Air Handling Landscaping Systems

How To Sand Concrete

Concrete has been used throughout history – from the ancient Rome arena up to the modern-day buildings. It plays a vital role in the overall construction of different cities. Most of our office buildings and homes nowadays are made up of concrete. That is why getting and maintaining a smooth concrete surface is important for many of us. 

Sanding a concrete is one of the ways you can give your concrete a more polished and clean look. It can also make your concrete surface look like expensive natural stone materials. This is also a process of resurfacing an old concrete floor or building. 

Why should I sand my concrete floor? 

If you have an old concrete floor that needs resurfacing or just a little polishing to make it look fresh and new again, then sanding is a method that you may want to consider. Aside from a more polished look, there are many reasons why homeowners sand their concrete:

1. You have decided to cure, finish, or paint the exterior of your concrete.
2. Your concrete floor is rough or uneven that it needs some polishing.
3. Your concrete floor was poured poorly that it needs some correction.
4. You want to smooth out the surface of your concrete floor.

There are countless reasons people resort to concrete sanding but regardless of their reason, the method is almost the same. 

How To Sand A Concrete By Hand 

Hand sanding is ideal for polishing a counterpart or small surfaces. In this method, you will be using sandpaper, hand grinder, or random orbital sander. Since this is manual work, it takes some patience, but the result is beautiful. 

The most common and the easiest hand finish is a smooth finish or scuffing. Scuffing refers to the process of scraping or brushing off the surface. 

Tools Needed: 

• Diamond sanding pads 
• Concrete polisher or angle grinder 
• Patching slurry (same shade as your concrete)
• Sponge or squeegee

Step By Step Process: 

1. Clean out the surface to remove any debris that might cause small holes. 
2. Specified the type of finish that you want. Measure and mark the depth on the edge of the surface. Examples: 1/16, 1/8, or 1/4 inches. 
3. Check if there are any holes or pit in the concrete surface. 
4. If you found holes, fill it with a patching slurry. 
5. Sand the entire concrete surface using the coarsest grade of sandpaper. Manage to keep your pressure even.
6. If you are using a grinder, make sure that it is leveled to prevent uneven results. Remember that concrete polishers need a constant supply of water for a great outcome. 
7. Using hand pads, reach the spots that the grinder can’t reach. 
8. Wipe the concrete surface using a sponge to remove any debris. 
9. Use the next finer grade of sandpaper for a more polished result. 
10. Wipe the surface again using a sponge to get rid of the small particles. 
11. Rinse the concrete surface with water. 
12. Repeat the process if necessary until you get the desired result. 
13. Allot time to let the concrete dry. Since concrete is porous, give it one to two days to dry. 
14. Apply a concrete sealer for a more polished look and more protection. 

A floor sander is used when you are sanding large concrete spaces. When you are working indoors using a sander, it is recommended to sand the entire part, because using it on a certain spot can result in discoloration on the other parts of your concrete. 

Tools Needed: 

• Duct tape
• Epoxy resin
• Floor grinder or pole sander 
• Mop 
• Plastic sheeting
• Protective gear (face mask, goggles, earplugs, rubber gloves)
• Shop vacuum 

Step By Step Instruction: 

1. Prepare the work area by removing all the furniture in the room 
2. Install your protective coverings. Cover any wall, doorways, vents, or other surfaces with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from spreading and sticking. 
3. Clean the floor by mopping it.
4. Allow the floor to dry after mopping.
5. Create a partition or zones to focus on one section at a time while working. 
6. Start working in one corner using a 30 to 60 grit sandpaper. 
7. Move with the next sections of the floor. 
8. Make additional vertical passes. 
9. Gently sand over bumps with repeated passes until they are even or smooth. But refrain from leaving the sander stationary. 
10. Check for any cracks or pits and fill them with epoxy resin. 
11. Allow the epoxy to dry. 
12. Have another round of passes, starting from the corner where you ended back to the starting point. 
13. Make multiple sets of passes, this time running horizontally in both directions.
14. Wipe the floor with a clean sponge, rag or mop to remove any debris. 
15. Apply an even coat of concrete sealer. Don’t forget to read and follow the instruction on the product label.  
16. Use an 80 or 120 grit sandpaper while repeating the steps.
17. Wipe clean the floor again. 
18. Switch to finer grit sandpaper for a smoother, polished look. 
19. Keep on repeating the steps above using finer grit sandpaper. Made several passes gently until you reach the industry ideal of 1,500 grit. 
20. Mop or clean occasionally while making some passes to get rid of unnecessary dust. 
21. Seal it with a paint of sealant for a more polished appearance. 

