When you think about heat waves, Arizona and Texas are likely the first places that come to mind. So, it may surprise you that such extreme weather events are also prevalent in Nashville, TN. Indeed, more extreme heat waves have hit the city over the last few years: 58 days in 2022, more than half compared to the 1970s.
Since extreme heat can cause illnesses, you want to get ready for summer by ensuring your air conditioner works perfectly. One way to do this is to schedule your HVAC system for comprehensive pre-summer maintenance and inspection.
We’ll tell you how these HVAC services in Nashville, Tennessee, can help you beat the heat, so read on.
Determine the Overall Condition of Your HVAC System
Professional air conditioning inspection involves assessing your system’s indoor and outdoor units and their components. During one, a skilled technician will closely examine the condition of the:
- Condenser coils
- Evaporator coils
- Blower fans and motors
- Air filters
- Electrical connections, gears, belts, and other moving parts
- Condensate drain pan
- Refrigerant levels
A thorough AC inspection allows the technician to determine if the above parts still function as they should. If not, they’ll recommend the most appropriate HVAC services, such as tune-ups, repairs, or replacements.
Discover Existing AC Problems
Some HVAC problems have subtle symptoms that are easy to miss until they cause significant issues with the cooling process.
A perfect example is the gradual build-up of dirt and debris on your HVAC filters. Depending on the filter type and your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ), this process can take one to six months.
The dirtier air conditioner filters get, the less air they allow in and out of the system. That can result in lower cooling output and efficiency. However, your system’s energy consumption will still increase, and so will your cooling bills.
From there, severely clogged filters can cause worse issues, such as:
- Ice forming on the air conditioner
- Short cycling, wherein the AC turns on and off more often than it should
- Faster wear and tear on other critical components like evaporator and condenser coils
- Overheating that can trigger the AC’s emergency shutdown feature
You can prevent those problems by inspecting your AC filters at least once a month. Then, change or wash them if they’ve already developed thick layers of residue. Clean filters can lower your AC’s energy use by around 5% to 15%.
But if it’s been a long time since you had a professional AC inspection, you should schedule one ASAP. This way, a professional can determine if your system has already developed more severe issues.
Fix AC Issues Before They Worsen and Cause More Problems
Many AC problems stem from a lack of maintenance, especially cleaning and timely air filter replacements. These include decreased airflow, frozen evaporator coils, and refrigerant leaks, to name a few. They can all cause your air conditioner to be inefficient and have poor cooling performance.
The Dangers of Unaddressed AC Problems
The longer your AC problems remain unfixed, the more likely your system will break down. That could be dangerous if it happens during a heat wave. It could leave your home without cooling, putting you and your loved ones at risk of heat-related illnesses.
Here are other situations wherein HVAC woes can pose health and safety concerns.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Your AC’s evaporator coils can form ice due to significant dirt build-up or refrigerant leaks. The coils won’t be able to cool your home, as the ice will hinder them from absorbing heat and moisture from the air. However, your air conditioner will still run and try to do its job, which can then cause it to overheat and break down.
Then, when the ice on your AC coils melts, it can cause water damage and higher indoor humidity levels. From there, you may face the added risk of mold growth. According to the CDC, mold exposure may cause health effects, especially in people with mold sensitivities.
Refrigerant Leaks
A refrigerant leak can be dangerous, especially in a confined space. Such can happen if the leak occurs in the evaporator coils inside the indoor AC unit.
Refrigerant leaks can cause potential refrigerant poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headaches, and irritation of the eyes, skin, and lungs.
At the very least, a refrigerant leak can cause your AC to fail to cool your home. It’s also expensive to replace or recharge. It may even make more sense just to replace your system if it has already lost much of this substance.
Electrical Problems
Loose or damaged wiring, corrosion, and circuit breakers that keep tripping are common electrical problems in Nashville homes. The first two can happen to your air conditioner, while the last can occur due to a malfunctioning AC. For instance, if your cooling system uses more energy than necessary, it can overload the electrical system and trip the breaker.
Never ignore those electrical issues, as they can lead to electrocution and fire hazards.
The Role of a Comprehensive HVAC Inspection
If you schedule your AC for a thorough inspection by a certified HVAC technician, you’ll know its exact problems. The technician will run comprehensive diagnostic tests on your system to find problems, big and small. They’ll then discuss their findings with you and suggest A/C repair services you must prioritize.
So, an HVAC inspection can help you prepare for summer by letting you know what AC problems you need to tackle now. It gives you time to address these issues before they cause more severe problems, such as your AC’s complete failure.
Get Ready for Summer With a Fully Functioning AC
One of the best ways to get ready for summer is to have a heat preparedness plan, which should include ensuring your AC works. After all, staying in an air-conditioned area is an effective strategy to avoid heat-related hazards.
So, consider scheduling your HVAC system for a complete inspection as early as today.
The skilled and experienced technicians at Lanham Mechanical Contractors are ready to help. We’ve provided high-quality HVAC solutions to Nashville, TN, residents since 1993. With our 24/7 services, you can rely on our team’s expertise, especially during emergencies.
So, speak with us today! We look forward to giving you a free estimate and answering all your inquiries.
