Becoming A Homeowner

Posted on: 18 March 2019

You should be able to stay cool in your home without spending all your savings to do so. However, if you don't take care of your air conditioning unit, don't be shocked when you have to spend more. If you want to stay cool but also save money, learn why an air conditioning inspection is an excellent idea.

Air Filter Issues

The air filter is the portal through which the cooled air from your air conditioning system flows into your home. However, the screen is also a bit of a collection site for dust, pet dander, and other allergens, and an inspection will reveal just how clean your filter is. As more of this debris collects in the filter, the amount of air that can pass through the filter is reduced -- less air flowing through the screen means less cool air flowing into your home. 

Consequently, your home might feel warmer, which could prompt you to turn your thermostat lower or force your system to work harder. Either way, you will spend more to operate your cooling system. 

Thermostat Calibration

The temperature on your thermostat is important, but not nearly as important as its level of calibration. If your thermostat is not calibrated, the setting on the thermostat might not coincide with the actual air temperature in your home. As a result, you will experience temperature imbalances that can make your home uncomfortable and cause your system to work harder. 

Home air conditioning inspections typically include a review of the thermostat to ensure that it's calibrated, so that the temperature on the thermostat matches the air temperature in your home. 

Condenser Coil Debris

Condenser coils perform a hidden but critical role in the cool air delivery process. As warm air from the outside enters into the air conditioning system, it passes over the condenser coils first. The coils then extract the excess moisture and heat from the air in order to cool it. Dust and other debris can start to collect over the coils with regular use. 

The problem with this collection is that the debris limits the amount of heat and moisture the coils can extract. Therefore, the air is only partly cooled, which makes it warmer when it flows through your home. The warmer the air, the harder the cooling unit will work. A technician can inspect your coils to ensure they're clean and performing efficiently.

In the same manner that you go to your doctor for a checkup, an air conditioning inspection can give you the reassurance that your system is healthy. Contact an HVAC technician to schedule an inspection for your home. Companies like Home Inspection Associate can offer more information.