How to Screw into Stucco

Stucco, in comparison to the normal cement covering, gives the wall a sophisticated texture and in some cases, architectural decorations. Some homeowners choose to hang some nice fancy items like frames or paintings on the stucco wall to add more details and decors. 

That’s why knowing how to screw into stucco is important if you want to add more do-it-yourself furnishings into your stucco.  Normal drilling cannot hold up the screws in the wall. Following the proper method on how to prick the screws into the stucco wall is straightforward. 

Step by step process on how to install screws into stucco: 

Before working, make sure to prepare all the necessary tools like your safety gear and other power tools. 

1. Mark the location of the screw on stucco with a pencil 

Using a pencil or a felt-tip marker, mark the placement of the screw on stucco that you have to prick in. This is to prevent extra marks or dirt on the stucco. 

2. Align the drill on the position before making a drill 

Install a masonry drill bit into your driller. After that, align and put the driller on the spot of the mark that you have drawn earlier. Grip the drill on the stucco at a 90-degree angle on the wall in order for you to make a hole directly to the wall. 

Slowly drill into the spot you have marked to prick a hole in the wall. It is important to drill on a slow phase to make the drill even and straight and to avoid the wall from chipping. 

While wearing your protective goggles, slowly blow the chips and dust from the hole to make it clean and to ensure that the drill is going smooth. 

3. Place caulk in the hole

After drilling a hole to the stucco wall, place some caulk inside it. This will keep the stucco wall from getting damaged by the drilling and it will have a recovery coating stuck in the hole. This also helps in making further steps to work well and have an even finishing for the hole to put the screws in it. 

4. Put the screw anchor to the hole 

 Choose the right size of the anchor-based on the size of the screw that you will use. Take note that the size of the screw must be based on the object that you plan to hang on the stucco wall. Then, put the screw anchor into the hole. Using a screwdriver, insert the anchor in the hole. A hammer can also be an alternative in forging in the anchor to the wall. Continue until the anchor is fully inside of the wall. 

5. Prick in the screw

Push the screw in the anchor using a screwdriver or hammer. Make sure that the caulk is solidly adhering to the anchor. 

Place the screw to the wall based on the length requirement of the screw head and continue screwing until you reach the fixed length. Remember that you to be careful about the screws that you are using. 

How to Adjust Sprinkler Head

Having a sprinkler system is ideal because it distributes the water sprays around the lawn in a uniform manner. However, adjustments are needed to be done first to maximize the usage of the sprinkler system. And so, how can we adjust the sprinkler heads? 

This post will serve as your guide in adjusting sprinkler heads. Follow the steps thoroughly, and you’ll have a fully functioning sprinkler system! But first, there are a few things you need to know before adjusting.

There are three types of sprinklers, and those are: pop-up, rotor, and impact sprinklers. For this post, the instructions under each type of sprinklers apply to all of its brands. Depending on the brand and type of sprinklers, you might need to refer to a manual for instructions on how to adjust it. 

Let’s elaborate on the steps for each type of sprinkler heads!

Pop-up sprinklers

For water spray distance:

To begin adjusting the water spray distance of the pop-up sprinkler, make sure the system is turned on so that the sprinkler head will be visible for you to make the proper adjustment. Once it has popped up, make sure to grasp the sprinkler’s body to prevent it from lowering again. Then, proceed to adjust the screw at the head to adjust the water spray distance. By turning the screw in a clockwise direction, the water spray distance will be reduced; and vice versa.

