Categories: HVAC

Expensive (And Avoidable) HVAC Repairs You Need to Know About

As a business owner, you might think that so long as your commercial HVAC system is working, then there’s nothing to worry about. You might even assume that there’s no need for regular maintenance, but this type of mindset can become a major problem later on. When the time comes that your system finally breaks down, it can be a very inconvenient and expensive issue to address, especially if it’s the result of accumulated problems that could’ve been avoided with proper maintenance.

All HVAC systems are vulnerable to mechanical problems over time. Regardless of which model you’ve installed; these problems can be easily spotted during a routine maintenance check. In fact, when you work with professional HVAC technicians, they can spot virtually any problem in your system and address it before it becomes bigger and more costly to fix. 

So, when you hire our services at Acker Heating and Cooling, we’ll be sure to take good care of your HVAC system so that you can avoid any major or costly problems:

Compressor and coil breakdown. The compressor is the main component of any residential and commercial HVAC system, and it’s responsible for compressing the vaporized refrigerant back into a fluid and pushing it into the coils. Your unit’s compressor and coils are essential to an efficient AC unit, so even if just the compressor breaks down, you’ll be forced to get a full replacement, which can cost north of $1,000. It will cost you much more if you have to replace both at the same time. If you notice that your AC isn’t blowing cold air in the summer, make sure to call a trusted technician to ensure the problem isn’t with the compressor.

Refrigerant leaks. Your AC unit houses refrigerant in its coils that help keep your home cool and comfortable. When refrigerant levels get low, the condenser has to work harder to keep the air at the appropriate temperature. When the condenser has to work too hard for an extended period of time, this can result in a full breakdown.

This may not be the exact problem of your heating and air conditioning unit, so it can take time for a professional technician to diagnose, locate and fix a refrigerant leak. This can easily cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Then, there will be an additional charge to fill the refrigerant. 

If your system has a refrigerant leak, the hired technician will have to recharge the refrigerant and repair the leak. There are also some cases where refrigerant leaks put more pressure on the condenser and coils, so you should have them checked for damage just in case.

Condenser breakdown. Most HVAC systems consist of two main parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The condenser is the outdoor unit that expels heat outdoors through condensation. This part is susceptible to performance issues at times due to several factors, including electrical issues, refrigerant leaks and damage by debris. Even experienced technicians may likely spend hours diagnosing and fixing the exact problem, since condensers have many components. This also means the repair costs can add up quickly.

Having this type of issue in your heating and air conditioning system is hardly cheap to repair, but it can always be avoided with proper cleaning and regular maintenance. It’s not uncommon to neglect maintenance sometimes, but this shouldn’t always be the case, or else you’ll end up paying more than you should in repair and replacement costs. 

Broken fan motor. The outdoor unit of your system has a fan that blows the unit’s hot air exhaust out of your HVAC system. Your outdoor unit can also become damaged if too much debris gets into it or falls onto it. Unless you have time to regularly do basic cleaning of your outdoor unit, it’s best to call a trusted technician to do it for you. The fan motor might make a loud whirring noise before breaking down, but don’t wait until you hear this noise coming from your unit; call in your trusted HVAC technician to address the issue while it’s still a minor one.

Avoiding costly repairs. A lot of major problems in air conditioning and heating systems start as small, relatively inexpensive issues that weren’t immediately addressed or deliberately neglected. By working with a trusted HVAC contractor, you can have regular inspections and tune-ups to avoid unwanted breakdowns caused by debris, dirty coils, low refrigerant, loose wiring or low lubricant levels. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Have specific heating system components checked – This means inspecting your system’s gas pressure, gas/oil connections, heat exchanger and burner combustion. If it’s found that the connections aren’t in working order, or if your unit has a cracked heat exchanger, these problems should be addressed by a professional technician. Choosing to ignore such problems can lead to fire hazards and a number of health risks.
  • Check other parts of your system – This encompasses your ductwork, blower motor and safety controls. It’s also a good idea to clean them, along with the ignition system, blower assembly and evaporator coil.
  • Consider a preventive maintenance program – By doing this, your system will be inspected, cleaned and tuned up just in time for the winter season. You’ll also be less likely to suffer a breakdown, which means you won’t have to worry about your system when you’re in need of it. You’ll also enjoy lower electric bills since your system will run more efficiently.  Having regular tune ups will help your HVAC system run better and more efficiently. Your unit will also have a longer life expectancy with proper care and maintenance. When properly managed by a professional technician, your system can last up to 20 years!

When looking for a reliable contractor of air conditioning and heating systems, Acker Heating and Cooling is the name to trust. We’re a family-owned business that’s been servicing our clients for nearly 30 years. You can count on our well-trained and experienced technicians to get the job done right. You can reach us at (706) 715-2607 or can fill out our convenient contact form. Let’s start today!

Bryan Acker

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