DIY vs. Professional AC Maintenance: What's Safe to Do on Your Own in San Angelo, TX
As the heat intensifies in San Angelo, Texas, homeowners depend heavily on their air conditioning systems to stay comfortable. Keeping your AC in top shape can mean the difference between a cool home and an uncomfortably hot one. While some maintenance tasks are safe for DIY enthusiasts, others are best left to professionals. Here’s a guide to what you can do on your own and when you should call an expert.
DIY AC Maintenance Tasks for San Angelo Homeowners
Changing the Air Filter
Why It’s Important: San Angelo’s dry and dusty conditions can clog AC filters faster than in more humid climates. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential system strain.
How Often: Change filters every 30-60 days during peak summer months, especially if you have pets or live near dusty areas.
How to Do It: Simply locate the air return vent, remove the cover, and replace the old filter with a new one of the correct size. The size of the air filter is often printed on the side of the air filter itself, and these can be bought at most hardware stores.
Cleaning Around the Outdoor Unit
Why It’s Important: Dust storms and debris are common in West Texas. Keeping the area around your outdoor condenser unit free of leaves, grass clippings, and dirt helps maintain proper airflow and prevents overheating.
How to Do It: Trim plants and bushes at least 2-3 feet around the unit.
Checking Thermostat Settings
Why It’s Important: Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that cause problems. Ensure your thermostat is set to “cool” and at the right temperature for energy efficiency (between 72°F and 78°F is ideal).
How to Do It: Verify the settings and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for more control over your AC’s operation.
What to Leave to the Pros in San Angelo
Electrical and Wiring Issues
Why It’s Dangerous: Air conditioners are complex machines with electrical components that can pose serious safety hazards. If your system is short-cycling, tripping breakers, or showing any other signs of electrical issues, it’s time to call in a licensed HVAC technician.
When to Call: If you notice burning smells, flickering lights, or your AC system isn’t powering on correctly, contact a professional. Now it is important to note that if you are calling because your ac keeps tripping the circuit breaker there is a possibility that the issue has to do with your electric panel not the ac itself. If this is the case an AC repairman might not be able to diagnose the issue as electric panels might fall outside of their expertise.
Refrigerant Management
Why It’s Critical: Low refrigerant levels can result in a poorly cooling home, but handling refrigerant is not a DIY task. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict regulations about handling refrigerants due to their environmental impact.
When to Call: If your AC is blowing warm air or you notice ice on the evaporator coils, you may have a refrigerant issue that needs professional attention.
Deep System Cleaning and Tune-Ups
Why It’s Necessary: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in places that a simple DIY cleaning won’t reach. A professional technician will clean the evaporator coils, inspect the blower motor, and perform other tasks that help your system run more efficiently and last longer.
When to Call: Scheduling an annual or semi-annual ac tune-up is crucial, especially with the long, hot summers in San Angelo. This preventive step helps avoid costly breakdowns when you need your AC the most.
When in Doubt, Trust a Local Pro
While taking care of your AC system with DIY tasks can extend its life, some jobs require expertise to ensure safety and effectiveness. In San Angelo, Texas, where summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, keeping your AC in optimal condition is vital.
If you’re ever unsure about an issue, it’s always best to call a trusted hvac professional who understands the unique demands of maintaining AC systems in our area. Regular check-ups from a qualified technician will not only prevent small problems from becoming expensive repairs but also ensure that your AC runs efficiently throughout the long summer season.
