Keep Your AC Running Reliably by Knowing When to Schedule Service
The age of your cooling system has a direct impact on how often you need to schedule maintenance. Even new systems need annual tune-ups to keep them running reliably and energy efficiently. This guide covers the main warning signs you should watch for to know when your air conditioner needs service.
The System Keeps Turning On and off Really Fast
Your cooling system should cycle on for about 10 to 15 minutes before it shuts off. This gives the equipment enough time to lower the temperature to the thermostat’s setting.
If the system cycles off very fast before reaching the set temperature, this is known as short cycling. Many problems can lead to this issue, including low refrigerant, dirty filters, and oversized equipment. Asking a professional to inspect your air conditioner is the best way to pinpoint and resolve the underlying issue correctly the first time around.
The Equipment Makes a Loud Screeching Noise
It’s perfectly normal to hear a clicking sound when the AC kicks on. You may also notice a whooshing sound as the cool air moves through the ductwork. What you shouldn’t hear is a screeching noise. If you do, the system may have a worn-out fan motor bearing, a blower motor that’s starting to fail, or even a blower belt that’s slipping. It’s not a good idea to run the AC if it has this problem because it can damage the equipment. Contacting a professional is the smartest way to identify the culprit and restore reliable operation.
Certain Rooms Are Staying Much Cooler Than Others
If some of the rooms in your home are staying much cooler than others, there’s a chance that the ductwork has a leak. One of the duct joints may have a loose connection because it’s misaligned, allowing the cool air to escape before it can reach the rooms farthest from the air handler.
As a result, the system will run longer cycles to make up for the lost air, and several parts of the home may be uncomfortable. This puts extra wear on the equipment and raises your cooling bills. A service technician can inspect the whole setup to identify the contributing problem, whether it be leaky ductwork, a dirty evaporator coil, or a clogged air filter.
You should also take into consideration any warranty that covers your air conditioning equipment. Many warranties require documented annual service visits to keep them active. It would be a shame to accidentally void your coverage because you forgot to schedule maintenance. If you live in New Orleans, LA or a surrounding area and need AC repair services, make your first call to Integrity Heating & Air.