3 Signs Your Air Conditioning System Needs Maintenance
Air conditioning systems need regular maintenance to keep them working as intended. In addition to scheduling tune-ups and checks, you should also look out for signs that your air conditioning system needs urgent attention. If you spot any of the following signs of a problem, contact an HVAC repair service right away.
1. Weak Airflow
A weak flow of air through the vents of a ducted air conditioning system indicates that there is a rip, blockage or loose connection somewhere in the home's duct system. If you can access the ducts without too much trouble, you can take a look yourself to see if you can find the problem. It is sometimes possible to repair small tears or loose connections with some strong duct tape, but for more serious repairs, it is best to contact an HVAC repair service. You can also call on a local HVAC company if your ducts are difficult to access.
2. Air Is Warm
If the air blowing through the vents is not at the temperature you expect, then the problem could lie either in the thermostat, the ducts or the main air conditioning unit. For example, a fault in the thermostat can cause the system to measure the temperature in your home incorrectly, leading the unit to stop cooling because it detects that the target temperature has already been reached.
Loose or damaged ducts can cause warm airflow by allowing cool air to leak out into the crawl spaces of your home, where it is wasted. If this issue is causing your system to blow warm air, you will probably also notice that the airflow is weak.
Alternatively, the problem could lie within the main air conditioning unit. For example, the condenser might have developed a fault, which would require a professional HVAC technician to repair it.
3. Sudden Rise in Energy Costs
To detect problems with your air conditioning system before they develop into serious issues, one of the best things you can do is to keep a close watch on the amount you pay each quarter for electricity. Air conditioning systems that suddenly start to use more electricity are usually struggling with some kind of fault. For example, if one of the parts is damaged or worn out, the other parts of the system could be working harder to try to compensate for the damage. Any time you notice your energy costs rising dramatically, schedule a maintenance check for your air conditioning system.
For more information on air conditioning, contact a local HVAC technician.