Spring is moving right along, and already we’re heading into warmer temperatures. If you’re not already, soon you’ll be using your air conditioner on a daily basis, and when this time comes you need to be able to rely on it—after all, the last thing you need is a sudden breakdown and an emergency repair call on a 90°+ day!
So, what if you suspect (or, have been told by an HVAC pro) that you need AC repair in Edmond, OK? The best thing you can do for your system is to take care of this need now, before you need your system hour by hour. The good news is that most repair signs are pretty apparent, so if you suspect something is wrong, it probably is. Overall, it’s never a waste of time to have something checked out “just in case.” But do you really know what to look, or listen for? Keep reading for some common indicators of an AC in disrepair.
Low Airflow
Air that isn’t moving through the vents with the speed you can expect is a nuisance for comfort, but it indicates an even bigger problem for your cooling system. This usually means cold air is trapped in the system, which causes the coils to freeze, among other potential issues. The reduced airflow means your system has to work harder than it should need to in order to do its job, which will quickly wear it down, and raise your energy bills as a result.
Reduced Cooling Power
Sometimes the problem isn’t low airflow but low cooling power. You may have air blasting through the vents in your home, but it feels lukewarm—this can be caused by anything from the system accidentally being set to heating mode if it’s a heat pump, to a refrigerant leak. The latter is a much more serious problem than you might even realize and should be managed right away to ensure AC functionality.
Short-Cycling
This describes the process where an air conditioner’s compressor turns on and off rapidly rather than steady increments throughout the day. The problem with this is that your cooling system uses more energy turning on and off than it does simply running, which is why you want yours to run for at least 15 minutes at a time. Otherwise, it’s typically the sign of something being seriously wrong with your system.
Odd Noises
A weird noise can mean anything—hums, moans, buzzes, clangs—anything that doesn’t match the normal sounds you’re used to hearing come from your air conditioner as it operates. You will probably notice sounds like this when the system turns on and off. None of them should be ignored. While the cause may be minor, it could instead be the sign of a potentially dangerous situation (such as an electrical problem) and should be fixed ASAP.
Higher Energy Bills
This isn’t an immediately obvious sign, but take a look at your energy bills. Are they higher than they were this same time last year? Perhaps talk to your neighbors—are you paying much more to cool your home than you are? Higher energy bills are a sign that your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it once did and it may very well need repair. Or depending on how old it is, it might be time to consider a system upgrade.
At Comfort Incorporated, we keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable–call today, service today!
