logo

505-859-4329
Serving Albuquerque, NM and Surrounding Areas

First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling Inc Blog

Myths About AC Repair: Debunked

Aug 7, 2023

Your air conditioner is tough, durable, and has kept your family cool for years. It still has plenty of life in it, but only if you get timely AC repair in Albuquerque, NM, and there are some myths surrounding repair that we’d like to talk about.

 

Myth: Your Air Filter Can’t Cause AC Problems

The air filter is perhaps one of the most overlooked parts of any air conditioner out there. It’s supposed to be changed every 30-90 days for most AC units out there, but it’s not just because it keeps dust out of the air.

It’s actually to prevent dust from accumulating on the condenser coil. When the dust settles here, it makes it harder for the coil to do its job. The dust acts as an insulator and lowers its efficiency, so while it seems like a tiny problem to have a dirty air filter, it can let more dust in and dirty your coil faster.

Myth: Always Repair Until it Breaks Beyond Repair

If your air conditioner costs you around 50% of the total price of a brand-new AC just for a single repair call, then it’s time to get rid of it. That’s known as the 50% rule, but it’s not the only reason you should buy a new AC before your current one completely breaks beyond repair.

At a certain point, you have to look at monthly expenses as well. If your current AC is 15+ years old, it’s not as efficient as a newer unit, especially with SEER2 ratings being the market standard now. If you’re overpaying for your utility bills, a new AC could actually save you money in the long run.

Myth: Maintenance Doesn’t Reduce the Need for Repairs

You’re supposed to get maintenance once per year, so if you just don’t get it, what happens? Well, your AC doesn’t just die on you right away. In fact, it may not give out for months or years. So where’s the myth?

Your air conditioner can still run, but it won’t run well–not without due maintenance. Efficiency tanks, costing you more money, and it also requires more runtime and mechanical strain just to keep your AC going and continuing to cool your home.

This in fact does reduce the total lifespan of your air conditioner. So while you may not be doing much damage by waiting an extra month for that annual maintenance check, but skipping maintenance going forward? That’s going to cost you a lot more in the long run and result in more breakdowns.

AC Repair isn’t Always Straightforward

It’s easy to build myths around complicated machinery like central air conditioners and heat pumps, but when you get down to the nitty-gritty, you can see exactly how these myths got busted and just how intricate your AC really is.

If you need AC repair, don’t hesitate to call. Your air conditioner needs timely repairs and due diligence when it comes to maintenance.

Contact us today to schedule your AC repair as soon as possible.

Categories: Air Conditioning

Search