Regular AC tune-ups are essential to run your air conditioning system smoothly. When your air conditioner starts to act strange, you know you have delayed your routine maintenance checks! A timely A/C tune-up helps you save money and the hassle of expensive repairs. From poor airflow to bad odor, several signs indicate that an air conditioner tune-up is long overdue.
Do you remember the last time your air conditioner was serviced? In case not, your AC will let you know. Here are some warning signs to look out for and schedule an A/C maintenance check!
- Strange Sounds Coming from the AC
- Increase in Your Utility Bills
If you observe an increase in your utility bills without any significant increase in usage activity, then it could be an indicator that your air conditioner is drawing more energy than usual. This happens typically due to a lack of maintenance. As an air conditioning system gets old, it loses efficiency if you don’t schedule regular A/C tune-ups. Over time the system may need to work harder due to dust traps, blockages, or any other reason. This means it will draw more energy than it is supposed to, and it can surge your utility bills.Air conditioner tune-ups don’t only increase your system’s efficiency, but they also help save energy and extend the life of your air conditioning system. Smart AC controllers are an excellent way to keep regular checks on your AC’s maintenance and keep track of your usage. Also, their smart features help save energy overall!
- A/C Is Not Cooling Properly
If your A/C is blowing out room temperature air or warm air, it will not fulfill its unique purpose. There are several reasons why this can occur, and all can be catered to in an air conditioner tune-up.Your air conditioner coils may need to be cleaned, or the air filters may need to be replaced to prevent dust and grime from being the main reason for your A/C’s inefficiency. Your A/C can also be low on refrigerant, and recharge may fix the issue. The problem can also be electrical. The outdoor unit is receiving electricity due to a trip or fuse.
- AC Is Giving Off a Bad Odor
If you suspect a bad odor and feel that it is being emitted from your air conditioning system, you would want to tackle the issue before it worsens. The smell can be due to many factors such as wet filters, a clog precisely in the condensate drain line, or a buildup of fungus or mold.Sometimes foul odor from the vent of your air conditioning system also means that your system’s wire insulation needs to be replaced. Trapped and decaying animals in your unit can also give off a pungent smell. Learn more in detail about some of the reasons, and possible solutions for A/C smells.
An air conditioner tune-up ensures that your unit is clean and well maintained to avoid any reasons for a foul odor to be released! Don’t take any chances, and always keep your A/C in top-notch condition!
- The Air Conditioner Has a Weak Air Flow
No matter the season, you depend on your air conditioning system to provide consistent airflow to maintain the desired temperature. When this does not happen, you suffer from inconsistent temperatures and increased bills as your A/C works harder than usual.Poor airflow is an indication of clogged filters, a leaky duct, or maybe both! Clogged ducts or dirty air filters prevent an easy flow of air through the system. If clogs are not taken care of, this can lead to expensive repairs that nobody wants. Moreover, it can cause allergies and other respiratory problems, proving a health risk for you and your family.
If you feel that the airflow coming out of your unit is weak, it’s time to schedule your A/C tune-up. Certainly, tuning is a great way to clear up debris from your vents or any other blockades and restore the airflow to get your air conditioning system back on track.
- AC Is Unable to Control Room Humidity Levels
During spring and summer, the weather can get extremely sticky! This does not mean that you have to experience humidity indoors as well. Usually, your air conditioner takes care of your room’s humidity automatically. However, if you feel that your air conditioner is not performing perfectly and the room’s humidity levels are high, your A/C’s tune-up is well due!In such cases, the refrigerant of your A/C system is low and requires maintenance. The evaporator coil may not be getting cold enough to cool the air and remove the room’s humidity effectively. Hence, the problem of increased humidity is experienced. A tune-up shall get your coils working perfectly.
- Water Is Leaking from Your A/C
Air conditioner leakages are usually due to a clogged drainpipe or leak in the refrigerant. Refrigerants are responsible for cool air to generate, and they may cause condensation as they work; however, the liquids should not accumulate or leak into your home. If you notice leaks around your air conditioning unit, it means that your refrigerant is not performing exactly as it should.Timely air conditioner tune-ups, such as right before the start of the season, can prevent a leak in time! Leaks need to be taken seriously as they can not only cause serious harm to your A/C but also your home.
If your A/C is old, then you must have gotten used to the noises it makes whenever it is turned on. If you notice any new sounds out of the ordinary, then this indicates it’s time for your A/C’s tune-up. Some common sounds signaling that something is wrong include a hissing sound, a whistle, a buzz, or an alarming bang.
Normally a buzzing sound can be produced if the airflow is partially obstructed as the air conditioning unit tries to push the air past the blockage creating discerning sounds. A humming noise or a raspy sound is also generated if the blades are damaged and are not moving swiftly. A motor that is dying out gives out a humming sort of noise.
Make sure to notice these sounds as your AC is trying to tell you something! Get your AC inspected as soon as possible to figure out the exact cause and keep it healthy.
How Often Should You Get an AC Tune-Up?
Your system accumulates dust in areas that affect its efficiency, like coils and filters, making it lose 5% of its efficiency. If your system exhibits any of the signs discussed above, you should immediately schedule your air conditioner for a checkup.
It’s generally recommended to have it inspected and tuned at least once a year. The summers require excessive usage, so it is best to go for tune-ups in the spring season.
- How Often Should You Clean Your AC Filter?
A blocked air filter is one of the leading causes of AC, not cooling/heating effectively. During extreme summers and winters, you should clean your filters every two weeks.
- How Often Should You Clean AC Coils?
In addition to annual inspection, check your condenser coils every two months and remove dust and debris using a brush. It is an easy way to keep your system running smoothly in between the tune-ups.
Professional tune-ups also calculate several things that can be quite difficult to do on your own—for instance, measuring operating pressures, an inspection of electrical wiring, capacitors, fan blades, compression, fittings, recharging, and more.
Regular A/C tune-ups keep your system running for an extended period. These tips and tricks won’t only prolong your system’s life but also help you save energy. While air conditioner tune-ups and maintenance checks can be done on your own, make sure to get your system checked by an expert once in a while to avoid technical complications. If you think your system is overdue for a tune-up, just give True Climate Heat + Air a call today! We’ve been servicing the Oklahoma City metro area for over 15 years, and we’ll take care of your air.