For water spray arc:

To begin adjusting the water spray arc of the pop-up sprinkler, locate the adjustment socket at the top of the sprinkler head and then, rotate the head to the right-hand limit of travel. Be sure to hold it in that position. After that, insert the plastic head of the wrench and rotate the socket in a clockwise direction to increase the arc range of the sprinkler. Do the opposite to decrease the arc instead. 

Rotor sprinklers

For water spray distance:

Just like pop-up sprinklers, you can adjust the distance of the water spray by turning the adjustment screw in a clockwise direction, until it reaches the water stream. And then, turn the screw counterclockwise until the screw’s end is not touching the water stream anymore. Turn the screw clockwise if the water is spraying afar to reduce the distance, and vice versa. Adjust the screw until the desired distance is reached. 

For water spray arc:

You can adjust the rotor sprinkler’s arc by using the rotor key on the adjustment keyhole. To do so, you need to turn on the sprinkler system first and position yourself behind the sprinkler to prevent being wet. Following that, hold the sprinkler’s top cover gently and rotate it to the left until it reaches its limit of travel. Then, rotate it back to the right until it stops. Once that is done, insert the plastic end of the rotor key to the adjustment keyhole (the hole with plus and minus on both sides). Lastly, rotate the key towards the plus sign to increase the arc, and vice versa. 

Impact sprinklers

For water spray distance:

You can adjust the distance that the impact sprinkler’s sprayed water can reach by adjusting the diffuser pin or distance control dial for other brands. By rotating the pin or dial to a clockwise direction, the output’s distance will be reduced. The spray distance will increase if it’s rotated at a counterclockwise direction instead.

For water spray arc:

You can adjust the rotor sprinkler’s arc by simply raising or lowering the trip pin in the impact sprinkler. By raising it until it rests against the sprinkler head, a 360-degree coverage arc will be fully achieved. 

By following these instructions, you can adjust sprinkler heads! If this post has helped you, please don’t hesitate to share this with others!

How to Clean Stucco

Having a stucco in your wall exudes an upscale and sophisticated impression in your home. This advantage makes your home more appealing especially if you are trying to resell it to the market. It can easily increase the resell market value of your house. However, there are also downsides as it is not low in maintenance as other options such as vinyl siding and brick homes. 

Stucco is light color and porous in nature. It makes it prone to elements such as pollen stains, algae, dirt. mold and mildew. But there are several available options to prevent and drive with those pesky stains away. Using the right tools and procedures, you can successfully remove these stains.

1. Inspect your stucco

Inspect the stucco if there is any damage such as chips and cracks before cleaning it. Washing a damaged stucco can cause further damages as the water can get into cracks, resulting in mold and mildew to grow. If you found any flaw or damage to your stucco, having it repaired first prior to cleaning.

2. Repair any crack or chips in your stucco 

If you found any crack, seal it with caulk. Exterior acrylic caulk can be used to repair any minor damages. Just choose a caulk that matches the color of your stucco exterior. This is available in most home improvement stores. If you find it hard to look for the color that perfectly matches your stucco wall, then settle for the closest one. As long as the damage is not too prominent, the mismatch in color won’t really be too obvious. After applying the caulk, give it at least a week to dry.

3. Examine the problem areas 

Identify the causes of stains on your stucco. Is it mildew or algae? Is it just general dirt and debris? If you see a black stain that closely resembles dirt, it could be mildew. Investigate further. Does the black stain appear on the spot where water usually drips or accumulates? If yes, then it is most likely mildew. However, a green stain is most likely algae. You can use bleach to clean microorganisms such as algae and mildew.

