Maintaining Air-Conditioning for Comfortable Living

It is an American dream to own a house of your own. When looking for a house, it is necessary to arrange for an interior home checking. Among other things, interior home checking also involves checking of the air conditioning system installed – central or otherwise. It is always advisable to have your prospective home inspected by a professional before you decide to buy it. Find out whether the previous owner had been maintaining the air conditioning system on their own or utilizing the services of a professional. Ask for the maintenance records that he/she may have kept.

Check the Age of Air Conditioning Systems

Find out how old is the system that has been installed. Older systems, installed in the 1990s, normally had mechanical flared fittings that could vibrate loose and leak the refrigerant. The newer systems have welded connections to minimize leaks. Check out where the air conditioning units are located. The air conditioning works more effectively when located at the higher levels on the walls.

Have the system started to check whether the cooling is enough. Check how long it takes to cool the home. If you notice any moisture on the line from the compressor, it means that there is a leakage of the refrigerant.



Air Conditioning Maintenance

If the home has air conditioning facilities, one may need to have a check-up during the spring. Regular check-ups will reveal any small problems that can be taken care of, before they become big, and costly. The check up should consist of the following:

• Ensuring proper refrigerant levels. Low level means a leak, and needs to be repaired before re-charging with more refrigerant.
• Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils.
• Checking all electrical components and controls.
• Checking thermostat calibration.
• Checking condenser and filters.

Ensure that the air-conditioning system in the home you are considering buying is clean. This leads to efficient operation and cooling. The filter should have been changed periodically. Check the ductwork. Also, check for any strange noises and follow up with repairs. A regular service by a professional may include the following procedures:

• Checking the unit for adequate airflow
• Checking temperature drop across the cooling coil
• Ensuring condensate drainpipe is not blocked
• Checking for water leaks and air leaks, as well as refrigerant lines for refrigerant leaks, if any.
• Checking belt tension and lubricating fan motor
• Carrying out general performance tests

If you are buying a house that already has an air conditioning system installed, see that the system is in an excellent working condition. Otherwise, repairing may cost you a bundle. If the home has an air conditioning system installed already, a regular maintenance schedule is mandatory to avoid expensive repairs.