It’s Not Cool to Overwork Your A/C
Things are starting to warm up and it will soon be time to switch on the cooling system for your home. HVAC experts agree that you should have your home comfort system tested out and serviced twice a year – once in the spring before turning on the air conditioning, and once in the fall, before you switch over to heating your home. There are tons of benefits to having routine maintenance done to your HVAC system. Well-cared for systems run more efficiently, use less energy and save you money. They also have longer lifespans, which means you don’t have to buy a new system as soon, which will cost you thousands of dollars. If you schedule routine maintenance, your technician will be able to spot small problems before they become big and costly issues, and nip things in the bud. An overworked a/c unit will not be able to efficiently produce cool air. Keep your unit in good condition through routine maintenance. You can also be on the look-out for an overworked unit by watching for these tell-tale signs:
- Thermostat – Depending on the age and quality of your thermostat, you could be getting incorrect information. A thermostat that is outdated might not get accurate temperature readings, which could lead to too much or not enough cold air being produced. It could also cause the system to run inefficiently by creating cold pockets in certain areas, leading to differing temperatures throughout your home. Check with an HVAC specialist to see if your thermostat needs to be upgraded.
- Temperature – if you have your air conditioning unit cranked up but things don’t seem to be getting any cooler, that is the most obvious clue that your system is having issues. Many times, on hot days, air conditioners can be turned up too high, and that causes them to be overworked. If you want the temperature to change 10 degrees, adjust the thermostat over time, by 1-2 degrees. That will allow the unit to work efficiently. An overworked unit is not producing cold air, and lowering the temperature more won’t help, it will just make the problem worse. Some causes for a unit not producing cool air could be an issue with the compressor, or low Freon levels. Both of these things can be caught ahead of time through routine maintenance.
- Weird Smells – If your a/c unit is running and you start to smell a strange odor, that is a red flag. You could be detecting burnt insulation wire from an overworked system, or if the smell is more musty, it could be mold. Neither of these are good for your unit or for your family. HVAC specialists will be able to find these issues ahead of time, during routine maintenance.
- Strange Noises – Just like if your car starts making noises, if your a/c unit starts to sound funny, it’s time to call in a professional. Different sounds come from different problems, but none of them are good. A grinding sound might indicate a broken bearing in the motor. A squeal might mean metal parts need lubrication. Friction within the machine can cause things to heat up or run inefficiently. Routine maintenance should keep things going smoothly.
- Noticeable Leaks – if you notice any liquid leaking in or around your a/c unit, that is definitely something that needs to be checked out immediately. It could be a refrigerant liquid, which is not good for the system or for your health. A trained HVAC specialist can safely dispose of the liquid and repair the leak quickly. Another cause of leaking could be a blocked drainage tube. While not as critical as a refrigerant leak, it should still be addressed as soon as possible to prevent mold from growing.
- Insufficient Airflow – if you notice that air doesn’t seem to be coming out of your vents, or that some rooms take longer to cool than others, your system could be overworked. This could be caused by a faulty compressor or damaged duct work.
No one wants to have their air conditioner fail during the hottest part of the year, but that is often the case. Units are cranked up, and they can’t keep up so they become overheated and overworked. Then repairmen are called in and if you are lucky enough to get one, they charge an exorbitant amount because they are in demand. By having routine maintenance scheduled on your system, you reduce the risk of overworking your system and you save yourself peace of mind and money. An efficient HVAC system uses less energy, has a longer lifespan, and has a lower monthly bill. And routine maintenance costs much less than an emergency call during the peak of summer. Be smart, stay cool, schedule routine maintenance with Weather Crafters. Call us today to set up your next appointment.
For more information on overworked air conditioners, check out www.delcohvac.com/7-signs-youre-overworking-your-air-conditioner/
