If there is any service for your home you need to schedule sooner rather than later, it’s air conditioning repair. And this is the time of year we get the most calls for this service! After all, your air conditioner has been through a lot of work and has more to go still.
The longer you wait to schedule air conditioner repairs, the higher chance there is of experiencing a complete system breakdown. We would really like to help you avoid this by helping you take care of your air conditioner and getting repairs done at the first sign of trouble. For example, strange noises from your AC are a key indicator that something isn’t right and needs professional attention. Of course, this means you need to know how to recognize those signs of trouble, right? Read on as we uncover four of the top signs that you need AC repair.
1) You Can’t Keep Cool
This seems like a pretty apparent example that something is wrong with your air conditioner, right?
Well, not necessarily. Many homeowners chalk this up to just how hot it is outside. After all, an air conditioner will struggle to cool your home any further than 20°F below what the temperature is outside. So if you’re dealing with a 100°F day and trying to cool your home down to 70°F, sure you can blame the weather.
But otherwise, you should expect your cooling system to keep you adequately cool. If it can’t, there might be a problem like a refrigerant leak, ductwork damage, or a compressor problem. These all vary in severity but all require attention to get the comfort back that you deserve.
2) Your Utility Bills Are Too High
This is rather subjective, isn’t it? Nobody likes paying their electrical bill when summer rolls around. Considering how much we use our air conditioners, and the fact that HVAC use accounts for half of all energy use, those bills can really skyrocket.
What we want you to look at, however, is how high those bills are compared to what you paid last year, or what your neighbors are paying. If there’s an uncomfortably significant difference, it’s a sign that something is causing your air conditioner to work less efficiently than it used to, and it needs to be fixed!
3) You Hear the System Cycling On and Off Rapidly
This is called short-cycling. What’s happening is that your air conditioner is coming on for a short time, and then shutting back off just a couple minutes later without actually completing a cooling cycle.
There are a couple reasons this might occur. Number one, your air conditioner might be too big, or over-powered, for your home. If this is the case, however, you will have noticed the problem right after installation.
Number two, there’s an electrical problem within your air conditioner. Short-cycling not only makes your system inefficient but can also lead to early breakdowns if left unresolved. Electrical issues can hurt your AC system and lead to its early demise. It’s best to call a professional ASAP if you notice your air conditioner short-cycling!
4) You Hear Strange Noises
A “strange” noise is anything outside of the normal sounds of your air conditioner. Yes you’re going to hear the compressor cycling on, the whooshing of air through your vents, and perhaps even the ductwork rattling a bit as temperatures fluctuate.
What you shouldn’t hear, however, is:
- Excessive rattling indicating a loose component or bent fan blade.
- Screeching, which may mean you have motor bearings that need lubricating.
- Hissing or gurgling, both signs of a refrigerant leak.
- Clanging which could be a loose part.
If you hear anything out of the ordinary or if your air conditioner simply isn’t performing at the standard you expect, please give our team a call! You might also want to explore going ductless this summer for better efficiency and comfort.
Get “The Best Care for Your Air” by contacting Cool Care Heating and Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning service in Houston, TX.