Air conditioning (AC) keeps us cool and comfortable on hot summer days. But what happens when your AC unit loses its efficiency?
To ensure you have cool air when you need it the most, you’ll want to schedule annual AC tune-ups. It’s one of the easiest things you can do for your home and helps you save money while extending your air conditioner’s life.
Keep reading to learn more about how to detect when your AC may need a tune-up, the services needed to keep your unit running, and the benefits of regular maintenance.
Air conditioning improves your safety by preventing health issues, especially in the summer. Therefore, it’s essential to know when it’s time for your AC tune-up so an HVAC company can ensure everything is working properly and can make repairs right away. You’ll want to ensure your central air runs properly to avoid higher utility bills and keep you comfortable in the summer.
1. Strange Sounds Coming From the AC Unit
One of the more apparent signs of a malfunctioning A/C is strange sounds coming from the unit. If you hear any sounds out of the ordinary, this usually indicates it’s time for a tune-up.
Listen for sounds such as:
Banging or rattling: A bang or rattle sound might mean an issue with your AC’s condenser, loose screws, or a broken fan motor or compressor.
Screeching: Screeching can be distracting when trying to relax at home. The issue might indicate a broken belt, high pressure in the compressor, or faulty fan motor bearings.
Hissing: One of the most common reasons for a hissing sound is leaking refrigerant caused by extensive wear and tear.
Whistling: A whistling sound might indicate a leak in your air duct or an obstruction in your AC’s airflow.
When your AC starts making strange sounds, it’s trying to tell you something. Call HVAC professionals immediately to diagnose the sound and tune-up your AC to keep it healthy.
2. An Increase in Utility Bills
If you notice your utility bills increasing suddenly without changing your overall usage activity, this might be a sign that your AC is drawing more energy than usual.
If your AC draws more energy, it usually means you have an aging unit losing its efficiency. HVAC professionals can remove blockages and dust from your system during annual tune-ups to prevent it from surging energy.
Air conditioner tune-ups will increase your system’s efficiency and save you money on utility bills.
3. Your AC Isn’t Cooling Properly
You’ll want to ensure your AC is blowing out cool air so that you can sleep better and enjoy your home in the warmer months. There are several reasons your unit might blow warm or room temperature air, but it often means you need a cleaning and tune-up.
HVAC professionals can clean your AC coils, change the air filters to prevent blockages, and ensure that your unit is blowing out clean and healthy air. They might also check for electrical issues that can result in a cooling problem.
Another reason your air conditioning might not be cooling as well is that it may be low on refrigerant. In this case, your HVAC company can quickly recharge it during their annual inspection.
4. Your AC Gives Off a Bad Odor
You’ll want to call HVAC professionals to check up on your AC if you notice it releases a foul odor. Smells might be due to wet filters, a clog in the condensate drain line, or even fungus and mold buildup.
Sometimes, the odor might even mean your system’s wire insulation needs replacing. An air conditioner tune-up ensures your unit is clean and free of smells so you can enjoy your home again.
5. Your AC Has Weak Airflow
No matter the time of year, we depend on our AC to give a consistent airflow and reach our desired indoor temperatures. When you have inconsistent temperatures and increased utility bills, you’ll want to have your AC checked for weak airflow.
Poor airflow indicates clogged filters or a leaky duct. Mold buildup can lead to expensive repairs later on while exacerbating respiratory issues and allergies for your family. If you notice a weak airflow, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance and restore healthy airflow to protect your home.
6. Your AC Won’t Control Room Humidity Levels
In the spring and summer, when humidity levels are typically higher, air conditioning can help reduce humidity levels inside your home. However, if you feel that your room’s humidity levels remain high, your AC is likely due for a tune-up.
HVAC professionals will check your system’s evaporator coils and address low refrigerants that can cause humidity levels to rise. A tune-up will get your coils working perfectly to make your rooms less humid and more comfortable.
7. Your AC Is Leaking Water
An air conditioner leak typically indicates a clogged drainpipe. Refrigerants can also cause condensation as they cool your air. However, you’ll want professionals to address any leaking immediately, so they don’t accumulate into your home. If you notice leaks around your AC unit, your refrigerant may not be performing as it should.
A timely air conditioner tune-up will prevent water leaks and protect your AC and home.
What Is Included in an AC Tune-up?
You’ll want to call professionals for an AC tune-up so that your unit stays in top-notch condition and functions optimally for a long time. Experts will inspect your AC indoors, outdoors, and while your AC is running to understand how well it’s functioning.
But what does an AC tune-up entail?
1. Assess the Condenser
Professionals will start your tune-up services by inspecting the AC condenser. They’ll remove the cover and clean any debris accumulated in the coils. They’ll also thoroughly clean your fan so that heat can transfer effectively and cool your home adequately.
2. Check Refrigerant Levels
A tune-up includes inspection of refrigerant levels to prevent leaks and maintain a healthier system. If professionals spot a leak, they’ll repair it and add refrigerant to maintain your AC’s efficiency.
3. Review Electrical Components
Professionals will check the inside and outside of your AC unit and also review your electrical components, tightening the electric connections so your system works properly. They can also ensure your capacitors and contactors work correctly to prevent overheating or power fluctuations so that your AC has uninterrupted power.
