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How do I test my air conditioner

At some point, you will encounter AC problems at home. Hiring a reputable company for air conditioner services in West Jordan, Utah, like All Utah Plumbing, Heating & Air is the smart move for immediate solutions. Although you can conduct home checks, only professional HVAC technicians can provide a comprehensive inspection of your unit’s components.

When it comes to testing air conditioning units, the following are the steps we take:

Checking the temperature drop – The first thing we do is to check the temperature drop of your AC unit. The temperature drop determines the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner. We will use a digital thermometer to check the air temperature between the return grille and the supply registers. A difference that’s beyond 15F to 22F is considered poor.

Testing the compressor amperage – An abnormal amperage will point out other problems like damaged coil fins or low refrigerant charge. We perform this test after running the unit for at least 30 minutes. Following this, we will check the amperage of the compressor. We will compare this to the Rated Load Amps indicated on your unit’s plate.

Checking the AC voltage – Electrical problems are one of the most common culprits of poor AC performance. If your unit’s line voltage isn’t within 103 to 126.5 VAC, something needs to be fixed. Our technicians will perform the necessary air conditioner repairs to restore the performance of your unit.

Testing refrigerant pressure – Units typically have a high and low-pressure hose. To check the refrigerant pressure, we will attach the low-pressure hose to our suction line with the high-pressure hose on the liquid line. We will compare the pressure readings to the ideal rate indicated on your unit. If we detected poor pressure, we would adjust it accordingly.

Do air conditioners lose efficiency over time?

Over the years, it is inevitable your AC unit will lose its efficiency. However, more often than not, there are preventative steps that can be taken to avoid many issues. If minor issues are not addressed right away, they could lead to premature damage to your AC. The following are some of the things to look for:

Dirty filters – One of the most common problems we encounter in West Jordan, Utah households is clogged air filters. This is a very simple fix that could have been prevented with regular filter cleaning or replacement. Clogged filters will cause poor airflow, forcing the unit to over-compensate – thus, higher energy bills.

Dirty condenser unit – Many homeowners hire our air conditioning repair and installation West Jordan Utah because of soiled outdoor units. In just a few months, the condenser unit will be covered in dust and debris. It’s important to clean this component as much as you need to clean the indoor unit filter.

Old unit – Most air conditioning units in West Jordan, Utah, can last for up to 15 years. Any unit beyond that age is a candidate for replacement. Aside from poor efficiency, older AC units use more energy. Modern AC replacements have better performance and technology that will consume less energy but produce more cool air.

If you spot any of these problems on your AC, don’t hesitate to call our air conditioning repair in West Jordan, Utah. Here at All Utah Plumbing, Heating & Air, your comfort comes first.