4. Make a combination of cleaning solutions 

Select a concentrated cleaner designed specifically for exterior surfaces. A description that says, “professional strength concentrate” is a viable option as it contains ingredients like acetic acid and sodium o-phenylphenate. Carefully read the instruction and mix the concentrated cleaner and bleach. You can also add some hot water to make it more potent. This mixture of cleaning solution helps in killing the microorganisms such as algae and mildew.

5. Use a cleaning solution that is alternative to bleach 

If you don’t want to use bleach due to some allergy or sensitivities, you can opt for Borax-based solutions. Borax is a natural substance that is equally effective as bleach in killing molds and mildews but less toxic than bleach. For this solution, you will need hot water, dish soap, and Borax. Combine the three ingredients in a large container. You can refer to this measurement: 2 gallons of warm to hot water, 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and 1/2 cup of Borax.

6. Wash the wall with water using a pressure washer

Pressure washers have different nozzles that spray different amounts of water pressure. Since stucco is delicate, choose a low-pressure spray tip nozzle to the pressure washer’s hose. Cover the entire wall with water before applying the solution.

7. Apply the cleaning solution 

Using a pump sprayer, spray the cleaning solution.  Segregate your wall into different sections and start spraying your cleaning solution to the first section. It is recommended to focus on heavy stains and start from the bottom and work your way to the top until you have covered the entire wall.

8. Let the cleaning solution sit for five to ten minutes 

To ensure that the cleaning solution works effectively and penetrates the stains thoroughly. After a few minutes, gently spray the wall with water while you let the cleaning solution penetrates your wall. Since stucco is porous and usually soaks up water, you have to add some water to keep the cleaning solution activated. For walls stained with algae, you have to keep the cleaning solution for at least thirty minutes. 

Scrub the wall 

Scrub the stained spots using a rotating brush while still soaked with a cleaning solution. You need to scrub more on areas with heavy stains. Scrubbing helps to loosen the grime and makes it easier to rinse.

9. Rinse off the cleaning solution 

Rinse off the first section of the wall first to wash away the cleaning solution and specks of dirt. Start with the top and working your way down to the bottom. Rinse and finish each wall section thoroughly.

10. Check the stucco carefully

Make sure you haven’t missed any spots of dirt, examine it carefully. If you find any remaining dirt, repeat the application of cleaning solution, and rinse it off with water. Let it dry for at least twenty-four hours. 

How Many Sprinkler Heads Per Zone

A sprinkler system is essential in keeping your lawn properly nourished and healthy. It facilitates the systematic watering system of your garden. That’s why it is important to have it installed correctly to function well. 

The number of sprinkler heads per zone varies on the flow and pressure rate of your water supply. To measure these criteria, take the pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM) flow of the system and the gallons per minute (GPM) utilized by each sprinkler head. Normally, most sprinkler heads utilize more gallons per minute if the pressure rate is higher. Once you have the estimated calculation for this, you will have an idea of how many sprinkler heads will fit in one zone. You also have to consider if the set of sprinkler heads are composed of different brands. Even if the specifications are matched, using different brands can cause a slight variation in the watering distribution. It is recommended to just stick to one brand to ensure that the calculations are accurate. 

In order to identify the number of sprinkler heads recommended per zone in your garden, you must understand first why there must be different zones in it and what exactly the word “zone” means? 

Zone, often called the “irrigation zone”, refers to the overall plan of the entire water management for your lawn. It makes the water distribution smooth flowing and accurate. A specific zone divides the entire lawn area in order to determine which zone is lacking more water and which one is already watered. 

How Many Sprinklers Per Zone?

As mentioned earlier, different plants have different watering needs. It is important to classify or group the plants accordingly and place them in a specific zone so that the sprinkler system will be able to provide the right amount of water per each plant group.

For example, separate the shrubs, big trees, plants, flowers, and grass according to their type. All of them need different amounts of water and nourishment. Once they are divided and placed in their specific zones, you can program the sprinkler system according to their watering needs.

To know the number of sprinklers you need per zone, get all the information first about the water pressure in your outdoor and the capacity of water. Then determine if the sprinkler nozzles can take a certain amount of water needed for a specific zone. 

