You’re almost guaranteed to need to have your air conditioning repaired at some point during its life due to how much use it gets. If your AC suddenly develops any type of issue, the last thing you want to do is put off getting it fixed. If you do, the problem will likely only get worse and could possibly lead to a total breakdown that requires a full system replacement. That’s why you should watch for these common signs that can help you identify an issue and let you know that you need to call an AC repair service.
Ineffective Cooling
It’s fairly easy to tell whether or not your air conditioning is working properly by monitoring the temperature in your home and how long your AC runs for at a time. A properly working AC should have no issues keeping a house at the right temperature even in extremely hot weather.
Your AC will have to work harder and run longer on days when the temperature reaches the upper 90s. However, it should still be able to keep your house as cool as you want without needing to run for hours at a time. In fact, most AC systems won’t stay on for more than 15-20 minutes when just maintaining the set temperature.
If you find that your house is frequently too hot and your house always runs for a long time, it’s a sure sign that it needs to be repaired or serviced. Ineffective cooling can result from a variety of issues, including low refrigerant level, dirty coils, a failing compressor, etc. Your AC will also struggle if you let the air filter get too dirty, and this is the one thing to check before you call for service.
Uneven Temperatures
A properly functioning AC system will circulate air evenly throughout the house so that every room remains close to the same temperature. Rooms with large windows or skylights can heat up faster and may not get fully cool before your AC shuts off. Nonetheless, a significant difference in temperature across different parts of the house is usually a sign that your AC isn’t cooling as well as it should or isn’t circulating air properly for one reason or another.
A dirty air filter will often lead to weak airflow and hot spots in certain areas. Issues with your ductwork or the AC blower can also lead to improper air circulation and uneven temperatures.
Spike in Electricity Usage
Unless you have a hot tub, your AC system is almost certainly the biggest contributor to your electricity bills during the summer. That means a sudden increase in your electricity bills from one month to the next is almost always related to your AC. Your electricity bills can obviously fluctuate and will always be higher during the hottest months of the year.
Nonetheless, a major increase indicates that either your AC is having to run more as a result of it not cooling effectively or consuming more energy than it normally does. Certain issues like a dirty condenser coil can lead to anywhere from a 20% to a 60% reduction in AC efficiency and thus result in a substantial increase in your electricity bill.
Warm Air Blowing Out of Vents
Under normal circumstances, the air blowing out of your vents when your AC is running will be at least 15 degrees colder than the surrounding air and feel fairly cool. If the air feels warm or just barely cooler, it’s another sign that your AC isn’t working properly. This is yet another issue that can happen because the air filter is dirty. It can also happen because the condenser coil is dirty, the system is low on refrigerant or for a few other reasons. Other than checking the air filter, the only way to know for sure what issue your AC has is a professional inspection.
Unusual Noises
Of all of the issues on this list, unusual noises are among the ones you least want to ignore. Hearing your AC make a humming, buzzing, squealing or screeching sound is often a sign of a serious problem that could soon result in the system breaking down. For instance, a humming sound coming from the outdoor unit can indicate that the compressor is failing, whereas a buzzing sound is often a sign of an electrical issue. Squealing or screeching usually results from worn-out bearings in one of the motors and will likely lead to the motor burning out if you don’t have the bearings replaced.
Contact Us Today
Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC is a family-owned company with more than 40 years of experience serving homeowners in Billings. We specialize in AC repairs and maintenance and strive to fix any HVAC issues the same day. Our team also has experience working on all brands of equipment and will ensure that your AC or heating is repaired properly. To schedule a diagnostic service and get help overcoming any air conditioning problems you’re experiencing, contact us today.
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