The sweltering summer heat has settled into Waterloo Region after a seemingly endless, chilly Spring.  Covers are coming off air conditioners and they’re being fired up for the first time this year.

Can you depend on your air conditioner this summer? With high temperatures and humidity levels, a breakdown could be disastrous. And, no, it’s not your imagination that it always happens when you need it most. Times of heavy use result in air conditioner failures. You can reduce your need for the AC by keeping windows shut and certain doors closed within your house, and closing the drapes on windows. This reduces the strain of heavy use on the AC.  

Air conditioners can fail for many reasons. Old age will certainly contribute to AC failure. Sometimes, faulty installation is to blame. It’s essential that an air conditioner be installed on firm, dry, level ground. Old contactors or small refrigerant leaks could eventually spell the end. How about rodents?!?  It happens! They tend to burrow into units, attracted by insulation and ideal nesting spots. Those gnawing teeth can wreak havoc on the electronic components in your air conditioner. We’ve also seen raccoons, rats, squirrels, snakes, bugs and spiders.

Afterglow - dead rat pic

Of all these causes, the number one reason your air conditioner will fail is inadequate maintenance. As dirty filters and condenser coils deteriorate, the end result is inevitable: your cool air will stop flowing.

Here are 10 diagnostic checks every air conditioner needs.

With a simple maintenance schedule, you can guarantee the longest possible lifespan of your air conditioner and prevent breakdown before it happens. When the Afterglow team checks an AC we look at several component: from the indoor thermostat to outdoor compressor. We check temperatures in several different areas.

  1. Clean the outside air conditioning unit: fins and electrical cabinet
  2. Check furnace filter to make sure the airflow is good
  3. Check and clean (if possible) the indoor coil
  4. Check condensate
  5. Check thermostat
  6. Check electrical connections
  7. Test electrical components
  8. Check fan blower speed setting
  9. Check and seal wall connections, don’t want any critters or bugs getting into the house.
  10. Test refrigerant levels

If any of these checks indicate a concern, further action will optimize the condition of your unit.

There’s no question – a little maintenance is worth guaranteeing your comfortable indoor escape from the sweltering humidity that fouls moods and robs us of sleep. Contact Afterglow and arrange to have your air conditioner checked today!