Sprinkler Per Zone Calculator:

1. Check the water pressure

Put the pressure calculator on the tap, which is nearest to the water meter. Switch on the gauge attached tap and let it read for a few seconds the water pressure. Your result will be in pounds per square. Then switch off the faucet and take off the pressure gauge. 

2. Measure the flow rate or water capacity 

Get a bucket or vessel where you can pour and measure the water. Just make sure that the faucets are closed both indoor and outdoor. Turn on the tap and take note of the duration. Once the vessel or bucket is filled with water, turn the tap off and record the time. Just get the time duration of how long it takes to fill the container with water. 

3. Follow this formula 

Container in gallons / Time duration in seconds X 60 = Gallons per minute (GPM)

The pound per square inch (PSI) and the gallons per minute (GPM) determines the number of sprinkler heads per zone. You should also take into consideration that the sprinkler head tends to utilize more GPM when the pressure is higher. 

How to Repair Stucco Wall

Your stucco wall is an essential aspect of your home. You have to make sure that it makes your home look pretty for a long time. To do that, if you notice some problems, you have to fix them at once. Small holes or cracks can get bigger if you let them sit there for a long time. You may also choose great paint and other products to help you prevent damage to your wall. However, if you still notice some cracks or holes, you should do some repair. Here is how to do it.

Inspection

First, you have to identify the reason why your wall has damage. There are many reasons that you might want to consider and take care of before patching it. 

Some Possible Causes:

Hydraulic Pressure

A damage in your wall might be because of hydraulic pressure. It happens when water is behind your stucco wall. You have to get a great moisture barrier to avoid this problem. You also have to remove the water behind it before repairing it.

Surface Moisture

If you have flower beds near your stucco and sprinklers in it, then water may hit the base of your wall and spray some water to it. You have to make sure that they are installed properly.

Wicking

Wicking might happen if the plaster absorbs moisture. That might be because of improper installation, so you have to fix that first if you want to get rid of the real problem.

These are all possible causes, but damage may also happen if you accidentally hit your wall with a material. Don’t worry because you can still fix it. 

Repair

A great material for repairing your stucco is caulking. You have to load it in your caulking gun. Remember, you should always clean the area first, so it will adhere properly. You may use caulking for holes and small cracks that you may find. Just squeeze and follow the track of the fracture or fill up the hole. Then, use your finger to spread it, so it will adhere to the wall. When it cures, it will shrink a bit, so you have to add another layer. For that one, use a brush or sandpaper to blend it in with the textured surface of the wall. After that, you may let it cure for the indicated amount of time. You may paint over the repair or the whole wall to make it look better. A fresh coat of paint will add more protection to your wall and prevent other problems. It will also fill smaller damages that you may not notice.

If you think that the problem is too serious, you may call some experts. The best for a job like this is waterproofing contractors. They will surely know what to do about it. Contact or look for one around your area. They are always ready to help out.

Take care of your stucco and solve problems once you notice them. Prevent bigger ones so you can make sure that it will last.

Where to Buy  Air Conditioner Capacitor

Your air conditioner might break down at your most unexpected moment. You might be able to fix it easily by yourself if you know how to diagnose where the problem came from. If you discovered that the problem came from a faulty capacitor, then you might need to find some shops and buy a replacement.

A capacitor stores energy while your unit is running, and continuously supplying power to your motor, compressor, blower, and other parts of the unit. It is a small, cylindrical object that is located on the motherboard together with some electrical components inside the unit. To know if a capacitor is a problem, you should ask yourself and evaluate the situation. Is it not turning on? Does it take a long time before starting? Does it shut down on its own?

If most of your answer is yes, then there’s a big possibility that a capacitor is a problem. 

If that is the case, you might want to check is your unit is still under warranty. In that case, you won’t have to stress yourself as the repair services will come and repair your unit. If you think you can do it on your own, grab your tools and start inspecting inside your air conditioner.

