May 1, 2019
Though air conditioning was available to cool large spaces like movie theatres, they weren’t economically feasible for homeowners until 1947.
Nowadays, we take comfortable climate control for granted in our homes. But that doesn’t mean we can neglect to get our AC unit serviced when needed.
Here are some signs to help you know when you need AC unit service.
AC Unit is Blowing Hot Air
You put your hand to the vent and feel warm or hot air. First, go check your thermostat. Make sure it’s not set to ‘heat’ or a warm temperature setting.
If the thermostat is set correctly and your AC unit is blowing hot air, you know right away that you need to call an HVAC professional.
Hot air coming out of the vents usually means that the unit’s compressor is not working.
In most AC units, the compressor sits in your outdoor unit around the side of your house. A compressor circulates refrigerant through the AC coils to cool the air.
Warm air coming out of your vents could be a sign that your unit is leaking refrigerant. When this happens the unit can’t cool the air before blowing it through the vents.
The good news is that both of these scenarios are easy to fix. And they cost much less than it does to replace the entire AC unit.
Very Little Air Blowing From Vents
Another sign that you need air conditioning repair is if you don’t feel much air pressure from your vents.
Even if the air coming out is cool, if it feels weak coming out then it can’t circulate throughout the room. Soon, your space will feel uncomfortably warm.
This issue could be a problem with your ductwork, or it could be a sign that the compressor needs repairs. You should call an HVAC service person to come to analyze the issue.
Otherwise, if you let the problem stay as is, you risk further damage to your AC. If your AC can’t cool your house down, the unit will have to work harder to reach the ideal temperature. This can put extra strain on your unit and cause further issues.
Leaks from AC Unit
Another sign that it’s time to call an HVAC professional is if you notice small puddles or moisture around your unit.
It’s important to have this issue taken care of to prevent mold from growing in your home. Mold is a health hazard that you don’t want in your home.
A leak from your AC unit could be due to a blockage in the drain tube. Moisture around the air conditioner can also be due to a refrigerant leak. Either way, you want to have the issue fixed to prevent future (more expensive) repairs.
Frequent “On” Cycles
Your AC unit should turn on for a period of time and then go into rest mode. These routine cycles are how the AC maintains the right temperature in your home.
On hot days, you can expect your system to kick on more frequently. But even then, it shouldn’t be coming on much more than usual.
Frequent cycling can be a sign that your AC unit is failing and needs replacing. Yet, a tune-up may be all that your unit needs to return to proper functioning.
Frequent cycling takes a toll on your AC and wears out your unit. Don’t let frequent cycles go on unattended for too long.
Unusual Sounds
A properly working AC unit doesn’t make much noise. You will hear a fan sound but that’s all.
If you start to hear unusual sounds like squealing, grinding, grating or any loud sounds, contact TemperaturePro right away.
Many times, a quick AC unit service visit now can prevent you from having to replace the entire AC unit soon.
Unusual Smells
Your AC unit has a filter that prevents dust and other small particles from circulating through your vents into the air you breathe.
If you smell a musty or dusty smell coming from your vents, replace your air filter.
If that doesn’t help the bad smell, you’ll need to schedule an AC unit service visit.
A strong smell coming from your vents could mean that a wire is burnt and needs replacing. Musty smells are a sign that there is mold somewhere in your ducts.
Don’t put your family’s health at risk. Schedule an HVAC service visit right away.
Electricity Bill is Much Higher
Is your most recent electricity bill total much higher than usual? A jump in your power bill could be due to your AC unit running more than it did in the past.
A constantly running unit needs servicing. Not only will it prolong the life of your unit, but it will stop the high power bills from continuing.
Problems with Your Thermostat
Sometimes, your AC unit is not the problem. The thermostat may sometimes need service.
Maybe your indoor temperature feels off compared to the number on the thermostat, or some parts of the home feel cooler or warmer than others.
Both these are signs that there are issues with your thermostat. An HVAC technician can diagnose and fix thermostat issues.
It’s Been 10 Years
If your AC unit was installed 10 years ago, it’s time to start shopping for a new unit. Air conditioners aren’t built to last much longer than a decade.
If your unit is giving you trouble, replacement rather than repair is likely the best option. You don’t want to spend money on a unit that will fail in the near future.
Your HVAC technician can help you determine if it’s worth repairing your unit or not.
Final Word on AC Unit Service
As you can see, there are many scenarios where AC unit service is necessary.
Not only does it protect your unit’s lifespan, but it can also protect your family’s health.
Contact TemperaturePro today to set up an appointment.
