Homeowners in Phoenix, AZ will be relieved to learn that air conditioners nearly always show indications of needing maintenance. Pay attention to the following indicators to keep on top of your air conditioner’s health and maintenance needs.
But how can you tell whether your air conditioner is in need of repair? Do you wait till the air conditioner stops pumping chilly air? It’s generally too late by then.
Air conditioners don’t last forever, but there are certain things you can do to make them last as long as possible. Hansen Family Plumbing’s A/C experts will assist you in keeping your air conditioner running well for many years.Check out these 8 symptoms that your air conditioner is failing to keep you and your family cool and comfortable:
Inadequate Airflow
One of the first signs that your air conditioner isn’t working properly is a lack of airflow. You may notice a lack of airflow coming from the AC vents, which indicates that the compressor is malfunctioning or that your ductwork is blocked.
Unusual Noises
If your air conditioner makes any unusually loud or strange noises, it may be time to replace it. These noises include rattling, screaming, and pounding sounds that occur every time your system is turned on. Turn off the gadget when you hear the noise and call a professional technician to inspect the equipment.
The majority of the time, these noises are produced by a belt that has slipped out of its normal position or by damaged motor bearings. A pounding noise is produced by an imbalanced indoor bower. A clunking noise, on the other hand, may indicate that the sealed unit’s parts have failed and need to be replaced. It’s also possible that the indoor and outdoor fans are out of balance, causing other parts to work inadequately. Squeaky air conditioners aren’t normal, and they should be checked out by a qualified technician who can properly inspect the system.
Although some devices generate some noise during startup, if the noise persists, you may assume that there is a problem. Although noise problems may be resolved, they become expensive if they reoccur.
Obnoxious Odors
It might be aggravating to cope with pungent odors emanating from your air conditioning vents. If there’s a musty odor, it’s likely that mold or mildew is forming inside the ducting or unit, which has to be addressed right once. Bad smells might also be the result of burned-out wire insulation, which should be replaced as soon as possible.
Leakage
Moisture surrounding your air conditioner might sign a few problems. For starters, there may be a refrigerant leak, which could put you and your family in danger. It’s also possible that there’s an issue with the condensate line, which is either damaged or clogged. In any case, you’ll need to deal with moisture concerns to avoid more damage.
No Cool Airflow
You’ll notice a shortage of cold air coming from the vents if your air conditioner isn’t working correctly. It’s possible that the air isn’t even chilly in certain situations. There’s a risk the system’s compressor has failed or the refrigerant levels are too low when this happens. It may seem self-evident, but if you aren’t getting enough cold air, you should be concerned. A damaged compressor, low refrigerant levels, or an electrical failure in the system are all possible causes. The first step is to contact a professional; but, if the repair is substantial, you may want to consider replacing the item.
Air Flow Weakening
The air should constantly flow out. If it doesn’t seem to be pumping as hard as it used to, it probably needs some basic maintenance, such as cleaning or changing the filter.
Increased Energy Bill
Pay attention since heating and cooling expenditures account for almost half of your home’s power bill. A sudden and unexpected increase in your home’s energy usage might indicate that your unit has failed and has to be replaced right away. Your monthly costs should stay the same unless there are significant changes in your home’s energy consumption and only fluctuate during AC season. However, sometimes your energy habits are the same, but your power bills are astronomically high. A larger power bill indicates that the device is losing efficiency or has malfunctioned in some way.
Air conditioners today consume 30 to 50 percent less energy than previous models to provide the same level of cooling. You should replace your outdated air conditioner with a more energy-efficient model to save money. Finally, if you detect an unexpected increase in your power costs, you should contact an expert to inspect the unit and provide advice on how to proceed.
Your Air Conditioner is More than a Decade Old
Air conditioners, unlike other household items, are frequently left outside. As a result, they are subjected to adverse weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures and snowfall throughout the winter months. The unit’s lifespan is significantly reduced by extreme weather conditions, which induce rust and corrosion. Older air conditioners can survive up to 12 years. Because of their higher efficiency and use of more contemporary materials, newer versions may endure for 15 to 20 years.
The lifespan of a unit is primarily determined by a number of factors, including regular maintenance. A well-maintained device will survive longer than one that is neglected. In essence, missing AC tune-ups will drastically reduce the longevity of your system. The temperature and humidity of your environment, as well as whether the gadget is properly designed for your living space, all impact longevity.
It’s also worth considering that mechanical components for an ancient air conditioner might be difficult to come by as they grow outdated over time. You will have no choice but to buy a new machine if the defective parts cannot be replaced.
Replacement vs. Repair
The decision to repair or replace an air conditioner is usually a contentious one among homeowners. While there is no definitive answer, the efficiency of your unit and the frequency of maintenance should be your guiding principles. While repairs might be cost-effective when done seldom, regular repairs can be costly and should be replaced.
In the end, your selection should be based on your comfort and that of your loved ones.
What can I do to maintain my air conditioner running smoothly?
Schedule frequent maintenance visits with your HVAC professional to maintain your air conditioner working at its best. Working with a skilled expert for appropriate diagnosis and repair is always a good idea. For professional maintenance services contact Hansen Family Plumbing and Air by calling at(602) 805-4836 or scheduling our service online today!
