Autumn is arriving quickly and your AC has outlived another cooling season. But just because it made it through this summer doesn’t mean it will keep the cold air coming the next time temperatures rise. Here are some signs that your air conditioner may be on its way out.
Not keeping your cool
Your air conditioner is supposed to keep you cool and comfortable on the hottest days, so if it’s not keeping you cool (and you’re uncomfortable) there’s probably a problem. There are a lot of situations where your system might quit cooling – compressor failure, a wrong calibrated thermostat, or a refrigerant leak. Once you know the situation, it may be better to just let go of your little engine that could, and invest in a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioning system – hopefully one that keeps you cool.
More Frequent Repairs
If you’re needing air conditioning repairs every summer, it may be time to give it up and purchase a new one. Frequent air conditioning repairs are a good signal that your equipment is starting to go out and you don’t want to be left in the middle of the dog days of summer with a blistering hot home.
Rise in Energy Bills
If you see a rise in your HVAC bills that could be an indication that something is amiss. If your air conditioner is working excessive overtime, it could cause you to work overtime to afford it, and it may be a better decision for you to purchase a more energy-efficient air conditioning system that can easily reduce your peak season cooling payments.
Drop in Air Flow
If your air isn’t blowing as forceful as it used to be, it could be an indicator that your air conditioner is on its way to breaking down. Take a look at your home’s air filters to make sure they do not need replacing and, if not, call a professional to help determine the problem.
Constantly Kicking On
If your system is always running, especially if it’s not producing much cool air, then you probably have a problem. It could be something that’s easy to fix with a seasonal tune-up, but it could also be a sign that your system has to work harder to keep you cool and comfy and that means wasted energy and wasted money.
Odd Noise
If your AC starts creating unusual noises, there could be a problem. Higher pitched noises may mean a problem with one of the motors. Rattling noises may indicate a part is loose. Don’t risk it. Call an HVAC technician to take a look and determine if it’s a problem worth repairing or if it will always be an ongoing issue.
Signs of Aging
Similar to everything (and everyone), the more something has aged, the weaker it ultimately gets. Is your air conditioner not cooling as efficiently as it did four to six years ago? Are specific rooms cooler or warmer than others? Is it taking longer to cool your home? These are all common indicators of an aging system. If your system is floundering and is nearing or over 10 years in age, call McKinley Heating Service Experts and 780-800-7092 for a complimentary in-home estimate and learn about our current discounts on energy-efficient systems.