August 23, 2022 •Reid Geiler
As the weather gets warmer, you'll probably rely on your air conditioner more and more to keep your home cool and comfortable. But did you know that your air conditioning unit also needs regular maintenance to function correctly?
Like all home appliances, your AC unit will eventually need service to continue working effectively. But how will you know if it's time to tune it up? Here are a few clear signs that indicate your AC unit may need some professional attention:
Your AC Unit Is Making Strange Noises
Face it; strange sounds emanating from an electric unit are never good news. But, if your air conditioner system starts whirring, buzzing, or emitting any noise, you may have an issue.
If that's the only sign, you probably have some time before something catastrophic happens. However, it's at least having a technician look. Most people rely on their AC during the warm months, so you won't want to wait for it to shut down before making an appointment. Also, strange noises generally precede a more significant malfunction.
Your AC Unit No Longer Cools Your Home As Efficiently
If you notice that your house is much warmer than usual, it could indicate a problem with the air conditioner.
Once the unit experiences problems, it becomes less efficient at doing its work of cooling. A noticeable drop in performance is always a vital sign that trouble is coming. If you're already feeling too warm, schedule a tuneup or repair. The problem will likely worsen, and you'll be sweating indoors in no time!
Your Energy Bills Have Increased Unexpectedly
Here's a red flag worth noticing. Experiencing a spike in your electric bill could indicate something's wrong with your AC. For example, an issue may be causing the unit to labor too hard and burn too much power. An emergency repair might be your best option if that's the case.
You Notice Water Leaks Around Your AC Unit
Water leaks indicate that your AC has a significant issue. Condensation pooling on the surface of the unit or beneath it is another warning sign. In addition, these leaks often mean that your AC's evaporator coil is frozen, which can cause extensive damage if left untreated.
Bad Smells Circulating From Your Vents
If you start noticing that your ducts are emitting bad smells, it indicates that your AC needs immediate servicing. The smells could be due to mold or mildew in the unit, and servicing will clear out the problem.
By performing regular maintenance on your AC or hiring a professional HVAC company to do it for you, you shouldn't run into a situation where things get out of control and start smelling.
Mold or mildew cannot grow when you clean the vents regularly. Unfortunately, many homeowners aren't aware of the necessity for maintenance, and that causes a decline in AC performance.
Regular AC Maintenance Solves Problems
Letting AC problems go unrepaired means you may pay substantially more for repairs when the situation worsens. As a general best practice, it's worth inspecting your system periodically for visual signs of decline.
Following the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule will extend the AC's life while improving residents' comfort. A maintained unit runs smoother, uses less power, and circulates the air better.
If you notice these signs, the best bet is to call a professional AC repair technician for a checkup. They can clean your unit, check for potential problems, and ensure it's running as efficiently as possible.
Regular AC maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and can help prevent expensive repairs down the road. So don't wait until your AC unit stops working - make sure to schedule regular checkups to keep it in good shape! Maintenance keeps your AC running smoothly, even during the hottest months.
You can also perform regular tasks between professional visits. Maintaining your AC unit is essential so that it runs properly and efficiently. Follow these helpful tips on how to do that:
Clean The Unit Regularly - Regular cleaning removes any dirt or debris causing problems. It probably doesn't sound much fun to clean your air conditioner, but it will extend life and performance.
Check The Filters And Replace When Needed - Clean air filters are essential in keeping your HVAC unit running efficiently. When this relatively inexpensive component of your heating and cooling system is clogged, it prevents fresh air from flowing through the system, creating a bottleneck that puts additional stress and pressure on your unit to deliver treated air.
Keep The Area Around The Unit Clear - Much like clogged or dirty air filters can negatively impact the performance of your HVAC unit. For example, if the area surrounding your outer unit is full of leaves, lawn clippings, or other debris, it prevents the airflow from moving through the HVAC system.
With proper maintenance, your AC unit has the potential to last a long time - upwards of 15 years. However, the average AC lifespan is around 10-12 years. Many factors can contribute to a shortened lifespan, such as improper installation, lack of maintenance, or using the wrong size unit for your home. In addition, AC units with improper installation are more likely to develop issues and need repairs.
If you don't properly maintain your AC unit, it will have to work harder to cool your home, causing increased wear and tear and a shorter lifespan. Finally, AC units that are too small or too large for your home will also have a shorter lifespan.
AC units that are too small will have to run constantly to keep your home cool, while AC units that are too large will cycle on and off frequently, leading to increased wear and tear. By understanding the average lifespan of an AC unit and taking steps to care for your unit correctly, you can help extend its life.
If you have any problems with your AC unit, be sure to call a professional for help. They can troubleshoot and fix any issues you may have.
