We’ve been running our air conditioners pretty regularly all summer long. If problems developed with yours, you might be tempted to put off repairs—though we really don’t recommend doing so. We understand how tempting it can be, with the end of summer just a handful of weeks away. But if you want to avoid a sudden breakdown and ensure that your system is ready to perform next year, we urge you to take care of any repair needs you have right away.
We can’t continue without saying, if you haven’t had AC maintenance done this year, it’s not too late! This service is typically recommended once a year, and in the spring before you need your AC the most. But it matters more that you have it done consistently, than it does the time of year you schedule this service. Professional maintenance will help you avoid the worst of repairs, and for the rest, you can call our team. But how do you know if you need repairs anyway?
Common Signs of an AC in Disrepair
Call our team if you notice:
- Low Airflow: We do first want to mention here that there are many potential causes of low airflow. For instance, it might be due to a clogged air filter. The standard HVAC filter should be changed or cleaned every 1-3 months so it can continue to do its job and protect your HVAC system from damage. If your air filter is fine but you’re still experiencing airflow problems, there might be a more serious problem at hand, and it’s time to call our team. Low airflow usually means that cold air is trapped within the system, which can cause the coils to freeze and create operational problems.
- Reduced Cooling Power: So, what if the airflow seems okay, but instead of being cool like it’s supposed to be, the air coming through your vents and into your home is lukewarm? This can be the result of low refrigerant, overheating components, or even damage to your air ducts. Reduced cooling power is both the symptom of a problem and the cause of a problem—when you don’t feel enough cooled air you’re likely to turn the thermostat down lower and lower to no avail. So essentially, you’re wasting energy and subsequently wasting money.
- Short-Cycling: This is the process in which the air conditioning system turns on and off numerous times throughout the day, without running for very long when it is on. AC systems use the most of their energy turning on and turning off, versus simply running, so you want yours to run for at least 15 minutes at a time to avoid efficiency problems.
- Odd Noises: A “weird” noise is anything outside of the normal operational sounds you hear coming from your air conditioner. This can include humming, moaning, buzzing, or clanging. You may mostly notice these sounds when the cooling system starts up and shuts down.
- Higher than Average Bills: Take a look at your energy bill this month—is it significantly higher than what you paid this time last year? How about compared to what your neighbors are paying? If your cooling bills are higher than they should be, it’s a sign your air conditioner is no longer performing as efficiently as it once did.
If your air conditioner shows any signs of disrepair, the best thing you can do is call our pros right away. This will help you avoid cooling emergencies and ensure that your system works as effectively as it’s meant to for years to come.
For reliable air conditioning repair in Glenview, IL, contact Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning.