Central air can be a godsend during the hot summer months. Even ductless mini-split units that allow you to control the temperature room-by-room can do a fantastic job keeping you comfortable. But when things fail, everything changes.
An air conditioning unit that is not keeping you cool makes you uncomfortable and puts stress on your wallet. But one thing is for sure: it is not smart to let small problems go. Small problems become big problems that only end up costing more money.
Another way to put it is this: do not put off professional repairs. At the first sign that something is going wrong, call an HVAC contractor. To illustrate the point, here are the top five signs Sandy Utah’s Comfort Solutions says indicate the need for professional service:
1. Unusual Noises From Your System
Unless you recently moved into your home, you probably know what the AC should sound like under normal conditions. Any strange noises suggest something is amiss. If you are hearing banging, grinding, rattling, or squeaking noises, your AC isn’t functioning properly. These sorts of noises often point to mechanical issues.
It’s important to pay attention to strange noises because of what they can portend. Getting your system looked at right away could prevent a more serious problem with a motor, compressor, fan, or other internal part.
2. Inconsistent Cooling
An AC unit should provide consistent cooling throughout the house. Any lack of consistency, including demonstrably different temperatures from room to room, could mean any number of things.
Inconsistent cooling could mean low refrigerant. It could also mean a clogged air filter, a weak compressor, or a thermostat that isn’t quite getting it right. The filter is something you can handle yourself. But you will need professional help with other types of problems.
3. Strange or Foul Odors
The typical AC unit will briefly emit a strange odor the first time it is used at the start of the season. But a few minutes later, that odor should dissipate. If strange odors persist or recur throughout the summer, you could be looking at ductwork contaminated with mold, mildew, or dirt buildup.
Foul odors are also concerning. A smell of something burning suggests you have an electrical problem inside the system. A rancid odor could mean a critter crawled up into your system to stay warm but never made it out.
4. Consistently Rising Utility Bills
It’s normal for utility bills to increase during the hotter summer months. But if your bills keep going up month after month, that’s a sure sign that your AC isn’t functioning properly. There is one caveat however: a sudden spike that can be attributed to drastically different temperatures from one month to the next is normal.
Normal June temperatures followed by excessive heat in July would produce such a spike. Don’t worry about it. It is likely that the higher bill is due to higher consumption brought on by the warmer temperatures.
5. Frequent Cycling
The process of your AC turning on and off is called ‘cycling’. An AC unit that cycles more frequently than normal is having trouble keeping your house cool. It is something to be concerned about. Frequent cycling can be the result of electrical issues, a failing compressor, or even a bad thermostat.
A functioning AC will keep a house cool throughout the summer months. If you’ve noticed any of the five things mentioned in this post, your AC may not be working properly. Do not ignore the symptoms. Get it looked at before a minor problem becomes something major. You’ll pay less now and enjoy a more comfortable home.