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We’re into the late summer now, and that means some of the most intense heat of the season. It’s also a time when we need to pay special attention to our air conditioning systems: they’ve already done plenty of work, and all that strain can add up to malfunctions or even a system breakdown.
But we want you to focus on your AC’s future right now, and the future of the comfort of home. Ask yourself how well your AC has done its job this summer and if you’ve noticed anything amiss. You may need to schedule service with our Baldwin County heating and air conditioning professionals to repair the unit. Or you may need to start considering having it replaced at the next convenient time.
Cooling Performance
Has the AC managed the job that you expect from it? It’s not enough that the system sends out cool air when it comes on. It has to evenly cool the living spaces all around your house and be able to reach your target temperature on the thermostat (as long as you aren’t setting it too low, like 68°F or lower). If you’ve noticed that your house feels hotter than normal, more humid, or if hot spots are appearing in places that normally cool down, it’s time to pay some attention to the air conditioning.
The problem may be as basic as a dirty air filter you need to change or mistaken settings on the thermostat. If it isn’t, we advise you to call our technicians to see if the AC requires repairs. Poor cooling can also warn of a system that’s getting too old and can’t handle its normal cooling capacity. (Most ACs will last for 10–15 years; once they’re in this range or older, replacement becomes a good option.)
Noise
You know the noises that your air conditioner makes when it’s running: the whir of the blower fan, the deeper rumble of the compressor, an occasional clicking sound when it shuts off. You shouldn’t hear more than that, and the AC should never be noisy. When you’ve got an AC making strange sounds (clanging, grinding, shrieking, bubbling, hissing) or it’s become noise pollution in your home, it needs professional attention.
Short-Cycling
This is a common type of malfunction in an air conditioner: the AC turns on and off rapidly, never completing a full cooling cycle. This puts immense strain on the unit, can shorten its service life, and will raise your electric bills. If you notice the AC turning on and off 5 or more times per hour, get our team to examine it.
Operating Cost
How much you pay to cool your house is an important indicator of how well the AC is working. If you notice a rise in your electric bills over the summer, but you aren’t using the air conditioner any more than normal, that’s a red flag. The AC may be malfunctioning. If it’s old enough, it might be failing—ACs often start to rapidly lose energy efficiency toward the end of their service lives.
If you think your AC needs help or needs to be replaced, reach out to the Peaden Pros today.