The Complete Home Owner’s Guide to Air Conditioning Units

Introduction

Although many people around the world believe that Canada is freezing cold all year long, the average person living in Canada knows otherwise. Our summers can be quite hot, and if you don’t have an operational air conditioning unit, that heat might be unbearable. There’s nothing better than knowing that after a long hot day you can escape into your cool home and relax. In the event that your air conditioning unit malfunctions or needs service, you can rest assured knowing Mak’s Refrigeration will be there for you. Mak’s Refrigeration specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of air conditioning units, regardless of type, style, or issue. Here at Mak’s Refrigeration, we understand that something so important can be stressful. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a home owner’s guide that is sure to answer all of your questions. Let’s jump into it shall we? 

The Products We Service 

Here at Mak’s Refrigeration, we don’t sell air conditioning units. However, to make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of all the air conditioning unit types that we install, maintain, and repair. Regardless of where you buy it, we’ll service it.  

Window AC Units

Window AC Units are perfect for small apartments or for individual rooms. They tend to be much cheaper than centralized units, and more effective than portable/standing units.

Portable/Standing AC Units

This particular type of air conditioning unit is great for basement apartments and other underground rooms. If your home does not have a centralized unit, and you don’t have access to windows, this may be your best bet.

Central AC Unit

A central AC unit is one that cools your entire home, rather than individual rooms. Generally, a central AC unit is paired with a complex duct system.

Ductless AC Units

Ductless AC units are an effective option for those who don’t want a large duct system throughout their house.

Wall and Floor Mounted AC Units

Wall and Floor Mounted units are typically connected to your centralized air conditioning unit to increase efficiency and productivity throughout your home.

Smart AC Units

This particular type of AC unit is connected to your smartphone, which in turn allows you to control it from anywhere! 

Common Air Conditioning Unit Problems 

Refrigerant Leaks

A refrigerant leak may not always be easily spotted. However, there are ways to keep an eye on your unit to make sure there’s no leakage. First thing’s first, if you notice a lack of cool air in your home, check the unit. Contrary to popular belief, AC units don’t create cold air, they just filter out the warm air. They do this using refrigerant, and if you’re running low, the unit won’t work to its maximum capacity. If you’re using an indoor unit, listen for a hissing sound. Generally refrigerant leaks through tiny holes in your unit, and in doing so, create a subtle hissing sound. Regardless of the unit you’re using, check on your coils. If your system is not removing enough air from your home the coils will begin to freeze.  

If all else fails, check your electricity bill. Leaking refrigerant requires the system to work with a lot less to cool your entire home. This means it needs more energy and time, hence the high electricity bill.  

Air Conditioning Coils / Air Filters Need Maintenance

If the air quality in your home is suffering, chances are your AC Unit’s filter needs to be cleaned or replaced altogether. The AC filter works like any other filter. As the system draws in air, the filter lets air through and blocks dust, dirt, grime, and anything else that enters the system. Over time the filter will collect a lot of material and make the process of sucking in air a lot harder. Not only will your air quality suffer, but your electricity bill will go up and the lifespan of your unit will go down as it needs to work so much harder.  

Condenser Fan Damage

If your air conditioning unit is not working at all, chances are you have a damaged condenser fan. Make sure that the unit is getting power. If it is, and the fan is still not running, you’ll need to get it repaired or replaced. One of the primary and perhaps most common explanations for a broken condenser fan is motor malfunction. For perspective, the motor is the component in your AC unit that spins the fan. If the motor malfunctions, it’s going to cause damage to the condenser fan as they are directly connected. The HVAC technician that services your unit will likely need to repair or replace both the fan and the motor.  

Thermostat Sensor Problems

A broken thermostat sensor is often the root cause of a variety of issues. If your AC unit seems to be running at temperatures other than that of which you selected, or is not running at all, chances are you’ll need to take a look at your thermostat sensors. This particular job, like the others, requires the expertise of a trained HVAC technician. Fortunately, faulty sensors are relatively easy for a trained service technician to fix or replace.  

Condensation Drainage Problems

If the interior of your home begins to smell bad or feels very humid, you may want to check your drainage system. The coils in your AC unit produce a lot of moisture and condensation. If said condensation is not drained properly you could be faced with mold and algae build up. Condensation may not drain if your drainage system is clogged with material or is simply blocked by an object.

Why Maintenance is Important 

Maintaining your HVAC systems is of the utmost importance. Failing to maintain your system is the most common mistake the average home owner will make. Not only will an unmaintained system cost you more money in the long run, but it will lower the quality of your home’s interior air and put occupants at a risk of illness. Not to mention the system is less reliable in the scorching hot months of a Canadian summer. 

Why You Should Choose Mak Refrigeration 

Air conditioning units are very complicated. One false move and the entire system may leave stranded in the heat. Mak Refrigeration technicians are highly trained, highly motivated, and value customer service and high-quality work above all else. With decades of experience in the HVAC industry, there’s no better place to call than Mak’s Refrigeration. Call us today for a free consultation.