Cool air is arriving quickly and your air conditioner has survived another season of heat. But surviving this summer doesn’t promise it will keep its cool the next time temperatures soar. Here are a few indicators that your air conditioning system may be on its way out.
Not cooling well
Your AC system is designed to keep you cool and comfortable on the warmest days, so if it’s not keeping your home cool (and you’re not comfortable) there’s possibly a problem. There are many situations where your air conditioner may quit cooling – compressor failure, a wrong calibrated thermostat, or a refrigerant leak. Once you’ve determined the situation, it may be better to just let go of your little engine that could, and purchase a newer, more energy-efficient AC – preferably one that keeps your family cool.
More Frequent Repairs
If you’re needing AC repairs every year, it may be time to give it up and invest in a new one. Frequent AC repairs are a good signal that your AC is starting to breakdown and you don’t want to be left in the middle of summer with a roasting hot home.
Rise in Energy Bills
If you see a jump in your HVAC bills that could be an indication that something is not right. If your air conditioning system is working extreme overtime, it could end up causing you to work overtime to afford it, and it could be a better decision for you to purchase a more energy-efficient air conditioning system that can easily decrease your peak season energy payments.
Drop in Air Flow
If your air flow isn’t as forceful as it used to be, it could be a signal that your AC is on its way to breaking down. Inspect your home’s air filters to confirm they do not require replacing and, if not, call a technician to help determine the problem.
Constantly Kicking On
If your system is always running, particularly if it’s not producing much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It may be something that’s easy to resolve with a Precision tune-up, but it could also be a sign that your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home and that ends up costing you wasted energy and wasted money.
Weird Noise
If your AC starts producing strange noises, there may be a problem. Higher pitched noises might mean a problem with one of the motors. Rattling noises may mean a part has come loose. Don’t take any chances. Call a professional to inspect it and determine if it’s an issue worth repairing or if it is going to end up being an ongoing issue.
Signs of Aging
Just like everything (and everyone), the more something ages, the weaker it eventually gets. Is your system not cooling as well as it did four to six years ago? Are specific rooms cooler or warmer than others? Is it taking a larger amount of time to get to a cool and comfortable temperature? These are all usual indicators of an aging AC. If your air conditioner is floundering and is nearing or over 10 years in age, call Strogen's Service Experts and 603-923-4570 for a free in-home estimate and find out about our current promotions on energy-efficient air conditioning systems.