When should you fix your AC?

The Philly area can get really hot in the spring and summer, even if the surrounding areas are cool. Scientists refer to this as the urban heat island effect, and it occurs in a number of urban areas that are significantly warmer than nearby locales as a direct result of human activities. This isn't some fluke side effect of global warming or an unproven new theory either. The phenomenon has been documented since as early as 1810.

For those who think they'll just sweat it out during the summer or that they'll be able to practice mind over matter to get through the heat, science clearly says otherwise. All that concrete and pavement around your home reflects heat all day, and it doesn't stop just because the sun goes down. The heat energy stored in brick and other common building materials keeps things toasty through most of the night, meaning that it's essential to find a Philadelphia air conditioning repair service before it starts warming up outside.

So, when should you fix your broken AC? For most, it depends on the size of the unit. People who live in the older row houses that dot the city may have no AC at all or use window-mounted blowers. These individuals often wait until later to test their air conditioners out, but it's better to be proactive. Try your small AC in advance to make sure that you won't have to suffer through hot days later or pay more for repairs when everyone's feeling super hot, and repair experts are pressed for time.

Recent buildings usually have some kind of central HVAC, but unlike suburban homes, they don't have the benefits of ample yard space. External blowers and fans must, therefore, be attached to roofs, and they take huge beatings as a result. In addition to having to survive the weather during other times of the year, these units must work hard to create lower temperatures while the hot summer sun is beating down, and heat is rising from below. As a result, many HVAC components experience routine failures, and these problems may be even more difficult to repair.

If your home is equipped with a big HVAC unit, make sure to have it checked out before spring rolls around. This is the easiest way to ensure that you won't run into trouble later, and your repair service may be able to get the job done quicker without as much foliage in the way.

Make things simple by scheduling common maintenance tasks at the same time as you have your spring service work performed. For instance, spring is a good time to install new filters and get rid of all the old winter dust as you prepare for the new pollen to come, especially in a well-treed city like Philadelphia. Similarly, it's also the perfect occasion to have your vents and ductwork cleaned out. Establish a routine now to catch these issues at the low point between heavy-usage seasons; you'll spend way less on maintenance over time.