Top 15 Air Conditioning FAQs in Santa Fe, NM

Noticing any strange noises, weak airflow, or a lack of cool air are clear signs your AC might need servicing. A sudden spike in your energy bills can also indicate inefficiency in your system. Regular maintenance can catch these issues early. If you suspect something’s off, give us a call. We’ll inspect your unit and make sure it’s running smoothly, saving you from bigger headaches down the road.

During an AC maintenance visit, our technicians conduct a comprehensive inspection. We clean or replace air filters, check the refrigerant levels, inspect the thermostat, and ensure all components are functioning properly. This thorough service not only keeps your unit running efficiently but also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns during the hottest months.

Absolutely! AC tune-ups are a small investment that can lead to big savings on energy bills and repair costs. By keeping your system in peak condition, tune-ups improve efficiency, extend the lifespan of your unit, and enhance your comfort. Our tune-ups are designed to catch potential issues early, ensuring your AC is always ready to keep you cool.

While some maintenance tasks like cleaning or replacing air filters can be done by homeowners, most AC servicing should be left to professionals. Attempting more complex tasks can lead to damage or void warranties. For basic upkeep, keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris and ensure vents are unobstructed. For everything else, trust the experts at Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Heating to handle the job safely and effectively.

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your AC’s efficiency. Filters should be checked monthly and cleaned or replaced as needed, especially during peak usage. The outdoor unit should be kept free of leaves, dirt, and other debris. By keeping your system clean, you’ll improve airflow and reduce the strain on your unit. For a thorough cleaning, schedule a professional service with Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Heating.

Neglecting to clean your air conditioner can lead to a host of problems, including reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and potential system failure. Dirt and debris can clog your filters and coils, causing your AC to work harder and wear out faster. Regular cleaning is a simple way to ensure your system runs smoothly. If it’s been a while since your last clean, contact us for a professional service.

Whether or not to repair your air conditioner depends on the age and condition of the unit. If your AC is less than 10 years old and the repair cost is less than half the price of a new unit, repair might be the best option. However, for older units or those with frequent issues, replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.

If your AC is 10 years old, it’s nearing the end of its expected lifespan, especially in New Mexico’s harsh climate. While some units may continue to perform well with regular maintenance, others may start to show signs of inefficiency or frequent breakdowns. If you’re noticing these issues, it might be time to consider a replacement. Our team can assess your system and recommend the best course of action.

While it’s possible to replace just the outside AC unit, it’s often not recommended unless the indoor unit is relatively new and compatible with the new outdoor unit. Mismatched units can lead to inefficiency and increased wear on both components. For the best performance and energy savings, it’s usually better to replace both units at the same time.

If your outside AC unit stops working, the first step is to check for obvious issues like a tripped breaker or a blocked fan. If these aren’t the problem, it’s time to call in a professional. At Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ll quickly diagnose the issue and get your system back up and running. Ignoring a malfunctioning unit can lead to more extensive (and expensive) damage, so it’s best to address the problem promptly.

Checking your AC compressor requires a bit of technical know-how. Listen for unusual noises and feel for warm air coming from the unit, which could indicate a problem. However, diagnosing compressor issues is complex and often requires specialized tools. If you suspect your compressor is failing, it’s best to call the experts at Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Heating for a thorough inspection and accurate diagnosis.

A bad AC capacitor can cause your unit to struggle to start or fail to run altogether. Common signs include a humming noise, the fan not spinning, or the AC cycling on and off frequently. Since testing a capacitor involves dealing with electrical components, it’s safer to have a professional handle it.

If your compressor is failing, your AC may still run, but it won’t cool your home effectively. A bad compressor can lead to warm air blowing from your vents or your system shutting down entirely. Continuing to run an AC with a bad compressor can cause more damage, so it’s important to address the issue quickly.

If your AC is running but not cooling, there could be several issues at play, from low refrigerant levels to a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning compressor. Each of these problems requires a different solution, so it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. At Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ll pinpoint the cause and get your system back to providing the cool air you need.