A properly operating air conditioner efficiently regulates humidity and cools your indoor space. A technician examines and can tune up your AC to get it back to normal operation if there are underlying problems. Here are a few indicators that it may be time to schedule AC maintenance services:
Improper Cooling
When some rooms in your residence are hotter or colder than others, it could be an indicator of clogged air filters or air ducts, which prevent airflow. A failing thermostat may give inaccurate temperature readings, making specific areas too cold or warm. Any damage to your ducts and vents allows cold air to leak and escape before it can reach its intended area.
While providing AC maintenance services, technicians clean the ductwork and air filters to remove any residue buildup that restricts airflow. These professionals also set and adjust your thermostat correctly. For leaky ducts, a specialist will seal the gaps using special duct tape or mastic sealant to ensure that your house is cooling evenly.
High Energy Bills
If you notice your utility bills keep increasing, your air conditioner could be leaking refrigerant. Dirty condenser and evaporator coils are other culprits that may cause your cooling system to strain and spike power costs. A malfunctioning fan may make your AC work harder, which could result in inefficient cooling and rising costs.
To help your air conditioner operate more efficiently, technicians may check the amount of refrigerant and refill if necessary. By cleaning blocked coils, your air conditioner can exchange heat, improve cooling performance, and reduce energy consumption. During tune-ups, a professional cleans and fixes the fan to allow it to work correctly.
Constant Water Leaks
If water gathers at the base of your indoor unit, the drain line might be blocked with dirt or debris. Another cause of water pooling around your cooling system is a broken drain pan. Liquids may collect around your unit if the hose is broken or unplugged, which could lead to mold growth and floor damage from water leaks.
Use a vacuum to clear the drain line of obstructions. This may stop water from backing up and collecting around your unit. A qualified technician inspects and fixes a broken drain pan to control leaks. They can replace or connect the hose properly to boost drainage and minimize the risk of water damage.
Peculiar Noises
If the fan is loose or worn, you might hear loud squealing sounds as it moves up and down along the pulleys. Bad bearings cause friction between moving components, leading to grinding noises from your air conditioner. If you ignore these sounds, other components of your AC unit may get damaged, causing a total system failure.
During maintenance, a technician could add grease or oil to the moving parts to manage the grinding and friction. For parts that are no longer working, an expert replaces them to restore normal operation. Tightening loose screws, panels, or components eliminates rattling and allows the system to function properly.
Bad Smells
Musty smells may emanate from your air conditioner when it’s running due to mold or mildew growing in the system. Burning smells may also arise in your home due to overheating wires and malfunctioning components. A chemical smell can signal a refrigerant leak.
By cleaning and replacing air filters, your air quality can improve by reducing mold and other contaminants. An expert can examine the system and seal any spots that may produce chemical smells. To solve electrical issues, a licensed electrician repairs and replaces bad wires or parts.
Schedule AC Maintenance Services
If you realize your air conditioner has the above problems, find a technician to determine the cause and fix it. By servicing your AC, it can work effectively and efficiently, keeping you comfortable all summer. To keep your cooling unit running smoothly this summer, schedule AC maintenance services today.