Your air conditioner certainly gets a workout in the summer, and when it breaks down, you can be left without an important piece of home cooling equipment. Here are some tips to keep your AC running:

Feel for Cold Air: If your unit is not producing cold air and it appears to be turned on correctly, there may be something restricting airflow. Turn the unit off and look through the vents. If it feels hot, there may also be a blockage inside where you can’t see. This would be an appropriate time to call for AC repair.

Broken Wire: It is possible for your home’s electrical wiring to fail or otherwise become compromised. This could affect the airflow of your AC. This means that the compressor isn’t engaging, and your unit is not running properly. In this case, turn off the system immediately and call an electrician to ensure the safety of you and your home.

If your AC unit is still in warranty, contact a service representative to come out and diagnose the problem for free.

Make Sure You Have a Warranty: If you have a warranty, you will have to follow the proper protocol to fix your AC. Most companies require that you take certain steps before your unit can be fixed or replaced.

Call For Regular Maintenance

Although it may be an inconvenience to have someone come out and clean air conditioning components, regular maintenance can improve the lifespan of your AC and help avoid major problems.

Because of the expense involved with having an AC repaired, especially for older models, it may be worth your while to replace outdated air conditioners rather than pay for repairs every year. Upgrading from a standard central AC system to a ductless mini-split can save you hundreds in cooling costs per season.

Choosing The Right AC Contractor

Before choosing the contractor to install your ductless AC, ask friends and family about their experiences. Check Angie’s List for reputable contractors in your area. Understanding how much it costs to have central air installed will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to replace or repair your unit.

A ductless heat pump offers whole-home comfort without the expense of traditional heating or cooling. A single outdoor unit delivers both cooling and heating to multiple indoor areas via hard-wired remote controls, eliminating air ducts, unsightly vents, and troublesome grilles. Ductless split systems can reduce your energy consumption by as much as 20% to 50%. This means significant energy savings and a lower monthly utility bill.