Timeframe For Restoring Your Cooling System In Case Of A Malfunction

Posted on: 2 May 2023

Some air conditioner (AC) problems are so serious that you must shut down the AC until you fix it. That means you have to be without air conditioning for some time. In such a case, a few things determine how long you must bear uncomfortable temperatures.

1. How Fast the Contractor Can Get to the AC

Many AC problems require physical attention from a contractor. The longer the contractor takes to arrive, the longer you will be without heat. The following factors determine how fast a contractor can get to your home and deal with the problem.

The Time of the Day

Some contractors keep normal business hours, while others operate round the clock to address emergency AC problems. You must wait until morning if you realize your AC's issue at night and cannot contact an emergency contractor.

Contractor Travel Distance

A contractor in your neighborhood will arrive faster than a distant contractor will. Use local contractors to avoid delays long traveling distances can occasion.

The Unit's Accessibility

Your AC's location also matters. For example, a ground-level AC on open ground is easier to reach than an AC on a high-rise or rooftop that involves climbing.

Contractor Schedule

Many contractors serve their clients on a first come basis. At the same time, the contractors are busier during some seasons than others. Thus, the number of jobs in a contractor's queue determines how fast they can get to your home.

2. The Repair Duration

The real work starts once the contractor arrives. The following factors determine how long you must wait to get air conditioning once the contractor arrives.

Diagnosis

Some AC problems are easier to diagnose than others. For example, an AC might short cycle if:

  • The refrigerant is low
  • Debris blocks the air filter
  • The compressor is failing
  • The air ducts are leaking
  • The thermostat has malfunctioned

Checking all these things might take time.

Part Availability

Some AC problems require part replacement. In such a case, the contractor must collect or send for the replacement part, which stretches the repair time. The repair time might stretch even further if the part is unavailable locally.

Malfunction Complexity

The complexity or extent of the malfunction also determines how the repair takes. For example, a compressor replacement may take time because the contractor has to remove the refrigerant, disconnect and remove the compressor, install the new one, and recharge the AC. The whole process can take several hours.

For help with repairs to your system, contact an air conditioning repair service in your area. 

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HVAC For The Layman

Do you remember the last time your air conditioner died? Although you might have been tempted to write off the problem as a simple quirk, serious air conditioning issues might mean that your family gets stuck living in a hot, humid, uncomfortable environment. I have been a homeowner for a long time, and you wouldn't believe how many times I have come across issues with my HVAC systems. I want you to know how to recognize the early signs of trouble, which is why I decided to put up this page. By reading here, you might be able to learn the intricacies of HVAC in layman's terms so that you can get things resolved as quickly as possible.