These days, almost everyone (87 percent of American households, in fact) has an air conditioner or central air unit in their home.
Despite owning an air conditioning unit, most of these people don’t understand the importance of regular maintenance. They also don’t know how to tell if their unit is working as well as it could be.
If you’re in this boat, keep reading to learn about ten signs that your central air unit needs servicing. Catching problems right when they start will help you save money and keep your home nice and cool when it matters most.
1. The Air Isn’t Cool
First, if the air coming out of your vents isn’t cool, that’s a sign that it’s not working properly. You may also have a problem if the air is cool but not as cool as it once was.
Changes in the temperature of the air coming from your unit could indicate that a broken compressor. It could also signal low Freon levels. Get this looked at as soon as possible to avoid having to replace the entire unit.
2. You Have Poor Air Flow
If the air flowing from your vent doesn’t come out as powerfully as it once did, this is also a sign of compressor failure. You could also have clogged ducts or debris stuck in the vents.
This obstructs airflow and also puts you and your family at risk. If air isn’t flowing freely, you could face exposure to more allergens or harmful toxins.
Having your ducts and vents cleaned can make a big difference in the air quality in your home. It will also ensure that your unit works as efficiently as possible.
3. Cool Air Isn’t Distributed Evenly
Are there certain rooms in your house that are colder than others? This could be a sign of clogged ducts or an issue with your thermostat. Get your thermostat and central air unit looked at if you notice this problem. That way, you’ll be able to get consistent airflow and temperature control.
4. Your Unit is Leaking
If there is water near your unit, you may be dealing with a refrigerant leak. This is a serious issue that puts you and your family at risk. You should deal with it with right away.
Blocked or broken drain tubes can also cause leaks. This is not as pressing as a refrigerant leak, but you should still deal with it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may have to deal with mold growth later on.
5. Your Unit Makes Strange Noises
Do you hear a lot of squealing, grinding, squeaking, or grating coming from your unit? These noises indicate that something is wrong. Common issues that cause strange noises include:
- A slipped belt
- A metal component that needs lubrication
- A broken motor bearing
Call a repair company as soon as you notice any of these sounds. The sooner you reach out, the lower the chance you’ll need to deal with a costly unit replacement.
6. Your Unit Emits Unpleasant Odors
If there are unpleasant or pungent smells coming from your vents, this could indicate burned out wire insulation. A musty smell, on the other hand, typically indicated mold growth.
Whichever type of smell you notice, you need to have your central air unit looked at right away. This will help you keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.
7. You Have High Power Bills
Have your power bills been through the roof lately? If so, a damaged central air unit could be to blame.
When you have a damaged unit, it runs less efficiently. This, in turn, causes your energy costs to skyrocket.
Spending some money now on repairs or general maintenance could help you bring down your bills and help you avoid a costly replacement in the future.
8. Your Home is Humid
An air conditioner should both cool down your home and lower the humidity. If your home is feeling more humid than usual, it could be a sign that your unit is not functioning as well as it should.
9. You Have to Adjust the Settings Frequently
Are you always getting up to durn down or turn up the thermostat? Does it seem to never stay exactly where you need it?
If you’re always adjusting the settings on your unit, there’s an efficiency problem that could end up being very costly further down the road.
10. Your Unit is Getting Older
The typical lifespan of a unit is between 10 and 15 years. If your unit is getting older (and you’re not in the market for a new one), prioritizing regular servicing can help you extend its lifespan and save some money.
Remember, the more diligent you are about central air maintenance, the longer your unit will last.
How to Find a Great Central Air Unit Repair Company
As you can see, there are lots of signs to be on the lookout to make sure your central air unit is running properly. Whether you need routine maintenance or a serious repair, it’s important to find the right repair company to get the job done.
Don’t go with the first business that pops up in your search engine. Be diligent in your search and find a business like this company that will provide you with high-quality service at a fair price.
Some characteristics to look for when searching for a repair company include:
- Fair pricing (not too high, but not so low that their quality comes into question)
- Good reputation (this includes real testimonials and positive online reviews)
- Quality customer service (you can get through to an employee easily and they’re receptive to your concerns)
- Guarantees of satisfaction and written warranties
- Staffed only with experienced, licensed technicians
You should also make sure that the repair company sends someone out to inspect your unit before giving you an estimate. If they try to do everything over the phone, they might not be the most reputable service providers.
Find a Repair Company Near You Today
Now that you know what signs to be on the lookout for, do you think your central air unit is in need of repairs or routine servicing?
If so, keep these tips in mind to help you find the best repair company in your area.
If you need more help finding the right repair company, be sure to check out our free search tool as well. We make it easy for you to find local businesses that can meet all your central air repair needs.