Unplug your unit before checking it as it may bring danger and you might be electrocuted. Find the faulty capacitor. If you found it, take note of these few things:

• There are different types of capacitors. Usually, it is either a run capacitor or a start capacitor. If it is a run capacitor, it functions even if the unit is turned on, while the latter only functions only at the beginning of start-up, to boost some of your components. 

• It is important to take note of the capacitors voltage rating. You can always find it imprinted on the side of the capacitor. It might also be indicated in the owner’s manual.

• Another important value to look for is its capacitance. It is usually measured in micro Farads, with a symbol of “μF”. Keep in mind that the new capacitor will have to match your older, faulty one.

• You also have to take note of the size and shape of the faulty capacitor before buying a new one. Some capacitors are cylindrical, yet some are rounded. Always match your older one for your air conditioner to use it because compatibility is important.

When you already know what capacitor is needed to replace, you can start searching from these places:

Local Electrical Supply Store

If you happen to live near an electrical supply store, you can easily find a capacitor here. Look for the store clerk and show what your capacitor looks like together with its capacitance. A good store clerk will surely help you and give you what you’re looking for.

Online Shops

If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can always go and search the web for it. Online stores such as Amazon and eBay might have what you’re looking for. Just make sure that you are sure what model and type of capacitor you are looking for. 

What Service Should Be Done On Home Air Conditioners and Furnaces?

A service plan contracted by your trusted HVAC contractor helps relieve you some of your worries and assures you that your HVAC will be well-maintained, especially your air-conditioning unit and furnace. It will assure you that your unit is running at its best and will not break down anytime soon. It will assure you that even at worst days, nights, and weathers, your HVAC system will still give you the utmost comfort that you and your family need. Regular inspections, check-ups, and tune-ups shall always take place. Here are some essential services your units need for it to run at maximum efficiency.

Electrical Components

Some problems that you might encounter may come from your unit’s electrical components. Check the capacitors, fuse, wires, and breakers that may occasionally break down. Also, try to take care of your motor by applying oil inside it from time to time.

Air Filter

One of the parts of your unit that will greatly affect your air quality is the air filters. They get dirty every once in a while, so make sure that you always check them at least once or twice a month. Filters may vary from different models, so it is better to consult your HVAC contractor whether it only needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Evaporator Coil

The air filter helps and protects your evaporator coil from accumulating too much dirt, but it can eventually still get dirty. It is very important to always check and clean your evaporator coil, as dirt build-up might hinder its ability to absorb heat effectively. Sometimes, ice can also build up here if there is a leak. For that matter, it is best to call your HVAC contractor as you may need chemicals for the task.

Condenser Coil

This is the most exposed part of the unit, as this is the outside part of your air conditioner. Always check it from time to time and make sure that it is free of debris, grass, dirt, and other stuff that can block this part. Make sure that the air can easily run through it.

Refrigerant Level

If you have an annual HVAC check-up contract with your contractor, they should regularly check the amount of refrigerant your unit has. As time goes by with frequent usage, your unit’s refrigerant level will eventually decrease. With this, your unit may fail to make the air cooler. Your HVAC contractor should recharge this so that it will be able to cool the air again.

Chimneys and Vents

To assure you that your HVAC system, the air conditioner, and furnace, is working properly, you should always check the chimneys and the vents. Many homeowners overlook the importance of this, but it is an essential step in making your HVAC running smoothly.

Ductwork

With proper ductwork installation on your unit, the air will flow smoothly and properly. Make sure that the junctions and insulations are placed appropriately. With the help of a good HVAC contractor, leaks, check-ups, and diagnostics of ductworks will be easily addressed.

If you want to be assured that your HVAC system will run smoothly all the time, it is best to book for a service and maintenance contract with your trusted contractor.

How to Manually Turn On An AC Unit

In a technologically-driven society that we live in, countless advancements are made to ease and lessen the struggles of our daily lives. As an example, most households nowadays often use remote controllers to control and use their household appliances. Air conditioners are perfect examples. Using remote controllers, you can turn it on, set your desired temperature, adjust the fan speed, and even turn it off. In this way, it can make the task easier and faster, all of these in the comfort of just sitting on your couch or lying on your bed.