4. Clean and Change Air Filters
Letting professionals clean and change out your air filters is always an excellent idea. Experts will clean your system thoroughly so that its airflow is healthy and safe for your family.
5. Check Fan Belt
Technicians will check your AC’s fan belt so that heat dissipation doesn’t occur and your system runs smoothly.
6. Evaluate Blow Motor Performance
Another part of your tune-up involves reviewing the performance of your blow motors and the condition of your belts so your AC doesn’t overheat.
7. Apply Lubricant
Professional tune-ups include lubricating every one of your unit’s moving parts, such as the motors and fans, to prolong its lifespan and help you save on energy costs. Lubricants also reduce friction and prevent tears that can harm your AC unit.
The ideal time to schedule AC tune-ups is in the spring. As the weather changes, you’ll want to ensure your system works when you need it the most. After all, the mild temperatures of the spring won’t last, so you’ll need your AC efficiently pumping cool air by the time the summer heat rolls around.
Here are a few reasons to schedule annual AC tune-ups in the spring:
Jumpstart your AC: Your air conditioning was probably off for quite a while during the winter. Dust and debris may have accumulated in your air conditioning from lack of use. If your AC gives off an odor at the start of the season, this might indicate a debris buildup in your unit. Jumpstarting your AC ensures there are no issues with your system after a period of dormancy.
Increase its effectiveness: When your system accumulates dust and debris, it can lose 5% of its efficiency. HVAC technicians can check your electrical wire and spot clogs or leaks that can lead to costly repairs and higher energy bills.
Reduce emergency repairs: Professionals can take care of issues that might lead to system malfunctions. Spring is the best time to take care of the more minor issues so that your system stays running in the approaching extreme temperatures.
Recommended by EPA: Regular AC maintenance isn’t just a sales pitch — the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends it! They cite regular spring cooling checkups as an effective way to save energy and keep your indoor air quality clean throughout the seasons.
Extend its lifespan: Your HVAC system will outlive its typical lifespan when you take good care of it. Scheduling maintenance is one of the easiest ways to ensure this. Regular maintenance can make your air conditioner last longer than 10 to 15 years while preserving its factory warranty.
Keep you safe: You prevent excessive wear and tear, invasion of pests, and power surges that can harm the electrical components in your AC system when you schedule a tune-up. Planning your annual air conditioning tune-up for the spring season will bring you peace of mind and protect you from the heat in the summer months.
If your AC exhibits any warning signs, schedule a checkup as soon as possible to ensure it runs effectively. We also recommend yearly AC inspections and tune-ups, even if it’s still running appropriately.
Since summers require excessive usage, you’ll want to prepare your AC with checkups in the spring. Between tune-ups, also consider assessing your air filters and AC coils. To ensure the system runs smoothly between professional visits, you can inspect these components monthly. However, it shouldn’t be a substitute for professional maintenance.
For instance, checking for a blocked or dirty air filter will allow your air conditioner to cool correctly. Changing them on your own or hiring professionals to take them out every two weeks in the extreme summer months is ideal.
In addition to filters, inspecting your condenser coils every two months helps spot dust or debris before they become a more significant issue.
After checking these essential components of your AC unit, it’s vital that you call a professional for an overall inspection every spring. Having a service plan with trusted professionals is crucial for many reasons:
Safer: One of the top reasons you should always hire professionals for your annual AC tune-up is because they have the know-how to perform inspections and repairs safely. For instance, if you have an electrical issue, they’ll know how to inspect it in a safe way to prevent potential surges or fires.
Correct equipment: Technicians have the necessary tools to address any AC problems and prevent future ones. This way, you’ll save time and money from buying your own equipment and learning how to use it.
Efficient: When you hire experienced technicians, they’ll visit your home and know immediately what’s wrong with your system. They can address issues quickly, whereas trying to solve and repair problems on your own might require a lot of time and energy. Professionals will ensure your AC returns to its normal working condition in no time.
Knowledgeable: Professionals who have been in the business for many years have the knowledge to inspect and repair your AC the right way. They can also answer any questions you may have and educate you on warning signs that indicate potential problems.
Cost-Efficient: Professionals can repair minor issues and prevent costly maintenance down the road. By making the necessary repairs at the same time each year, you can decrease your monthly energy bills, eliminate the need for maintenance costs, and save money in the long run.
Schedule Your AC Tune-up With Shipley Energy
Regular air conditioner tune-ups are essential for the lifespan of your unit. You’ll want to hire professionals who have the necessary experience to inspect your central air system and ensure a safer home for you and your family.
Trust Shipley Energy with your spring AC tune-ups. We’ve been in the HVAC business for over 90 years, serving customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region with annual AC tune-ups and repairs. We are a reliable source for your home cooling needs and provide top-quality service at an affordable price.
To schedule your annual AC tune-up, fill out our online form or call today!
My service was outstanding. Of course, I would expect nothing less from wonderful service techs. The ones who did the installation of my water heater, furnace, air conditioning and iwave were very knowledgeable and professional.
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