It would be best to do your due diligence before picking a window air conditioner repair professional to ensure you get the highest quality services for your money. No matter if you're searching for routine maintenance or a one-off service near Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, check for these key features from the agency or contractor:
- Experience - There are several types of window air conditioners on the market, and some have different systems and features. Always make sure the professional you're vetting has experience working with your specific make and model by asking them upfront.
- Certification - You should verify that the technician has the proper licenses to conduct repairs in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and any HVAC certifications.
- Guarantees - Your window air conditioner might have a warranty from the maker, so ask your contractor about including that in the price of repairs. Picking a professional that provides guarantees on their labor will bring you added peace of mind.
- Service Schedule - Routine business hours aren't always best when it comes to cooling and heating your residence. Consider window air conditioner repair technicians who provide on-call services in case your machine fails over the weekend or holidays.
- References - Most established repair professionals will have references from previous customers vouching for their skills and professionalism. Look at their online reviews to understand how effectively the technician provides quality work and customer service.
You don't have to wait for the moment your window air conditioner goes out to look for repair services in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Troubleshoot your machine for any of these common problems to know if calling in a professional is warranted:
- Age - The average window air conditioner will last a decade, though regular maintenance can increase the service life to 15 years. Consider employing an expert to perform preventive maintenance if your unit is nearing its prime, especially if you notice any performance problems.
- Odd Noises - It's common for a window air conditioner to make a little whistling or humming sounds as it powers on, but any loud screeches, pops, or grinding sounds are concerning.
- Bad Smells - Any burning or moldy smells emanating from the window air conditioner as it operates means it should be repaired. Wiring problems are a fire hazard, and mold might be behind the mildew smell and be a detriment to your health.
- Increased Electric Bills - A damaged window air conditioner might be drawing more electricity than is necessary when functioning correctly. Turn to an expert to repair the unit if you notice your bill going up more than usual whenever your appliance runs.
Hopefully, you purchased a quality window air conditioning unit, which should survive about a decade before you need a new one. In the meantime, preventive maintenance and repairs are recommended once or twice a year to ensure it operates properly and delivers the most extended life possible.
The perfect time to get your window air conditioner looked at in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is during the spring before you need it to operate over the summer, and once in the fall before the heating feature becomes necessary over the winter. Other than repairs, a technician can safely disassemble the unit if necessary to clean its parts before further issues arise. Cleaning the inside of the unit is the only way to inhibit mold from growing that could affect your health. Any dirt or debris that accumulates in the unit will also affect overall performance if not removed.
Window air conditioner repair is relatively affordable and enables you to stretch your investment as long as possible until buying a new unit becomes absolutely necessary. You might even get discount prices if you contract a professional to provide regular repair and cleaning services throughout the year. Vet repair specialists on the Thumbtack platform and find one matching your budget and schedule.
Your window air conditioner is probably a closed refrigerant system that doesn't need replenishing with freon at all throughout its service life. If it did need recharging, it typically is a sign of a leak in the unit, and you need a professional to handle the repair work. If the unit is not cooling properly, follow these basic troubleshooting steps to help you know if the issue is related to depleted freon or something more common:
- Inspect for Leaks - Check for grease spots on or underneath the unit accompanied by a musty or sweet smell. Freon is usually invisible to the eyes and nose in the case of a leak, but a significant one may result in a detectable residue.
- Clean or Replace Filter - The maker of your specific model provides a guide on cleaning and replacing the filter, which, when dirty and clogged, will impact the unit's performance.
- Inspect the Coils - Your machine has evaporator or condenser coils that also should be kept clean to ensure it operates efficiently.
- Check Ventilation - The condenser behind the machine needs adequate airflow to function correctly. Make sure that nothing is blocking the airflow, such as vegetation or other materials, and clear them if so.
If you have no experience conducting these troubleshooting tasks or feel uncomfortable doing them yourself, consider hiring an expert to do it all for you. A window air conditioner repair contractor in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida can determine if one of these problems is affecting its performance or if leaking freon is indeed the culprit. A professional can also tell if the leak is the result of a defective unit, potentially saving you money if the manufacturer offers a warranty.