To put it plainly:
If you move into a rental with an operable AC system, California law says that the landlord is responsible for fixing it
. However, if the tenant is at fault for breaking the AC, it's up to the tenant to pay to fix it. Factors that determine liability include: Why the AC needs repair.
What is regular maintenance on an AC unit?
You should
check the air filter every month
. The technician will check it as part of the servicing. They should also clean various parts like the compressor, condenser, evaporator coils, air handler, and drainage line. Finally, they should test refrigerant levels and observe AC function through a complete cycle.
How often do AC units need maintenance?
How Often Is AC Service Needed? Though there can be a bit of wiggle room, generally speaking, you should have your air conditioner serviced
twice yearly
: once in the fall and once in the spring. This is to ensure that it's clean, that its parts are in good shape and that it's operating as optimally as possible.
How long does a apartment air conditioner last?
Modern air conditioners can last between
15-20 years
, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years. The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime.
What happens if AC is not serviced?
Neglecting HVAC maintenance can lead to
an inefficient system that only raises energy bills, a system that breaks down frequently, and a system that will most likely need to be replaced before its anticipated lifespan has passed
.
What happens if you don't service your air conditioner?
It's the same when it comes to no refrigerant in the air conditioning. Although the mechanical parts of the AC will work,
the cooling power will be lost and then the system will start to sustain serious damages
. These damages will result in higher costs of repairing or even replacement of some parts.
How do I clean the air filter in my apartment?
Is it necessary to clean AC every year?
All leading AC brands recommend seasonal cleaning and periodic maintenance to remove impurities
. Regular AC servicing can boost AC performance and reduce electricity bills. A non-serviced AC may consume more power to deliver cool air or may not provide effective cooling due to reasons such as a gas leakage.
How do I clean the coils on my AC unit?
Mix a simple detergent and warm water in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Spray the solution onto the evaporator coils and give it a few minutes to soak in and loosen the dirt and debris. Wipe away any loosened material with a soft brush or cloth and reapply as needed.
What are common problems with air conditioners?
- AC Running Constantly.
- AC Not Turning On.
- No Cool Air Flowing.
- Hot Air Blowing Out.
- Refrigerant or Water Leaking.
- Unit Turning On and Off Repeatedly.
- A/C System Freezing.
- Air Conditioner Tripping Circuit Breaker Repeatedly.
How do I service my outside AC unit?
How do I know if my air conditioner needs to be replaced?
- Air Conditioning System is Blowing Warm Air. …
- AC Thermostat is Not Working. …
- Little Air Blows Out of Vents. …
- Loud Noise Inside of the AC Unit. …
- Strange Odors When AC Turned On. …
- Not Enough Humidity Removed By the AC. …
- Problems with the AC Are Occurring More Often.
How much is a new AC unit?
| Type Unit Cost AC Installation Cost | Type Unit Cost AC Installation Cost | Central air conditioner $1,200–$4,500 $1,200–$2,200 | Window AC unit $150–$750 N/A* | Ductless mini-split $1,000–$5,500 $500–$2,000 |
|---|
Should I replace my 30 year old air conditioner?
Anything over 25 years is difficult
. A good HVAC company should be able to educate you on the availability of parts for your system, no matter how old the system is. Overall, the average lifespan of air conditioners is around 15 years, though many can last longer with good maintenance.
Why is my air conditioner not putting out cold air?
If your central AC is not blowing cold air,
the refrigerant may be the problem
. The unit could be running low and need additional refrigerant added. The most likely cause of this is a leak. A leak not only keeps the AC unit from cooling properly, but also it can cause other issues within the home.
Can an old AC make you sick?
Living or working near an old and moldy air conditioner can increase your chances of respiratory infection
. Mold also causes symptoms like throat irritation, wheezing, and congestion. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, it may be time you checked out your surroundings for mold.
How often should you change your air filter in an apartment?
There's a good chance that both the tenant before you as well as your landlord may not have changed the filter recently. And so that's a good, safe practice. But beyond that,
1-3 months
is a good range. Even a great filter, if not changed, will lose its effectiveness.
How often should AC filter be cleaned?
As a general rule, you should clean your air conditioner filters within the indoor unit
every two weeks
. In more dusty or polluted environments you should clean your filters more regularly. Cleaning your filters is the most important maintenance task you can do to care for your air conditioner.
Does cleaning your AC filter make it colder?
As a result of the buildup,
a dirty filter will also cause poor cold airflow in your air conditioning system
. That cold air will be trapped inside your air conditioner, causing ice to form on its coils. Once that happens, your air conditioner will freeze up and become inoperable.
Why is AC maintenance important?
By having your aircon being serviced regularly, you can
ensure clean air filters and unit
. This will ensure that you are constantly breathing in clean air that are free of dust, bacteria and pollutants. It will also reduce dirt, dust, and bacteria from accumulating in your unit.
