By Knowing the Early Warning Signs You Can Prevent a Major Breakdown
When a central air conditioner is in need of repair it will often provide clues that it is not working properly. Sometimes the signs are obvious, such as an air conditioner that runs longer than it should, while other times it may be more subtle, such as unusual noises. By paying attention to the signs of a malfunctioning AC you will be able to repair the system right away, avoiding an unexpected and costly breakdown during the hottest days of summer. Here’s what to look and listen for.
The AC Unit Is Making Unusual Noises
If you hear knocking, pinging or other unusual sounds, don’t ignore them. Unusual sounds can indicate that there are loose or worn parts that are about to fail. It could be as simple as tightening a loose bracket or replacing a worn fan pulley.
Your Utility Bill Is Unexpectedly High
A central air conditioner is the most energy intensive appliances in the average home. While air conditioners will typically become less efficient as they get older, it’s often a result of worn out or dirty parts. Annual AC maintenance is essential for keeping cooling systems operating at peak efficiency. If the system has to run longer to maintain the set temperature, the result will be an increase in your power bill. There is one important maintenance task you can perform yourself – replace the furnace air filter monthly or when it becomes noticeably dirty.
Areas Of the Home Are Too Hot, Even When the Thermostat Is Lowered
First, make sure that all the air registers are open and not obstructed by rugs or furniture. Uneven cooling can be a sign that the air delivery system is not sized correctly. Have an HVAC technician inspect your home’s air ducts to ensure there are no leaks and that the system is designed to match the capacity of your heating and cooling system.
The Air Is Cold, But The House Feels Too Humid
Removing humidity from the air is something a central air conditioner is designed to do efficiently. Humid air can be a result of several factors, including leaking air ducts, an undersized AC unit, a frozen condenser coil or other malfunction. Your HVAC technician can diagnose the cause and recommend solutions. In some cases a whole-home dehumidifier may be needed to maintain proper relative humidity in the home.
The AC is Blowing Warm Air
If the system is blowing warm air, it can be several potential causes, including low on refrigerant, or a blocked, frozen or leaking evaporation coil.
If you experience any of they symptoms above, call Central Heating Cooling Plumbing and Electrical to have your air conditioner checked. We can help track down the cause to get your AC working at peak performance.
