If you live in Texas, you know how important the air conditioning is. It is not just in the summer months, though of course that is when it is the most critical. After all, when the temperatures get scorching, it is difficult to stay outside and still be productive or get everything that we need to be done completed.
That is not even discussing how bad it can be outside. People who have not experienced Texas heat for themselves truly do not understand how hot it gets. It feels like a wave hits you the moment you step outside, sweltering and almost oppressive in its force.
So…what can we do about it? Mostly, we can retreat indoors. If our AC is not working, though, that is not an option. So, if yours has been acting up or is broken, this article might be for you. Keep reading if you want to know what could be causing problems, and why you should not leave your system broken even if it is not too hot outside!
What Might Cause Breakdowns in an Air Conditioning Unit
As with most technology, it is certainly true that sometimes, AC units are a bit finnicky. There are a lot of things that could result in them breaking. Thankfully, we can predict some of them and there usually are solutions, be that repair or replacement.
The first thing that we would like to discuss is when there is low refrigerant. This could be from a leak or simply depletion over time. What does refrigerant do? Well, it is pretty simple: it absorbs heat and moisture from the inside air. If the line breaks or there is some other problem with this part of your AC, it might be time to call a contractor or repairman.
If you are feeling lost on where to find one, there are plenty online, thankfully. An example is Tyler Weathermakers of Tyler, though there are of course many others to consider as well. What are some other problems that you could face?
The ductwork in your HVAC unit is also an important component. If something goes wrong with it, it can cause a lot of complications. What does it do when it is working properly? It is what carries the chilled air throughout your home. So, if there is a leak anywhere or if something breaks, it is certainly possible that some rooms will not get cooled.
In the hottest months of the year, that is definitely a no go. Of course, there are still other issues that could arise. For example, if the conductor coils accumulate too much grime, you might experience some problems with your unit.
The conductor coils are what remove heat from the refrigerant, so it is of course another important part of keeping the unit working overall. It is of note that if they get too dirty, the air that they produce will no longer be cold enough to keep a house at a comfortable temperature.
It might not seem like a huge problem at first considering that the first signs will simply be that the unit stays on longer or gets louder, but eventually it can result in the total failure of the system. That is because as the air conditioner has to work harder, all of the other systems are also challenged and eventually frost could build up and cause even more issues.
One that surprises a lot of people is thermostat problems. Sometimes, the read that they give is inaccurate. If it gets bad enough, you might not even be able to have control over it at all. Thankfully, they can be recalibrated, and it is usually a relatively easy fix.
In general, the best way that you can prevent these problems from cropping up is by having routine check ins and maintenance done. Usually, they happen because of years of not looking at the unit. So, keep that in mind if you notice any changes in how your air conditioner works, even if it is a subtle shift.
Why is This Important?
A lot of us underestimate how important air conditioning can be. Sure, humans have lived without it for centuries. However, as our world gets hotter and hotter there is no reason not to be comfortable during the scorching parts of the year.
There are actually a lot of potential complications that can arise from being too hot. One common example is heatstroke, which you can learn more about on this page: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html. It can be quite serious if not caught, so that is part of why keeping a cool environment in our homes matters.
Of course, there are other benefits to air conditioning as well. One such is that they can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks for anyone inside who has asthma. This is largely because of the filtering of air that occurs when they are turned on – it can improve general air quality in a home!
When we do not have to open our windows to catch the cool breeze, it also reduces the chance of pests getting inside. Bugs can be quite annoying, especially flies.
Finally, HVAC units simply give us increased comfort in our houses. That is nothing to snub, either. If you work from home, it is shown to increase your overall productivity levels. It can also help prevent your electronics from overheating, which is a distinct possibility – especially in temperatures over ninety degrees Fahrenheit.
So, don’t let the heat beat you in the upcoming months and years. Even if the temperatures are cooling off a bit as we approach autumn and winter, this is still important stuff.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
