As the temperatures rise, you rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool as a cucumber on the warmest days. However, if you’re a/c is not in its best shape, it may need to work overtime to keep the temperatures enjoyable.
Summer is coming up fast and that does not have to mean high electric bills. If your air conditioning unit is running the way it should, the use of energy will be efficient. The best way to make sure your AC unit is in tip-top shape is to provide timely maintenance. Here are some signs that you need a tune-up for your a/c unit.
Signs It’s Time to Call a Technician
Abnormal Noises Are Coming From the Unit
As your air conditioning unit ages, you get to know all of the usual sounds it makes when it is running. If you notice any new noises that are out of the usual, this is a clear sign that it is time for a tune-up. The sounds you should keep an ear out for include hissing, whistling, buzzing, and any kind of a bang. All of these noises are signals of a concerning malfunction. For example, the buzzing is a sign that the airflow is obstructed at some point in the pipes. Humming usually occurs when the blades can move as fast as they should. A motor that is on its last days will often hum as a warning sign.
If you notice any of those abnormal noises coming from your AC, click here to contact air conditioning repair in EASTERN panhandle.
There’s A Jump in Your Electric Bill
If your AC unit is not in optimal condition, it will work harder to keep the space cool. This lower efficiency will lead to a higher electric bill as the unit uses more energy to maintain the correct temperature. When you notice a jump in your electric bill, it’s time to schedule an inspection since it is likely time to give your unit a tune-up.
AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
If you notice that the air coming out of the AC is not cold, this is not normal. An AC unit should not blow room temperature or warm air like a fan would, it is intended to cool the air. The reasons behind this malfunction can all be attributed to the need for a tune-up.
The air filters may be past their useful life and need to be removed in favor of new ones. Another possible reason is dirty or clogged coils that need cleaning. It is also important to check the refrigerant levels, if these get low, it will limit the cooling abilities. The issues could also be a symptom of an electrical problem caused by a trip or a faulty fuse.
The Unit Smells Bad
A foul smell coming from your air conditioning unit is an issue that deserves immediate attention. An unpleasant smell can be the symptom of a wet filter, a clog in the drain line, or a colony of mold. The culprit may also be wire insulation that needs to be changed out. A tune-up will enable your unit to stay clean, well-maintained, and smelling pleasant.
The Air Does Not Come Out With Enough Force
To keep the correct temperature, the AC unit needs to supply a room with constant and sufficient air. If the air conditioner fails to do that, the temperatures can fluctuate and the AC’s efficiency will be negatively impacted.
Subpar airflow can usually be attributed to issues involving either the ducts or the filters. Dirty ducts or filters can also lead to poor air quality which can trigger allergies and asthma. This air conditioning sign indicates that it’s time to schedule a tune-up to keep your unit running at its best.
What Is Included in a Tune-up?
During a tune-up, the technician typically performs a thorough cleaning of the coils, evaluates the refrigerant levels, calibrates the thermostat, inspects the ducts for any obstructions or leaks, verifies the electrical connections are safely operating and evaluates the lower motor and belt.
