During winter, an air conditioner unit requires special care and maintenance. But sometimes, homeowners fail to do the necessary maintenance tasks and damage the HVAC unit. If you don’t want your AC to be damaged in winter, you’re in the right place. Here, I have discussed the common AC challenges in winter and solutions for AC repair in Frisco.
Navigating Winter AC Challenges: Expert Solutions for AC Repair in Frisco
· Not Enough Heating
Contrary to popular belief that air conditioners are solely for cooling purposes, many AC units on the market can also be used for heating. Offices and retail stores often rely on ACs year-round. This way, they reduce their fixed cost by installing one unit instead of one. Additionally, they don’t require additional space to install two units. This allows the businesses to reduce their fixed expenses further. So, if you didn’t know that you could use your AC as a heating unit, now you know it, and like smart business owners, you can reduce the cost by installing an AC that comes with both heating and cooling.
Inefficient heating stands out as a prevalent problem during winter when some air conditioning fails to generate sufficient warmth due to low ambient temperatures. A common reason for this problem is HVAC contractors’ installation of a wrong-sized AC. Additionally, selecting the wrong model for a specific space can cause this issue.
If you don’t want to get into this sort of trouble, you’ll have to enlist reputable HVAC contractors in Frisco. Luckily, there are tons of good HVAC contractors in Frisco, TX. Before making a selection from your list of HVAC contractors, check online for customer reviews. Just type in AC repair Frisco, TX, and you’ll get many professional contractors waiting to solve your AC problems in winter.
Pro-Tip #1
After hiring a professional, request a full inspection of your house to determine the right size for your AC. This ensures that the unit can effectively operate in the winter and provide the desired heating.
While purchasing a new A/C unit, you should opt for a newer version or model. As the newer versions are designed to function efficiently at extreme temperatures and conditions, it increases the probability that you’ll get the optimum comfort despite the harshness of the weather.
· Frozen Air Conditioner Pipes & Coils
Drastic drops in temperature during winter can lead to freezing AC pipes and coils. When the pipes are frozen, air cannot pass freely through them, resulting in a halt of AC operation. Apart from this, frozen pipes pose the risk of pipes bursting, requiring costly replacements.
You must take prompt action if you don’t want this to happen. To prevent the freezing of different components of your AC, firstly, you’ll have to ensure the insulation of the AC components. Also, you’ll have to seal the air leaks around the windows. After that, you’ll have to trim the vegetation around the outdoor AC unit. Thus, sufficient airflow will allow the air conditioning to function efficiently.
You can use the heat strips on the air ducts and coils to prevent freezing in extremely cold weather. Finally, you’ll have to ensure that the drain line is clear and there is no condensation. If the weather is very harsh, you can use a winter AC cover to protect. This cover can provide an additional layer of protection against freezing temperatures.
If you find out that the tasks mentioned above are difficult or time-consuming for you, you can always call an HVAC expert and do these professionally.
Pro-Tip #2
As soon as you notice that the air ducts are frozen, turn off the AC and call an HVAC contractor immediately. Delaying repairs may lead to more damage and increase repair costs.
· Clogged Filters
Neglecting to clean the air conditioner’s filter for an extended period can lead to air quality issues, especially during winter. Also, it can increase energy consumption, leading to higher electric bills.
Dry winter air contains elevated micro-particles, dust, and debris. As a result, the air filter tends to accumulate particles and dust more rapidly. Replacing or cleaning the air filter before the season begins is recommended to maintain healthy and clean air in your space throughout the winter.
Having a clogged AC filter has some other downsides, too. A dirty air filter can result in increased heating bills and other AC problems. For example, air ducts can get clogged, and there can be increased friction between the A/C parts and clogged coils. In severe cases, the air conditioner may stop functioning. This is why it is crucial to replace or clean the air filter timely. It is advised to consult an HVAC expert to know the exact timeline for replacing or cleaning the filter.
Conclusion
If you want to get consistent temperature and comfort throughout the winter, you must do the aforementioned tasks. Also, you’ll have to opt for an annual maintenance plan for higher efficiency. Luckily, in Frisco, numerous HVAC professionals specialize in HVAC system services. They are well-versed in the HVAC systems and know the ins and outs of every unit. Moreover, some of the contractors offer 24/7 emergency AC repair service.
You can call these professionals and check the AC condition professionally. This way, your AC health will be in good shape throughout the year. Besides, it will help you curve down the operation costs.