7 Things You Should Know About Your AC

Like most people, you probably rely on an air conditioner to stay cool at home. Yet for how often you use it, how much do you really know about the AC unit? Could you fix an issue or at least recognize one? At Bryan's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., we believe air conditioners shouldn’t be a mystery. That’s why we compiled a list of seven things you should know about your AC.

AC COMPONENTS IN WICHITA, KS

An air conditioner is a complex machine with many functions. This overview of how a cooling system works will enable you to better identify issues and choose appropriate HVAC replacement parts.

THE FUNCTIONS OF AC UNITS

The role of an air conditioner is more extensive than many people might think. Rather than simply cooling the air inside a home, an AC unit regulates indoor temperatures via a thermostat that tells the system when to cycle on and off. Additionally, the unit improves indoor air quality by trapping airborne particulates and allergens in its filter. It also controls indoor humidity levels with a dehumidifier to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. For each of these functions, an air conditioner depends on one or more key components.

FINDING AC COMPONENTS

HVAC components include everything from thermostats, filters, and dehumidifiers to hoses, fuses, and electrical wiring. Hardware stores sell a few of these parts. Of course, do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs involve the risk of parts being installed incorrectly and causing the HVAC system to malfunction eventually. If you’re unsure about how to choose or install a component, contact an HVAC company. As part of our routine AC service, technicians can install new parts and repair old ones. At Bryan's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., we also sell new HVAC systems known for their efficiency.

HVAC MAINTENANCE

Wichita AC repair and maintenance are the best ways to increase the efficiency and prolong the lifespan of an air conditioner.

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

The intricate components of an air conditioner must work together precisely for the system to be efficient. But issues such as a loose hose, bad electrical connection, and misplaced piece of debris can strain the system and raise your utility bills. Issues related to tear and wear are normal, but they should be counterbalanced with regular maintenance. At least twice per year, an HVAC technician should inspect your home’s system and perform any necessary air conditioning repairs. Since summer is a the busiest season for residential air conditioners, early spring is ideal for scheduling maintenance.

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE

In between scheduled appointments with technicians, there are steps you can take to keep your AC unit in good shape. First, replace the air filter every three months. A new filter keeps the air flow consistent and catches more allergens and debris than an old, clogged filter. Next, clean away visible dust or debris on the exterior of the unit. Also, pay attention to odd sounds and scents that may emanate from the cooling system. These often signal a problem that would require AC repairs in Wichita, such as melted or broken components.

ENERGY-SAVING MEASURES

Smart energy consumption during the summer is essential for staying cool without breaking the bank on utility costs.

CLOSE THE VENTS

Depending on the size and layout of your home, there could be vents blowing cool air into rooms that are seldom occupied. Inspect the vents around the house or apartment and close those that are not in essential rooms. As a result, the main areas of your home will cool down faster, and you’ll be able to turn off the AC sooner.

FLIP ON THE FAN

An overhead or oscillating floor fan uses less energy than an air conditioner. When you need to cool down during the summer, let the first option be a fan. And if you still need to turn on the AC, keeping the fan on can help circulate the air more quickly until the house cools down.

INSTALL A NEW AIR CONDITIONER

For homes and apartments with older AC systems, upgrading to a newer unit could be enough to reduce energy costs. In fact, new models demonstrate less energy consumption than models from even five years ago.

AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS IN WICHITA, KS

At Bryan's Heating and Air Conditioning, we have everything you need to stay cool and comfortable. Our technicians are equipped to perform repairs or installations by having a variety of AC components on hand. We can also recommend ways for you to lower utility bills and program recurring maintenance according to your schedule. To request AC maintenance and more, contact Bryan's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.