxins are removed from the air, everyone can breathe in cleaner cool air.
If something goes wrong with your Air Conditioner is it vital that you find a dependable AC repair service that will come to your home quickly, as it will not take long for your home to become unbearable to live in. This is an easy choice, you pick Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air. We are a family-owned business and have been operating since 1989 and committed to bringing the very best AC repair service to the people of Chattanooga, TN.
Having Your AC Unit Regularly Maintained
We at Metro Plumping would strongly advise you to have your AC unit regularly serviced, by one of our highly trained technicians. We will replace dirty air filters, clean the evaporator coil and condenser, clean the inside of the AC unit, make sure that the coolant levels are at acceptable levels plus many other checks. The service will make sure that your AC unit is working properly and producing the maximum amount of cool air.
Signs That You Will Need an AC Repair Service
Without regular service, you run the risk of your unit breaking down and needing expensive repairs. There are some warning signs you should be aware of:
- Larger than expected energy bills
- Reduced airflow from the unit
- Less cold air coming from the unit
- The unit makes strange noises.
- Leaking coolant around the unit
If you spot any of these warning signs you may need an AC repair soon and you need to call Metro Plumbing.
What Causes These Problems?
Coolant Is Leaking
The coolant removes the excess heat and humidity from the air in your room. The less coolant in your unit the lower the cooling effect and you may notice that there is less cold air coming from your unit. You may also notice frost and ice forming on the evaporator coil which can damage it. An AC repair service from one of our skilled technicians will be needed to locate and repair any leaks.
Evaporator Coil Is Frozen
The evaporator coil needs constant airflow across it to work effectively. Heat transfer occurs between the coolant in the evaporator coil and the warm air flowing over it. Reducing the airflow over the evaporator coil can cause it to freeze. This in turn will cause the other components in the AC unit to work harder, increasing your energy bill and wear and tear on the components.
What reduces the airflow? Dirty air filters and blocked air return grills will do this. A dirty evaporator coil will reduce the heat transfer from the warm air to the coolant and needs to be cleaned periodically before the coil freezes.
Dirty and Blocked Condensers
The condenser and cooling fins are usually located outside your home and need plenty of air to flow over them to radiate the excess heat from inside your home to the outside air. Being outside means they will be covered in dirt and grime and will need cleaning every so often. The dirt and grime will become an insulating layer, reducing the heat transfer, causing the condenser to work harder and it may even burn out. Cleaning the condenser is a job you can do yourself, but it is part of a regular service from Metro Plumbing.
Thermostat Issues
If there is less or too much cold air coming from your unit than you expect, it could be due to a badly placed or incorrectly calibrated thermostat. For example, a thermostat placed where it is receiving direct sunlight will mistake the temperature to be higher than it is. Your AC unit will then overwork to wrongly bring the temperature down. An older dial-type thermostat will need to be recalibrated more often and it may be better to replace it with a new programmable thermostat.
Fan Problems
A faulty fan will reduce the airflow over the evaporator coil and condenser. The fan’s motor may need replacing or the fan itself if it has been damaged. A loose or bent blade could hit the inside of your unit making a thumping sound. If you hear a screeching sound it could mean you have a worn-out fan belt. Any strange noises coming from your unit is a bad sign, you need to call Metro Plumbing for an AC repair.
How Old Is Your Air Conditioner? Should You Buy a New Air Conditioner or Have an AC Repair?
Nothing lasts forever and this is true of any Air Conditioner, even the best-maintained ones need to be replaced every 12-17 years and that time depends on how often you conduct routine inspections and prompt responses to AC repair.
If your Air Conditioner is needing more and more repairs to keep it running, it may be time to replace it. It may become increasingly difficult to find replacement spares for your old unit and this will increase the cost of any repair. A modern replacement model will be more energy-efficient and you will save money in the long term.
Why Choose Metro Plumbing, Heating, Air and Septic?
If your AC unit breaks down your loved ones could be in danger from rising temperatures and humidity. We are a family-run firm and have been serving the Chattanooga, TN community for many years. We know how hot it can be and we strive to complete an AC repair as fast as possible.
We have a dedicated team always on call to quickly come to your aid 24/7. Your family’s safety is our main concern and living with a broken AC unit for any length of time would be unthinkable for most people, so call Metro Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Septic without delay.
