As the seasons change and temperatures fluctuate, ensuring your HVAC system is in top-notch condition is essential. Last year, during our routine tune-ups, we discovered a few common issues that could affect the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system. Here’s what we found and how we helped our previous customers:
- Dirty Condensing Units: The outdoor condenser unit is crucial in cooling and releasing heat from your home. Over time, it can accumulate dirt, debris, and even mold, hindering its performance. Cleaning the condenser coils and removing any obstructions helped eliminate heat from the house more effectively, improving overall efficiency.
- Weak Capacitors: Capacitors are essential components that help start the motors in your HVAC system. If they’re weak or failing, it can lead to issues like slow starting or irregular operation. We replaced these capacitors to ensure that the fan motors and compressor started quickly and predictably. Doing this reduced strain on the system.
- Refrigerant Leaks: Refrigerant is a vital component of your air conditioning system, and leaks can lead to poor cooling performance and higher energy bills. We identified and repaired refrigerant leaks to ensure optimal performance and prevent further damage to the system. We recommended replacement when non-repairable.
- Semi-Clogged Drains: Clogged drains can lead to water backup, which can cause significant damage to your home. By clearing semi-clogged drains, we saved many garages, attics, and closets from potential flooding, protecting our customers’ homes and belongings.
- Miscellaneous: We also found issues such as loose and wires screws and weak and unbalanced motors, which we promptly addressed to prevent further damage to the system.
In addition to addressing these common issues, we also provided valuable recommendations for ongoing maintenance:
- Cleaning Evaporator Coils: Evaporator coils can accumulate dirt and debris over time, affecting the efficiency of your HVAC system. Regular cleaning of these coils can improve system performance and prevent potential issues.
- Listening for Weakening Bearings: Bearings in the fan motors and other moving parts can wear out over time, leading to increased noise and reduced performance. We advised our customers to listen for unusual sounds and have these bearings checked and replaced if necessary.
- Replacements: We also recommended planning to replace systems over 15 years old because the units were no longer under warranty and were more prone to costly repairs.
We helped our customers ensure that their HVAC systems ran smoothly and efficiently by addressing these issues and providing proactive maintenance recommendations. If you’re due for a tune-up or have noticed any problems with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact us. We, Doc J’s Heat and Air Tulsa are here to help you stay comfortable all year round!