Ignoring Your Heating And AC Repair Needs Isn’t Just Making Your Home Uncomfortable; It’s Making It Much Less Safe | Arlington, TX
When it comes to our homes, we often focus on the big items that need attention –roof, windows, and doorways. But what about the smaller things? Things like our air conditioner unit? Often, we take these for granted and don’t think about them until there’s a problem. And by then, it might be too late. So today, we’re going to look at some of the dangers associated with home AC units that you may be ignoring knowingly or unknowingly.
Carbon Monoxide Leaking
One of the dangers of home AC units is that they can leak carbon monoxide. It is a gas that’s produced when certain materials burn. It’s often called “the silent killer” because it’s odorless, tasteless, and colorless, so you can’t see, smell or taste it. That means it’s impossible to know if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home without a carbon monoxide detector.
A carbon monoxide leak can cause serious health problems, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and even death. The risk of carbon monoxide leak is high in damaged ACs or those that haven’t been properly maintained. Therefore, you should hire heating and AC repair services in Arlington, TX, to check your unit regularly.
Electrocution Hazards
Another danger of home AC units is that they can cause electrocution. This usually happens when the unit is not properly grounded. If there’s a power surge, it can travel through the ground wire and into the unit, causing an electrical shock. Also, when an AC is damaged or not properly maintained, the insulation on the wires can deteriorate, exposing live wires.
If you touch these wires, you could be electrocuted. To avoid this danger, ensure your AC unit is properly grounded, and all the wiring is in good condition. You should also have a qualified heating and AC repair technician check your unit regularly to ensure it’s in good working condition.
Dangerous Chemicals
Another danger of home AC units is that they use Freon, a refrigerant that contains harmful chemicals. When these chemicals leak, they can be dangerous to your health. Symptoms of Freon poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can cause coma or death. If you suspect your AC unit is leaking Freon, you should evacuate the area immediately and call a qualified heating and AC repair technician to check the unit.
Refrigerant leaking can also damage the environment, so fixing it as soon as possible is important. When your AC units run low on refrigerant due to leaking, it will have to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills. Therefore, contact a heating and AC repair technician in Arlington, TX, as soon as you suspect a problem.
Inadequate Ventilation
Another danger of home AC units is that they can cause inadequate ventilation. This happens when the unit is not properly vented to the outside. When this happens, humid air inside your home can enter the unit and condense the coils.
This can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. It can also lead to structural damage to your home, such as rot and insect infestation. Ensure your AC unit is properly vented to the outside to avoid this danger. If your unit is not ventilated properly, you should contact a heating and AC repair technician to do it for you.
Neglecting to Clean or Replace Filters
When was the last time your filters were cleaned or replaced by a HVAC repair technician? If you can’t remember, then it’s probably been too long. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause your AC unit to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear. Sometimes, it can also cause the unit to overheat and shut down. To avoid this danger, regularly hire a qualified heating and AC repair technician to clean or replace your filters.
Inadequately Sealing of Air Ducts
If your home has central air conditioning, the air ducts play a vital role in its operation. These ducts are responsible for carrying cool air from the AC unit to the different rooms in your home. If they are not properly sealed, they can leak cool air, leading to higher energy bills.
In addition, leaked cool air can cause condensation on the ductwork, leading to mold and mildew growth. If your ductwork is not sealed properly, you should contact a heating and AC repair technician in Arlington, TX, to do it for you. It’s also a good idea to have your ductwork regularly inspected by a qualified technician to ensure it’s in good condition.
Using the Wrong Refrigerant
Every AC system is designed to work with a specific type of refrigerant. This chemical helps to cool and dehumidify the air in your home and works by evaporating at a low temperature. When you use the wrong type of refrigerant, it can cause several problems for your AC system. It may not evaporate properly, so your AC will be less effective at cooling your home.
In addition, using the wrong refrigerant can damage your AC compressor. Over time, this can lead to expensive heating and AC repairs or even premature failure of the entire system. Using the wrong refrigerant can also be dangerous to your health. Therefore, when you need to add refrigerant to your system, contact a professional heating and AC repair technician to do it for you.
We Are AC Technicians Who Care
At Minuteman Heating & Air, we are AC technicians who care. We want you to be safe and your AC system to operate at its best. That’s why we offer a full range of heating and AC services, including AC repair, replacement, and maintenance. If you’re concerned about any dangers of AC units, we encourage you to contact us. We would be happy to inspect your system and ensure it operates safely and efficiently. Schedule an appointment with us today.