Your air conditioner breaking down in the hottest season of the year is something you never want to experience.
It’s not just about the costs to repair the unit, but also the heat and discomfort you’ll experience without air conditioning.
You can avoid this inconvenience by making sure your AC unit is properly and regularly serviced.
Full service of your AC requires checking, replacing, and adjusting multiple components.
Only a licensed technician will know what to service, how to service, and when to service your machine appropriately.
Seeking the services of an unlicensed technician may be tempting, but you’ll regret the decision when you end up paying more to keep your AC running (or replacing it).
An unlicensed technician hasn’t undergone proper AC maintenance training - which means they may cut corners while servicing your machine.
Unfortunately, given the complexity of the AC system, incomplete servicing could trigger a problem, breakdown, and, eventually, significant spending on repairs.
Rather than take chances with your AC, seek the services of a licensed technician who’ll ensure that your machine always runs optimally.
When you approach a licensed technician to service your AC, they’ll recommend a regular maintenance schedule.
A regular schedule will save you costs through fewer costly repairs. Moreover, it’ll encourage energy efficiency and give your machine a longer life span.
A significant number of problems with machines, including your AC, begin long before they’re substantial enough to get noticed.
For instance, it’s normal for Air Conditioners to produce some water, especially under humid conditions.
However, when your refrigerant levels reduce to below optimum levels - perhaps due to leakage - the amount of water will begin to increase.
Since the leakage is outside your house, it may take time before you notice the problem and take corrective measures.
Unfortunately, if you don’t see the problem in good time, your compressor will overwork, causing it to break down and bring your unit’s operation to a halt.
Similarly, your AC may begin producing odd noises to indicate a problem with your unit’s bearings or fan.
By the time the noise is audible enough, your machine may have already suffered significant damage that may require more extensive and costly repairs.
A licensed technician will perform preventative maintenance measures such as:
Checking fluid levels
Cleaning the fans
Adjusting the fans
Tightening HVAC belts—yes, your HVAC has belts, and they look like this:
These preventative measures will keep your air conditioner running optimally and make it easy to notice problems early enough.
For instance, if the technician discovers that they’re adjusting the fan too frequently, they’ll know that the bearings are beginning to wear out (even before they produce noise).
Early detection will enable them to replace faulty parts before they trigger extensive repairs - or even the need to buy a new AC system.
When the technician maintains your AC regularly, its components will operate more efficiently - using less energy to cool your home.
The technician will make your AC energy-efficient through:
Cleaning the evaporator and cooling coil thoroughly to remove any accumulated mold and dirt that slow down your unit’s heat exchange mechanism, causing it to consume more energy to produce cool air
Changing dirty and clogged air filters that cause your air conditioner to use more energy when sucking in inlet air
Regular maintenance reduces the chances of your machine developing serious problems that could cripple its operations and force you to purchase a new unit.
Your AC isn’t designed to last forever, but if you keep it well maintained, it’ll serve you for several years—and even add a couple more on top of its designed lifespan.
A licensed technician is also a qualified technician since the licensing body must ensure that they’re qualified for the job before issuing them a license to practice.
Since most licenses have to be renewed, a professional technician should not cut any corners that could compromise the probability of getting their license renewed.
What does it take to become a licensed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician?
Below are the basic requirements to become a licensed HVAC technician.
The technician has to complete a 12-month training (or longer) and a pre-apprentice program where they learn:
The basics of refrigeration units and their working mechanism
Electrical controls and circuits
Piping and tubing of HVAC systems
Troubleshooting and servicing HVAC equipment
Acquiring a technician certification requires sitting for and passing exams to certify that the technician can safely handle and service natural gas and propane-fired equipment and work on remigration equipment.
Getting this certification involves:
Multiple years of hands-on training through apprenticeship
HVAC training in an educational institution
Passing entrance and certification examinations
It takes intensive training to become a licensed technician - and for a good reason.
Your HVAC system is expensive, and it requires servicing from a professional who understands it well.
Don’t settle for untrained people who may ruin it (even if they offer to do it for a cost that seems irresistible).
A licensed technician has their license to protect and, as such, will not take any shortcuts that could damage your machine and compromise their license.
A full inspection and service of your AC involve the following procedures:
Checking and tightening your AC’s electrical parts and connections
Lubricating all moving parts
Ensuring the condensate’s drain line remains clear
The technician will inspect all connections and make sure they’re tight enough, in good condition, and are operating as recommended.
This procedure also prevents electric hazards that could damage your unit.
The table below shows what’s done to each part of your air conditioner.
All the moving parts of your AC are subject to frictional forces that can reduce efficiency and cause damage if not contained well.
An example of your AC's moving parts is its fan, which looks like the one illustrated below:
Proper lubrication will keep these parts moving well and shield you from having to repair or replace them often.
Your AC drains its liquid condensate through the condensate drain line.
If left uncleaned, this line could get clogged by mold or bacteria, triggering wetness and leakage problems.
During routine service, the technician will also inspect the line for any cracks and either repair or replace it, depending on the extent of the damage.
Examining system controls involves the technician examining if your HVAC system starts, runs, and shuts down properly.
The technician examines the air filter and determines if it needs cleaning or replacing.
If you love doing things yourself, this is one of the servicing steps that are simple enough to try on your own.
The following video demonstrates a simple way to change a filter.
However, a technician may help you identify the best replacement filter and cleaning techniques for your system.
If you’ve got some knowledge of HVAC systems, you can go a step further and purchase other complex AC spares and install them yourself.
Using the words of Ruben, the spares you purchase from Industrial Stores will fit perfectly and work great. Here’s what he said after purchasing our end bell.
"I just wanted to let you know that the motor end bell purchased through your online company worked out great! I was able to do a self install and I couldn't be happier to have saved hundreds of dollars. Kudos to Andy for giving me the confidence boost I needed to get my 10-year-old Goodman furnace to work again!"
— Ruben Marquez, Madison, WI 53711.
As you can already tell, servicing your HVAC is a comprehensive procedure that’s best left to the experts.
You’ll need a licensed technician if all the processes involved are to be done correctly.
You don’t have to worry about where you’ll locate a licensed technician because Industrial Stores have your back on this one.
We value each of our customers, which is why we go to great lengths to offer personalized customer service.
Here, you get to speak to a professional customer service team trained to handle all your concerns and queries around the clock.
As Janet will tell you, we also have fast shipping services.
Our online stores will offer you a wide range of competitively priced HVAC equipment, refrigeration equipment, and facility maintenance services.
Call us toll-free today at 1-866-494-4610 and let us partner with you to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and serving you longer.
HVAC service involves comprehensive checks, repairs, and replacements by a licensed technician. The technician examines leaks, electrical wiring, and thermostat operation.
For optimum performance, you should have a licensed technician service your unit at least once a year.
It’s normal for your AC to leak on the outside. However, if you notice the levels of water leakage increasing, call a licensed technician to check the system’s refrigerant levels.
$ USD
CAD 
