There are many reasons why air conditioning is important in the home, and also in the workplace! Here is how you can repair it easily!
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A system that is in constant use, your air conditioning unit works hard to give you the desired effect. Like all such appliances an A/C unit does not last forever, and nor do the many components that come together to keep your home at an even temperature throughout the year. Repairs to air conditioners are not unusual and if the device is well-maintained will be kept to a minimum. However, breakdowns and problems should not be frequent, either. In the following article we will talk about when you might need an ac repair and the best way to do the job. Can air conditioners be repaired by someone competent in DIY? In general we recommend that the best way to keep an A/C unit working efficiently is to have an engineer service it regularly and attend to any problems, so let’s look at why.
R-22 Refrigerant
The fact is that while an air conditioning unit is a fairly simple device it does need expert knowledge to keep it running correctly. For example, air conditioning units that are more than a few years old will contain a refrigerant known as R-22 freon which is actually dangerous to inhale.
R-22 refrigerant needs replacing every now and then as the volume falls and the system starts to lose efficiency. This is a job that must be done by a qualified engineer with the right equipment. It should never be tried as a DIY job but left to the experts.
There is another problem with R-22 and that’s the fact it is being phased out in the USA. Freon is a gas that is damaging to the environment and is no longer manufactured in the USA. If you happen to have an air conditioning unit that runs on R-22 you will not be able to source any to boost your system.
You can still use R-22 air conditioners as they have not yet been banned, but no new models use this refrigerant and in a few years, it will be prohibited. If you have a problem with your gas and it’s an R-22 model, now might be a good time to talk to an engineer about the cost of a new air conditioning unit as your existing one is approaching the point where it can no longer be serviced.
That’s one reason why you might need to have repairs carried out to your AC unit, and why the best way to repair it is to call an engineer, so how long should you expect your unit to last. That’s the next point we wish to cover.
Limited Lifespan
As we have already mentioned the air conditioning unit does have a limited lifespan. How long yours will last depends on the model, how old it is, and how often you have it serviced. These are devices that need regular servicing – at least annually – as there are components that can fail.
The best way to keep such a machine running is to engage the services of an expert engineer who will be able to see that certain parts are nearing the end of their life and need replacing. This will prevent the need for unnecessary repairs shortly after maintenance.
If you have a unit that you know is at least 10 years old then you need to consider getting it replaced. Older units will last perhaps 12-15 years at most, and the newer models you can probably expect to give you 20 years of life. It is recommended that you have a new model serviced regularly to prolong its lifetime.
Should you be seeing regular breakdowns from your air conditioner then the likelihood is it is older. These models reach a point where spare parts may not be available for them, and that leaves you with a predicament that is difficult to overcome. Furthermore, the cost of constant repairs may outweigh the cost of a new unit. Talk to your engineer about the options and they will happily advise you as to the most cost-effective solution.
Why Use Professionals
From the above we hope we’ve explained why it is always best to use a professional engineer when dealing with air conditioning units and problems related to them. We don’t recommend a DIY approach as this could lead to damage and more expense.
Remember that air conditioning and your health go together, as the air you breathe is cleaner when it has been through a conditioning unit. For this reason as well as to prolong the life of the unit we recommend you book a service for the unit every year at least. Check your unit now and see if it may be close to the end of its natural life and ask an engineer for advice.
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