Chase Away Those Back to School Blues With This Primer on Air Conditioning

Understanding How an Air Conditioner Works

It’s simple enough to understand what an air conditioner does and what it’s for. One of the most common household appliances that people practically can’t live without, especially in the thick of the summer season, ACs are meant to provide comfort and relief from the heat by cooling the air indoors. But while its convenience and practicality make it a hot commodity as temperatures soar, it’s worth asking if people know enough about it to maximize its capabilities and keep it performing at peak levels. For those who want to be in the know, here’s a brief primer on air conditioning just in time for the back-to-school season.

Popular Kinds of Air Conditioners

While there are many different kinds of air conditioners available for the average consumer to choose from, some of the most commonly found in households usually fall into two distinct categories: the central air conditioner or the ductless mini split air conditioner. The main difference between the two is that central air conditioning systems use a network of air vents and air ducts to take in warm air from indoors and then redistribute the cool, treated air to different rooms and spaces within the home.

Ductless mini splits, however, do not use ductwork. Instead of having the entire home at one set temperature using air ducts, ductless mini-split systems have multiple indoor units that control the air temperature in that particular room or zone in the house. This means mini splits offer greater flexibility and can save on energy bills by adjusting the temperature in unused parts of the home. Additionally, ductless mini split air conditioners are more energy efficient because they don’t experience energy loss in the ductwork like central AC systems, helping homeowners save money on energy costs. However, central air conditioning systems are typically cheaper to install.

Does Your AC Need Repair?

Most air conditioners, whether central or ductless, are built to last for a long time. Still, every now and then, they encounter hiccups that may require some form of air conditioning repair, if not outright replacement. Some of the most common signs indicating problems with the AC include:

Unusually high energy bills: This may be caused by dirt and other debris that clog up the filters, preventing air from flowing efficiently or being cooled properly. Another possibility is that malfunctioning parts are causing the AC to function inefficiently.
Lack of cooling power: An AC that doesn’t seem to cool the space properly may suffer from a refrigerant leak or malfunctioning component.
Odd smells and noises: Strange noises and smells may be caused by many issues, including loose parts or the accumulation of moisture that allows mold or mildew to grow within the unit.
Weak airflow: Homeowners should be wary of any physical blockages or leaks in the system that may prevent air from flowing correctly and affect airflow.

How to Keep Your AC in Tip-Top Shape

When it comes to longevity, AC maintenance is the name of the game because keeping the AC in excellent working order will not only keep homeowners from dealing with emergency repairs that cause inconvenience and unexpected costs but also keep them from having to fork over a serious amount of money to cover the cost of early air conditioning replacement.

Engaging in routine air conditioning maintenance, such as changing the air filter once every three months and contracting the services of a professional HVAC technician to check for problems and tweak the system to achieve peak performance, goes a long way in making sure that air conditioners are working well and providing the comfort that homeowners need as they sail the heat waves of summer. Annual air conditioner maintenance will also ensure the system works efficiently and can prevent energy bills from rising.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving Walla Walla and the surrounding areas since 2008. They offer straightforward pricing, free installation estimates, and 24/7 HVAC emergency service. Call them today for air conditioning services in Walla Walla, WA.

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“Just recently had our final parts come in to complete the install of our mini split heating/cooling system.

Mark Allen has been great from the beginning, he helped us figure out the most cost-effective heating for our home would be, was upfront about costs and warned us of future costs that may pop up (which wasn’t a concern), has always been available to contact, and has gone above and beyond by making arrangements to get us temporary heat in our home during a product shortage.

Installation was quick and easy, the installers were very friendly and accommodating according to some of our needs concerning our cats and dogs. After installation, the inspector even ordered a new fan for one of our outdoor units and replaced it promptly. This company truly knows how to take care of their customers.”