House Air Conditioning system question ? (San Antonio, Anton: live in, price, plumbing)

[TXtrkgrl]

Originally Posted by kevcrawford

Since it costs so little, it is actually a good idea to get it serviced every 6 months. It's only about $65. Well worth it and much cheaper to catch a problem early (like a minor freon leak) than later.

And Jules, you know I've got a referral for everything! Just DM'd ya!

Kev, I usually agree with everything you say but I have to argue this one .

[sapphire]

Originally Posted by TXtrkgrl

Jules, don't do a checkup unless it isn't working.

As long as you keep your filters changed (monthly) and it is blowing cold air and keeping your house cool there is no reason to waste your money.

This is what I do. So far, so good. Every month on the 15th like clockwork I change the filter. Almost 3 years with no problems.

[kevcrawford]

No worries. I just feel that if something goes out on the A/C, it's usually got warning signs that can be addressed before it gets really bad. Little things can add up to big things if not addressed.

To each their own. But like you said, the most important thing is to change those filters religiously.

[TXtrkgrl]

Originally Posted by kevcrawford

No worries. I just feel that if something goes out on the A/C, it's usually got warning signs that can be addressed before it gets really bad. Little things can add up to big things if not addressed.

To each their own. But like you said, the most important thing is to change those filters religiously.

Well, maybe I cheat..... My dh is an A/C guy .

[kevcrawford]

The truth comes out....you know he's got that unit open, checking it out when you're out shopping!!

[smm1970]

Originally Posted by TXtrkgrl

Jules, don't do a checkup unless it isn't working.

As long as you keep your filters changed (monthly) and it is blowing cold air and keeping your house cool there is no reason to waste your money.

i disagree, if we hadn't had ours checked out, we'd never have known that we were air conditioning our attic with all of the leaks we had. or that there was some mold/mildew on some of the ducts and this house is only three years old!
But to each their own. your money, your house, right.

i do agree about the filters. we had a bigger filter in our house in illinois that i think we only changed once a year, but in iowa it was every 2 months. we found out after we didn't at first and it "froze" up our a/c on guess what...the hottest day of the year

[scuba steve]

IMO residential air conditioning systems need

- filters changed whenever they need it (depends more upon your house and situation than anything else)
- to have the top of the unit outside popped off once/year and the coil sprayed from the inside to keep it all clean and as efficient as possible
- ducts that don't leak. i've never had one spring a leak before, IMO it depends more upon how it was installed than anything else. just go up in the attic sometime and give it the back of the hand test.

[banker]

Originally Posted by scuba steve

IMO residential air conditioning systems need

- filters changed whenever they need it (depends more upon your house and situation than anything else)
- to have the top of the unit outside popped off once/year and the coil sprayed from the inside to keep it all clean and as efficient as possible
- ducts that don't leak. i've never had one spring a leak before, IMO it depends more upon how it was installed than anything else. just go up in the attic sometime and give it the back of the hand test.

Agreed. I laugh when some people change filters every month even when many times they don't need it. It just costs them more money and creates more trash to go into the landfill. A good rule of thumb is to check them onces per month and change as needed. To your point - it depends on the house/situation.

I too take the top of the outside unit off at least once per year to clean it out well. Also - make sure there are no plants or debri around the outside of the unit. It pulls air in the sides through the coils and blows it out the top. If the unit is blocked on the outside (many times by bushes) it reduces the efficiency.

[scuba steve]

And don't forget to throw the breaker first, or you might get a nasty surprise if the thing turns on and the fan starts up!

whackwhackwhackwhack

[TXtrkgrl]

Originally Posted by banker

Agreed. I laugh when some people change filters every month even when many times they don't need it. It just costs them more money and creates more trash to go into the landfill. A good rule of thumb is to check them onces per month and change as needed. To your point - it depends on the house/situation.

I too take the top of the outside unit off at least once per year to clean it out well. Also - make sure there are no plants or debri around the outside of the unit. It pulls air in the sides through the coils and blows it out the top. If the unit is blocked on the outside (many times by bushes) it reduces the efficiency.

good advice. I tell people change them once a month (it is just easier that way) but sometimes it isn't needed. Another thing to check for is fire ants around the unit, they will get on the contactor and cause the unit to not come on.
My dh always complains about dog hair on outside units, and sometimes inside units as well . He doesn't do too much residential anymore (just for friends/family) when he did, he would have a gross story 95% of the time.