4 Common AC Questions

Air conditioning is one of those things that when it’s working, you hardly have to think about. With automated controls, it will operate virtually independently with little intervention. When it shuts down, though, you could be in a world of trouble. Repair expenses quickly add up, and employees or customers aren’t likely to want to be anywhere near a non-conditioned space. If you’ve got a question about your system but aren’t sure if it’s important enough to ask your service provider, this list can hopefully address it.

Short answer? Yes. Generally, at a minimum, we recommend that all HVAC systems in your facility, including your AC, be serviced at least once per year. In addition, we recommend that your system be inspected 3 to 4 times per year as part of your preventative maintenance schedule.

If you aren’t currently using a service provider for preventative maintenance, you should start immediately. Preventative maintenance isn’t free, of course, but it will save you money in the long run. By finding small issues before they balloon into massive repair or replacement jobs. With a plan in place, maintenance and service don’t need to be a headache either. You’re essentially automating the process to keep your equipment functional.

If you had a preventative maintenance plan in place up until this point, it’s unlikely that you would be asking this question. Why? If your system needs a refrigerant recharge every year, that means it’s leaking. A leaking system not only costs you every year for the recharge, but you’ll see inefficiency show up on your monthly utility bill. Aside from additional costs to you, the environment is also suffering. Leaking refrigerant evaporates and is extremely damaging to the ozone layer.

For maximum indoor air quality (necessary to minimize allergens and mold in your air), the air inside your building should be between 40 and 60% humidity. A functioning, well-tuned AC unit should be enough to keep humidity in a normal facility at the proper levels. If you are worried your air is too humid or too dry, reach out to John’s Service and Sales and we’ll get your system tuned properly for your facility.

One of the worst things that can happen to any business owner, facility manager, or homeowner is their AC, or their entire system, suffering from a catastrophic failure in the height of summer. It was mentioned earlier in this article, but one of the most important factors in extending your system’s life is to start a preventative maintenance plan. Even if your system is new and you aren’t worried about it, it will fail eventually. 

There is no day like today to have a professional technician drop by and inspect your AC. With proper preventative maintenance, your system will last significantly longer, putting off the high cost of a replacement for several years. Also, if you notice something isn’t quite right, like your system isn’t cooling your facility as much as it used to, for example, don’t hesitate to call a professional. The longer you wait, the more chances you give your inefficient system to get worse.

Outside of working with professionals, it is also important to keep the area around your outdoor AC units clear of natural debris. Leaves, sticks, living plants, or whatever else you find can all get inside your system and, at worst, cause damage or, at best, make your system inefficient. And, if your other components aren’t well-maintained (maybe you haven’t changed the air filters in a while), this outside debris can negatively affect the indoor air quality in your building.

Whether you are currently set up with a preventative maintenance plan or haven’t spoken with an HVAC professional for years, John’s Service and Sales is always available to help. From initial construction of a brand-new HVAC system to simple repairs, we handle it all. Connect with us today.