AC Repair in Kansas City

In this post, you’ll learn how to prevent AC failures, the basics of refrigerant, how to avoid scammer repairmen, troubleshooting tips, heat-related illnesses that may come as a result of air conditioner failure, and typical reasons for AC repair in Kansas City. Before we get to air conditioning repair, let’s go over some ways that you can prevent air conditioning failures in the first place.

1. For one, homeowners need to keep their system clean by changing out filters every month. Now that may seem like a lot, but it also might save you thousands on a new system. You can change out these filters using an electronic filter system, which is best done by a service man. Annual maintenance is always a good policy as well.
2. In addition to changing out filters, you should clean the outside of the unit (condenser) by washing it out every month. This is especially important when you have a lot of stuff flying around in the air, like cottonwood or plants that may clog it up. Once clogged, the system cannot function properly.
3. Just like how you go to the doctor for a checkup, your air conditioning system needs a checkup every once in while too. Contact a professional that can apply gauges to your unit and check refrigerant levels and other components of your system.

Refrigerant

Speaking of, let’s talk about refrigerant. These stable, nonflammable, moderately toxic gases or liquids are most often used as refrigerants and aerosol propellants. They include CFCs, which contribute to ozone depletion. That means that by moderating your refrigerant levels, you help the environment. Some newer refrigerants include fluorine instead of chlorine, so they don’t affect the ozone layer. Another reason to regulate refrigerant levels is to avoid refrigerant poisoning. This can happen when someone is exposed to the chemicals used to cool appliances. When refrigerant is deeply inhaled, it can cut off oxygen to your cells and lungs. If you regularly inhale refigerant, you may suffer from breathing problems, fluid buildup in the lungs, organ damage and even death.

According to the EPA, refrigerant is damaging to the environment. Because of this, R-22 refrigerant is being phased out by another coolant, R-410A refrigerant, which can be more expensive. Since the R-22 refill price has rose more than 500% over the last ten years, many have decided to just go with a new system instead.

Avoiding Scams

Now let’s say that you need AC repair in Kansas City because these preventative tips just didn’t do the trick. It’s essential that you don’t get jipped by some shoddy company that’s going to give you a low initial price and then bump it up once the job is done. You also don’t want a technician that hasn’t had the proper training to deal with your problem.

Troubleshooting and Warranties

Just recently, Phoenix’s record-breaking summer weather drew in dozens of air conditioning repair scams. To avoid AC repair scams, you should troubleshoot the problem first. Check to make sure that the electrical breaker hasn’t been tripped, and ensure that the thermostat is operating. Next, take a look at your warranty coverage. If your air conditioner is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be in luck. The owner’s manual should be able to tell you this information.

Verified Businesses

If you want to be sure that you’re contacting a trustworthy business, research contractors with the Better Business Bureau or sites like Angie’s List. Google Reviews can be helpful in determining whether you’re getting scammed or not since reviews are now being verified. Another good rule of thumb is to verify their license by searching the Kansas City Registrar of Contractors. You can even see the history of complaints filed against the company in question. We recommend this for all AC repair in Kansas City.

Multiple Bids and Written Contracts

To make sure you’re getting a competitive price, obtain multiple bids for extensive repairs. Also, find out the proper size unit to cool your home and how energy efficient different units are. We offer free estimates, so you don’t have to worry about a surprise price tag at the end of the project. In fact, we encourage you to obtain a written contract of the equipment and services the company is selling and review this document before signing anything.

Counterfeit Refrigerants

If your air conditioner requires a refrigerant to fix it, you may be dealing with some costly repairs. Since R-22 is being phased out for environmental reasons, alternatives are becoming more expensive. Where 20 years ago an R-22 could be bought for $20 wholesale, the same product is now $800. The newer AC units use the coolant R-410a, but R-22 is still in use by older models. Because of this price increase, counterfeits which can wreck your AC are multiplying. These fakes can create compressor problems, cause explosions, and initiate fires. It’s important that you verify your AC repair in Kansas City before making a purchase.

As trained professionals, we know a counterfeit refrigerant from the real thing. By locating a special seal enclosing the valves of the canisters and ensuring our wholesaler is reputable, we ensure you get a quality refrigerant. Some R-22 manufacturers have started adding specially designed security labels to their products to prove their legitimacy to contractors. As a consumer, you should make sure your technician has an EPA Section 608 Certification. This proves that they’re knowledgeable about ozone depletion, substitute refrigerants and safety. Be skeptical of unbelievably cheap price quotes for an R-22 recharge—this may indicate that your technician is using a counterfeit.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat waves aren’t exclusive to Phoenix, so be prepared for a summer of sweat and tears if that AC goes out. Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramps normally occur in the hands, calves, and feet, and make your muscles feel hard and tense. Heat exhaustion is identified by fatigue, nausea, headache, excessive thirst, muscle aches, weakness, anxiety, sweats, slowed heartbeat, dizziness and fainting. Heat stroke symptoms include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, flushed skin, decreased sweating, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, decreased urination, blood in urine, increased body temperature and convulsions. Heat stroke is the most serious of these heat-related illnesses, so seek immediate medical attention If you or someone you know shows symptoms. You can avoid these illnesses by staying hydrated and staying in cool places. If you’ve experienced an AC system failure, relocate to a cool space if possible and await our 24 hour services. You might also invest in thick shades to keep out the sun’s heat. Because the sick/elderly and infants are more susceptible to these illnesses, air conditioning repair services typically prioritize service for them.

Are Air Conditioners Fire Hazards?

With summer heat slamming the country, air conditioners are needed now more than ever. Unfortunately, these machines can also pose a fire risk with added work load and maintenance negligence. From 2010-2014, there were 2,800 air conditioning-related fires in homes. Rising temperatures strain air conditioning units, causing electrical issues which can catch nearby combustibles on fire. The key ways to combat this hazard are by changing the filter, ensuring units are receiving adequate power supplies, and avoiding the use of extension cords or power outlets. Extension cords can overheat and start a fire. Our professional recommendation is to clear a circle around your unit to keep out any combustible material. You can also anchor the unit into a window opening to ensure that, in the case of a fire, the seal between the bracket and opening will prevent the flames from entering the house.

Common Problems with Air Conditioners

More often than not, your air conditioner is out for the running due to refrigerant leaks and electronic control failure. With a refrigerant leak, your air conditioner is low on refrigerant due to either a leak or poor installation. In the case of a leak, all you have to do is fix the leak, test the repair, and charge the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant. This charge should match the manufacturer’s specifications for optimal performance. An electronic control failure happens when the compressor and fan controls wear out, an issue caused by the air conditioner being turned on and off frequently. The wires and terminals can fall prey to corrosion, so your serviceman for AC repair in Kansas City should take a look at all parts of your system before proceeding with a diagnosis.

Bonus Tips:

• Turn your unit off if it isn’t cooling. Running it only causes more damage.
• Reset dampers for air conditioning at the beginning of the cooling season.
• Don’t turn on your air conditioning if the outside temperature is below 60 degrees.
• Ensure that you have attic insulation and weather-stripping on your windows and doors.
• Check to make sure ducts are insulated.
• Keep outlets and returns clear of obstruction and dust.

Contact Us

As experts at our craft, we know exactly how to handle AC repair in Kansas City. Our servicemen receive 100 hours of training per year to ensure we stay up to date with the latest trends. Contact us for immediate assistance with your air conditioning or for a free estimate. If you need AC repair in Kansas City, we’re your guys.