5 Signs Your Air Conditioning Needs A Check-Up

Air conditioning is a blessing during the summer months— especially in hot, humid regions. For some areas, having air conditioning is a health and safety concern, providing a safe environment to hide from extreme heat, thus air conditioning system failing is a huge concern. Fortunately, there are ways to tell when your air conditioner is on the fritz. Here are five signs your AC needs a professional checkup.

It’s Making Strange Noises

If you start to hear strange noises from your AC unit, there’s a problem. Home air conditioning systems are designed to fade into the background, making only ambient, white noise. While you may notice the AC unit as it kicks in, your awareness should quickly dissipate.

Loud bangs or metallic clicks are a sign that something has come loose in the AC unit. It’s also an issue if you notice the AC working extra hard for no apparent reason. This issue might present as short cycling, in which the unit turns on and stops suddenly without completing a full cycle. When this issue occurs, you may notice the AC kick in several times within a brief period.

It’s Blowing Warm Air

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air or you notice temperature inconsistencies, there’s likely a problem with the coolant. You may notice warm air to the touch or just perceive that the air coming from the unit doesn’t match the thermostat setting. If you notice this issue, call an AC maintenance service right away. It’s best to deal with this problem before the extreme heat kicks in or adds wear and tear to the unit.  

Your Power Bill Increases

Some people don’t notice an issue with their air conditioner until their power bill arrives. While it’s normal to see a spike in energy costs during the summer months, it should be comparable to the years previous. If you get a startling bill, there’s likely a problem with your AC. Just because an air conditioner is running, doesn’t mean it’s running efficiently. A power bill spike could indicate an underlying issue that’s forcing the AC unit to work harder to achieve minimum output.

You Experience Excess Humidity

Experiencing high levels of humidity is another subtle sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner. AC systems are designed to manage humidity levels as they produce cold air. If this function is no longer working, you may notice a discrepancy in the thermostat temperature, cold or hot spots, or moisture on your windows.

This issue could also indicate a problem with drafts, insulation, and window seals. It’s best to investigate all potential causes to deal with the excess humidity before it creates a mold problem.

It’s Been a While

If you haven’t had a professional look at your AC system in a few years, it’s time to schedule an appointment. During an annual tune-up, an AC professional will inspect the system, clean the various components, and determine if any underlying issues are impacting its efficiency. These visits can save you money by reducing repair needs and extending the system’s lifespan.

If you notice any issues on this list or you haven’t had a professional tune-up in the past 12 months, consider calling your trusted air conditioning professional for a check-up.

Photo by Álvaro Bernal on Unsplash