But what happens if, in the middle of a hot, sunny day, your beloved AC unit remote controller suddenly stops functioning and it can’t do the things you want it to do? Or if you misplaced it? Well, it surely is a hassle to lose. Your beloved remote controller may now give you a headache. But don’t panic, take it easy. Your air conditioner can still be operated manually. 

If you haven’t tried reading your manual, this is the perfect time to do it. Your manual contains all of the useful information you need to know about your unit. You can even see there the ways on how to operate your AC unit manually. 

Here are some tips for you:

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is the most vital part of manually controlling your AC unit. Here, you can find all of the adjustment knobs, created to adjust the timers, temperatures, and many more. The power button is usually here, which is the button you would like to push if you want to turn it on or off. Just be careful of the buttons and be familiar with them so that you know what you are doing.

Check the Sides of Your AC Unit

If you haven’t seen the power button on the thermostats, check on the sides of your AC unit. Some units are designed with their power buttons placed either on the left or right side of the unit, so this is where you would want to check next.

Open the AC Unit’s Front Grille

If you haven’t seen the power button on the sides, this is where you would want to check next. Some AC Unit models have their power button hidden inside or by the front grille, that’s why you have to lift it first to push the button.

Reset your AC Unit

If you happen to set the timer before using your remote controller and you can’t turn it on manually again after it shuts down, you can always reset your air conditioner. All you have to do is unplug your unit, go to your circuit breaker, and shut it off. Wait for your 30 seconds, turn it on and it is already reset.

The tips aforementioned are made to help you when you lose your remote controller. You can always replace your remote to experience the same comfort you did before. If the unit can’t be turned on manually after following these tips, it may be a sign that the remote isn’t the only problem. You might want to run a diagnostics when this happens. We hope we’ve helped you!

How Often Should Air Conditioner Be Serviced?

The air conditioner is one of the products of today’s technological advancement which is essential to provide great comfort and improve air quality inside our home environment. It also makes the air cleaner as it eliminates pollutions like smoke, dust, and smells.

While air conditioners nowadays are without a doubt much efficient than the older models, just like any other appliances and home equipment, it may break down soon due to frequent usage. It also needs some monitoring and care, as it needs to be maintained and cleaned to avoid emergency repairs.

Importance of Maintenance

The first importance of maintenance is to monitor and maintain your air conditioning unit to be working at its best. According to statistics, your air-conditioning unit loses 5% of its efficiency annually. To avoid that big of a loss, regular maintenance is a must.

Frequent monitoring and maintenance also let you avoid small problems in your unit that might turn into bigger ones if left ignored. Remember, repairing it immediately will always cost you less than repairing it later when it has already worsened. 

Frequency of Maintenance

On average, the maintenance should be once a year if you don’t see or suspect any potential problem in your unit. However, a unit gets dirty much often. Always inspect and open the air filter to clean or replace it depending on how dirty it is. This should be done once or twice a month. A dirty unit also loses some of its efficiency as dirt can get stuck inside and cause different problems.

In cleaning, you can always do it yourself. Seek help from your owner’s manual. If you are afraid that you might damage your unit upon cleaning it, you can always call your trusted HVAC contractor for help. 

Cost of Maintenance

Annual maintenance is arranged with a schedule and contract. If you don’t have any, a diagnostic test or inspection will cost you around $80 to $100, while annual service costs will range from $150 to $300. If your unit has some parts that need replacements, it will cost you extra. 

However, the prices stated above are just estimates. Contact and talk to your trusted HVAC contractor to ask about their rates and see if you can get discounts. Remember, annual maintenance will always cost you less in the long run than what you might need to spend on emergency repairs. 

And these are the importance of maintenance. Remember that any house equipment should be maintained regularly to avoid unexpected miseries.