The winter months may seem like an unusual time to focus on the AC, but they are often the best time to get great deals on system service, repairs or installation. In fact, the latter months of the season may be the best time to locate a special for servicing the unit or cleaning the air ducts. Service from an air conditioning contractor is important because they will be checking the inside of the appliance. For instance, they will visually inspect the air exchanger for signs of damage and ensure that all the coils are well cleaned.
The typical air conditioner has two units. The first is the condenser, which is usually outside of the treated space to keep as much heat outside the building as possible. Larger appliances such as the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system typically place the hot condenser unit close to the building or somewhere on the roof. The actual location will usually depend on the type of structure in question. Interior cabinets are typically placed in attics or similar areas in an attempt to make it easy for the air conditioning contractor to install the air ducts.
The most common air duct is a large, bulky tube which may be round or rectangular. These tubes may be riveted together or they may simply be taped. Over the years, these ducts can get quite dirty. As the air in the building cycles, it collects dirt and oils that can be transferred throughout the appliance. If these items collect on the evaporator coil, they could cause a blockage or may even allow the coil to freeze and burst. This is a failure that should be avoided because it allows the unit to quickly lose its refrigerant.
Every repair is decision time. That is, every time the appliance fails, the owner needs to decide if the repair is worth the expense or whether it would be better to simply swap out the old appliance for a new one. This really depends on how much expected service life the machine has. If there is less than half of the service life remaining, then it might be worthwhile to consider replacement; otherwise, the repair tends to be the lowest option.
