Beat the Back-to-School Heat with Air Conditioning 101

Residential Air Conditioning Basics

Kids usually head back to school in the fall, but if the outdoor temperatures are any indication, there’s still plenty of summertime left. During the summers, air conditioners are the star of the show as families try to stay comfortable in the heat. But, just because homeowners are familiar with their thermostats doesn’t mean they have a basic knowledge of how air conditioners work or how to maximize their effectiveness.

So, in honor of the back-to-school season, homeowners should learn a little about their air conditioners. Here is a quick guide that can teach them what options are available for home cooling and the importance of caring for air conditioning equipment.

Different Types of Air Conditioners

Air conditioners tend to last long, so many homeowners just accept whatever air conditioning system is in their home and never question the alternative. However, in general, most homeowners will have to plan on and spend money installing new air conditioners in their homes. When this happens, they should understand their options and the benefits of each choice.

The two most common air conditioning options are:

• Central Air Conditioning: These are the most common types of AC systems, popular in most new construction since the 1960s. Central air conditioners use a blower and hidden ductwork to pump conditioned air around the home to reduce temperature and humidity.
• Ductless Air Conditioning: Ductless mini split air conditioning is a newer style of air conditioning that is gaining popularity for energy savings. Mini-splits operate similarly to window units in that they cool a zone of the home. Each zone can be controlled independently of the rest of the house, reducing cooling bills.

Depending on the home, one style may be preferable to the other. For example, ductless air conditioning is good for retrofitting old homes without ducts or outfitting living spaces in converted garages. On the other hand, central air conditioning is still the most popular choice for comfort in new homes.

AC Unit Repair Signs

Knowing when to call for professional air conditioning repairs goes along with owning a home. Catching problems early can prevent them from getting worse. Some of the signs that air conditioning repair may be needed are:

• Grinding or squealing noises
• Rising energy bills
• Unusual odors
• Reduced cooling power
• High humidity
• Low-quality indoor air

Reasons for AC Maintenance

Air conditioner maintenance is the way to prevent unexpected repairs and a loss of cooling in a home. One important maintenance step involves changing air filters to protect the AC equipment. Homeowners should change their air filters at least every three months to keep dust and debris from building up inside the AC unit and overcoming living spaces.

In addition to frequent filter changes, routine maintenance from a licensed technician is important. During a maintenance visit, an AC contractor will:

• Inspect electrical components of the AC
• Check refrigerant levels
• Clean coils
• Check the thermostat
• Verify proper cooling

Overall, AC maintenance can increase the lifespan of air conditioners, reduce the cost of energy bills, and make unexpected repairs a thing of the past.

About Performance Based Heating & Air

Performance Based Heating & Air provides the residents of Angels Camp, CA, and the surrounding areas with top-quality indoor comfort solutions. They offer straightforward pricing, honest recommendations, and customer education. Call them today for air conditioning services in Angels Camp, CA.

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