When AC issues arise, it’s important to act quickly. DIY repair kits and online videos make AC repairs look easy, but any major fixes should only be performed by trained professionals.
A sudden lack of cooling could mean a thermostat or circuit breaker issue. Loud or strange sounds signal fan problems. Sharp burning smells indicate wiring or overheating issues. Contact AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT LOVELAND OH for more information.
1. Your AC isn’t cooling as well as it used to
A well-performing AC should deliver icy cold air throughout the entire home, not just in one room or area. If your system isn’t providing consistent cool air, it may be time to call in a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
It could be a simple problem like a dirty air filter, clogged coils or refrigerant leak. You can often take care of these problems on your own if you follow some basic troubleshooting steps.
Changing your air filter regularly and keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris are important maintenance tasks that can greatly improve your cooling efficiency. Similarly, getting your system inspected and cleaned by a pro can reduce energy bills and extend the life of your AC.
If you’ve done all of the above, it could be a sign that your system is simply outdated and requires an upgrade. A new high-efficiency AC can significantly lower your cooling bills and help you get the most out of your investment.
A common reason for a cooling problem is that the system is undersized for your home. An HVAC professional can accurately measure your home and its optimum cooling capacity to determine the best size unit for your needs.
The evaporator and condenser coils in your air conditioner play an essential role in cooling by transferring heat from the air in your home to the refrigerant. If these coils are covered in dirt and grime, or if they’re damaged by corrosion or physical damage, they can’t do their job. In addition, a clogged or frozen coil can prevent the transfer of heat, which can cause your system to shut down or not turn on at all.
Depending on the severity of the issue, it may be possible to repair these coils or a related component such as the compressor. However, in many cases a refrigerant recharge is needed, and this can be a costly process. This is why it’s always a good idea to have a licensed professional perform a refrigerant inspection and recharge as part of your annual maintenance visit.
3. Your AC isn’t removing moisture like it should
The AC’s job isn’t just to cool, it’s to dehumidify as well. Moisture in the air condenses into water when it passes over the cold evaporator coil inside the AC unit, draining away through ductwork or in the home’s plumbing system. If the air feels sticky despite the AC running, something is interfering with this process.
High indoor humidity is a common problem that results from a number of different issues. These include clogged filters, dirty components, and refrigerant leaks. If you notice moisture or a musty smell in your home, it’s likely time to call an HVAC professional for a checkup.
Dirty evaporator coils prevent the AC from properly removing humidity. These coils are prone to mold and algae, which can reduce the efficiency of the cooling process. Regular cleaning with a chemical cleaner that’s safe for aluminum fins can help keep the coils clean and smelling fresh.
A faulty thermostat or an oversized AC unit can also cause the system to short-cycle, turning on and off too frequently without completing a cooling cycle. This can interfere with dehumidification, resulting in an uncomfortable indoor environment and increased energy bills.
Refrigerant leaks can also make it difficult for the AC to remove humidity from the air, causing the unit to work harder to cool the home. Look for oily spots around the outdoor unit or a faint chemical or sweet smell near the unit to spot signs of low refrigerant.
To increase your AC’s ability to dehumidify, set the thermostat to a higher setting and use the fan switch to AUTO instead of ON. This will ensure the fan runs only during cooling cycles, giving it enough time to remove moisture from the air before the next cycle begins. Check the ductwork for leaks, which can pull humid air from attics or basements into living spaces, raising humidity levels. Professional duct sealing can improve a home’s energy efficiency and dehumidification capabilities, as well as lowering cooling costs.
4. Your AC is older
When it comes to deciding if you need AC repair or replacement, your system’s age is an important factor. The average air conditioning unit has a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. But in the sweltering Alabama climate, your AC may not last as long as you would hope.
Over time, even well-maintained units start to degrade in efficiency. This can lead to higher energy bills, especially if your system is having to work harder than usual to keep your home cool. This is usually a sign that your AC is reaching the end of its life and needs to be replaced with a new, more efficient model.
You can check your AC’s age by looking at the serial number on the unit. This should be written on the unit itself, or it can also be found in the paperwork that came with it at the time of purchase. The first 4 numbers are the manufacturing date, and the next 4 are the year. For example, if your unit’s serial number reads W301114213, the manufacturing date was the 30th week of 2011.
Another factor that can indicate you need to replace your AC is if it uses a refrigerant that’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Older units often use R-22 Freon, which is being phased out because of its ozone-depleting effects. In this case, it’s generally more cost-effective to replace your unit with a newer, more environmentally friendly one than to pay for expensive repairs to an older one.
The aging process is inevitable, but there are some things you can do to slow it down, like regular maintenance and keeping weeds and critters away from the outdoor unit. It’s also helpful to clean the condensate pan and change the filter regularly. Performing these simple maintenance tasks will help prolong the life of your AC unit, but it’s essential to understand when the time is right for a new, more efficient model.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to consult an AC technician about your options for repair or replacement. Your AC is an important investment, and you want to make sure you get the best possible performance from it for as long as you own your home.