Cooling season will soon be in full swing in McKinney and now is the time to schedule preventive air conditioner maintenance with a qualified HVAC professional. Preventive maintenance will go a long way toward preventing mid-summer breakdowns and ensuring that your air conditioner operates efficiently to lower your cooling costs.

Here are a few common A/C problems and what you need to do to get your system up and running again.

• Low refrigerant — Unless your air conditioner was incorrectly charged with refrigerant when it was installed, you probably have a leak. A technician will measure your refrigerant, repair the leak, test the repair and top off your system with refrigerant according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Preventive maintenance will include inspecting for leaks.
• Dirty system — Over time, dust builds up on essential components in your air conditioner, reducing its efficiency and possibly resulting in failure of the fan, motor or condenser. Your annual tuneup will include the cleaning of these components. To help prevent dust buildup in your system, check your air filter monthly and replace it when you can no longer see through it. Hose down your outdoor unit each month to remove debris trapped in the fins.
• Electrical control failure — Loose electrical connections and corroded terminals and wires can cause your air conditioner to stop working. Preventive maintenance includes testing the electrical control and tightening connections.
• Blocked condensate drain — During periods of high humidity, your condensate drain may become clogged, forcing your air conditioner to shut down. Remove the clog with a plumber’s snake and completely dry any water damage to prevent mold growth. A tuneup will include flushing the condensate drain to help prevent this common problem.
• Sensor problems — If your room air conditioner is cycling erratically, the sensor may have been bent out of place. Locate the sensor in the control panel and bend it back into place near the coil but not touching it.

For more expert advice about preventing and solving these common A/C problems, please feel free to contact us at Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating. We proudly serve McKinney and surrounding areas with a high level of customer satisfaction.