Did you know that window air conditioners can last for at least five to seven years? By contrast, central AC units have an expected lifespan of between 7 and 15 years.
However, those figures only apply to well-maintained air conditioners. That’s one thing you should do, as regular maintenance can help extend the life of your AC.
By contrast, neglecting your air conditioner can cause a decline in its performance. The poorer it performs, the more energy it uses, and thus, the higher your cooling bills can get. Delaying necessary AC repair services is one sure way for all that to happen.
Moreover, a faulty air conditioner can put you and your loved ones at safety risks.
To that end, we came up with this guide detailing the benefits of professional AC repair services. So, read on to discover what they are and why they’re worth it.
1. Stay Protected Against Deadly Temperatures
Hundreds of people in the US succumb to heat-related illnesses, even death, each year. That makes them some of the most dangerous and deadliest weather-related conditions. However, as the CDC reports, all cases of heat-related health threats are preventable.
For the same reason, experts recommend staying in air-conditioned rooms during scorching days. That’s because air conditioners can help keep you safe against high temperatures. After all, the cool air they provide can prevent your body from overheating.
Unfortunately, malfunctioning air conditioners often fail to provide adequate cooling. So, if yours breaks down, your home might feel like an oven, possibly even warmer than outside. That can then heighten your risks of developing heat-related illnesses.
The good news is that you can often book same-day home AC repair services. You can even hire an HVAC company delivering 24-hour AC repair services any time of the day. That means you can count on expert technicians to help you whenever your AC breaks down.
2. Avoid Electrical Injuries
Air conditioners consist of many electrical wires supplying current to their various components. Over time, those wires may get dislodged, causing that part or even the entire AC to malfunction.
Some wires may also develop physical damage, such as pinching or stripping. In addition, pests like mice and rats may chew on wires, exposing their inner components. That can then disrupt the current flow to the AC, causing a power failure.
Worse, those bare wires can put you and your loved ones at risk of electrical injuries.
Some electrical injuries can be so severe they require emergency medical help. Indeed, such incidents land about 10,000 people in US emergency departments each year. Many of those patients suffer from electrical burns or shocks.
Those are good enough reasons not to attempt fixing a busted AC on your own. Instead, it’s best to google “AC repair near me” as soon as the unit behaves erratically. That way, an experienced technician can inspect and repair your air conditioner.
3. Prevent Potential Electrical Fires
Aside from electrical injuries, faulty AC wires can also trigger fires.
For example, wires can short circuit, which causes a current overload. Overloading, in turn, can create extreme heat. That can then raise the temperature of nearby materials.
If the materials get hot enough, the combustion process may then occur.
One sign of short-circuiting wires is if your AC keeps tripping your circuit breaker. In that case, please get in touch with a local HVAC company as soon as possible. Otherwise, your AC may end up completely busted, or worse; a fire can start in your home.
4. Mitigate Risks of Refrigerant Exposure
An air conditioner uses refrigerant, a chemical, to absorb heat and moisture from the air. The refrigerant, in turn, can either be in liquid or gas form throughout the cooling cycle.
The thing is, refrigerants can leak, such as when the metal tubes inside AC units corrode. From there, the chemical can seep out of the cracked tube walls.
When that happens, one of the first signs you may notice is a reduction in your AC’s cooling power. For instance, the equipment may produce air that isn’t as cold and comfortable as it used to. Worse, it may circulate warm air.
Another indication of an AC refrigerant leak is a bubbling or hissing sound from the unit. These noises often result from the pressure causing the gas to seep out of the damaged tube.
In any case, please don’t delay calling for AC repair as soon as you notice those symptoms. That’s because they signal a faulty AC, and some refrigerants can be toxic at high doses. That’s especially true for Freon, the refrigerant brand used in many older AC units.
5. Reduce Cooling-Related Costs
Malfunctioning air conditioners often struggle to cool the air inside buildings. As a result, they try to compensate by working harder, and thus, using more energy. That’s how they usually cause a spike in cooling bills.
An example is an erratic thermostat sensor. Such problems can cause the thermostat to read the temperatures wrong. For instance, it may think that the air in your home is warmer than it is.
That can then trigger your AC to go on longer cooling cycles. If that happens, it can consume more energy, thus driving your electricity bills up.
Moreover, the longer you let a faulty AC unit go unfixed, the worse the problem can get. That can ultimately result in the breakdown of the affected component. Worse, it can cause the entire equipment to fail, leading to costlier repairs.
So, as soon as your AC shows signs of disrepair, get in touch with an HVAC company right away.
Prompt AC Repair Services Can Help You Stay Cool and Safe
There you have it, your guide to the top benefits of hiring professional AC repair services. Now, you know they can help keep you, your loved ones, and your home safe while also reducing cooling costs.
So, the next time your AC acts out, don’t put off calling a licensed AC technician. That way, the pro can immediately get your air conditioner back to working order.
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