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As summer steadily approaches, climbing temperatures prompt you to start running your air conditioner again. About 75 percent of homes in the United States and 50 percent in Canada have central air conditioning, meaning there are ample opportunities to stay cool this summer. But what if your system starts acting up? Watch for these 10 signs that require hiring a technician to perform an air conditioning tune up.
The System Blows Warm Air
If the air conditioner seems to be running constantly without cooling your home, place your hand over one of the supply registers. Odds are the air feels warm, which means the system is barely cooling your home, if at all. At this rate, the A/C will be unable to keep up on hot summer days, and your energy bills will increase as comfort levels drop.
Vents Deliver Weak Airflow
Perhaps the air is quite cool, but it’s barely exiting the supply register. This weak airflow means much of the air you’re paying to cool doesn’t actually reach the living space. Leaky ducts could be to blame or the filter might simply need to be replaced. A tune up reveals and repairs the problem.
The System Runs in Spurts
When your system short cycles, this means it turns on for just a few seconds before shutting off again. Such operation prevents the air conditioner from removing excess humidity, resulting in a muggy, stuffy home. Short cycling also wears out system parts faster.
You Notice Drastic Temperature Differences
One room may feel too hot while another is too cold. Other issues such as high sun exposure, inadequate insulation and leaky windows can play a role in this, but the A/C might also be to blame. A tune up could be all you need to restore comfort from room to room.
Moisture Collects Where it Shouldn’t
The outdoor A/C component could appear to be leaking, indicating a blocked or broken drain tube. This isn’t a serious maintenance problem, but you should address it promptly to prevent something more serious like mold growth.
You Hear Strange Sounds
Over the years, you become familiar with what your A/C sounds like. If grating, grinding, squealing or another sound has made an appearance this year, seek a tune up quickly to prevent a potentially serious problem from developing.
You Detect Strange Odors
Musty smells indicate mold growth somewhere in the system. Burning or pungent odors could mean the wire insulation has burned out. A tune up is necessary to eliminate these odors and fix the underlying problem.
Your Bills are Climbing
Compare this month’s electric bill to the same month last year. If the current bill is significantly higher, something might be wearing out. A tune up can save you on your energy bills all summer long.
Your Home is Excessively Dusty
Dirty, neglected HVAC equipment is bound to blow dust into your home. A quick cleanup restores the equipment to near new condition and prevents you from needing to dust your home every other day.
You Skipped Maintenance Last Year
The general recommendation is to have your air conditioner tuned up every spring (and your furnace every fall) to promote efficient operation, lower your energy bills and catch problems early. Don’t fall behind another year – schedule maintenance to prevent an expensive repair from cropping up!
Now that you know what to look for, it could be pretty obvious that your air conditioning system needs a tune up. To schedule preventative maintenance with a qualified professional, please contact Aire Serv® today.
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