As we roll into the peak of summer heat, your home’s air conditioning health is more important now than ever! That also makes now the worst possible time for it to break down.
While your air conditioner won’t exactly talk to you and tell you exactly how it’s doing, it also usually won’t break down without any sort of notice. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you will likely be able to determine the need for air conditioning repair before an emergency arises by keeping lookout for the telltale warning signs.
As we head into the most important time of year to have an air conditioner running at full strength, look for these warning signs that you need air conditioning repair so you can get out ahead of trouble.
Age
A home’s central air conditioner can have a solid lifespan ranging from 10-20 years depending on a handful of various factors. Keeping your air conditioner well maintained with regular check-ups can help push it into the top end of the spectrum, while ignoring regular maintenance can shorten its lifespan. The amount of use it gets during the height of the summer season each year can also determine how long its life can be.
Regular maintenance for your air conditioning is highly recommended and is one of the most effective measures you can take in extending its lifespan. But even then, your air conditioner won’t last forever even with the best care.
If your air conditioner is approaching 15-20 years old it may be a good idea to get its condition evaluated to see if it may be time to start planning an upgrade. If your AC is in this age range, also begin closely monitoring its performance and be mindful of the other warning signs of air conditioning repair on this list.
Steadily Rising Electricity Bills
Nobody likes dealing with the high electricity bills we often get at the extremes of the summer. Of course, spikes in your bills at the beginning and peak of the season are natural as your air conditioner is forced to work harder to compensate for the increasing temperature. However, other than the spikes your monthly bill should be somewhat consistent, albeit higher than normal compared to the rest of the year.
If you begin to notice your electricity bills gradually climbing and climbing, it could be a sign that your air conditioner is wearing out. As an air conditioner gets older and worn down, its efficiency begins to drop and it forces itself to work harder to meet demand. This means requiring more energy which can cause your bills to shoot up. Even if it doesn’t seem like your system is having a hard time keeping your home cool, if you see your bills rising month after month it is time to get your AC checked out.
Weird Smells and Sounds
When in top working order, your air conditioner shouldn’t produce anything but clean-smelling cool air and a little bit of noise in the form of the fan blowing. If you begin to notice anything else out of the ordinary coming out of your air conditioner, whether it is a strange smell or weird sound, this should be considered a warning sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner and requires immediate attention.
Your air conditioner’s fan produces a bit of noise on its own, but any grinding, squealing, or louder than usual noises that a part of your system is worn out or damaged like the compressor, fan blades, or motor. When these essential components wear down or break they can disrupt the efficiency of your cooling system and often make very distinct sounds.
But keep your nose open for odd smells as well. Any burning smells could also be a sign of internal wear or damage caused by grinding or overworking. Musty smells could also be a sign of mold growing inside your ductwork, which is a major allergen and a big problem for anyone in the house with allergies. At the first sign of distinct and unpleasant smells and noises coming from your air conditioner, it is time to call in a pro to take a look.
Poor Airflow
Does it seem like your air conditioner is having a hard time pushing air around your home? The first thing you should do is check to see if the filter needs replaced. A dirty filter can greatly inhibit the flow of cool air throughout the house and will cause your unit to overwork itself to compensate. This filter should be replaced every three months or so.
But, if your filter is new and you are still experiencing poor airflow, this could be a sign that your air conditioner is on its way out. Poor airflow is oftentimes a result of a worn-out compressor which can be a costly fix. Poor airflow is likely accompanied by other air conditioning repair warning signs and definitely cause to call in a professional to take a look.
If you are experiencing any of these air conditioning problems, it’s time to get a set of trained eyes on your system to evaluate the need for air conditioning repair. Hoosier Indoor Air proudly serves the Indianapolis area with all your residential heating and cooling needs including air conditioning repair and year-round maintenance. Call 317-888-9111 today to learn more or schedule service online.