When your air conditioner breaks, you call in the experts. But who are they? What do they know that you don’t? And what should you be asking them to fix it or replace it?

If your AC unit’s broken down and it’s not too old, then there’s a good chance that the parts inside can be fixed. So if you’re thinking about what to ask the experts when they show up, think about this air conditioner repair guide to help you fix your AC problem.

What parts are broken and will need replacing? Some air conditioners have a sensor that indicates whether or not it’s working. If it does, then call in an expert who can look at this and figure out if it’s broken or not. If your AC unit has a capacitor, it might be best to get an expert who knows what they’re doing; this part can be difficult to replace and could result in other damage if you try to fix it yourself.

Hire An AC Repair Specialist

Even though summers are hot, it’s important to understand your ac system. For example, if you have a broken air conditioner compressor, overworked blower motor, or leaky ductwork there could be serious consequences. If you notice any or all of these problems during the summer or winter months you should immediately think about hiring an expert.

Here are reasons to hire an ac expert:

(1) Early detection of problems. You can’t always rely on your senses to tell you that there is a problem with the home ac system. Professionals check for leaks, increase airflow and look for electrical malfunctions.

(2) Knowing when it’s time for a new ac unit. If your system is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time for an upgrade because newer units are much more efficient.

(3) Efficient Energy Usage. Newer air conditioners are better at adjusting to room conditions and turning on or off as needed.

(4) Cost savings. Experts can recommend ways to cut your cooling costs significantly. For example, if you’re wasting money heating below-freezing air, they can install insulation and other energy-saving features.

Anyone who works with or around an ac system should know that regular maintenance extends the life of the unit and prevents breakdowns. If you have a small home, a central ac system with a heating option may be all you need. If you have a large home with multiple rooms, consider installing an individual unit for each room.

Repair or Replace Your AC Unit?

Repairing is much cheaper than replacing, but consider that repairs are often temporary.

The cost of repairing a faulty air conditioner isn’t cheap. Even if your unit seems to be running fine, for now, it could have serious problems shortly. If the repairs are expensive and you can afford to buy a whole new unit, it’s probably worth the investment.