We rely on our air conditioners to keep us cool and hope they never break down. But without routine HVAC maintenance, this just isn’t realistic long-term. Ideally, an AC tune-up should be performed at least once a year. During a tune-up, an HVAC technician will check refrigerant levels, clean the unit, check connections, and make any necessary calibrations, among other things. If your AC is older than ten years, it’s been longer than a year since your last tune-up, or you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule your tune-up. Beyond uncomfortable temperatures, humidity, and airflow, putting off maintenance may result in the need for AC repairs.
Contact Bloomington Heating & Air today to schedule an AC appointment. We’re available 24/7 for emergency HVAC repairs!
AC Blowing Warm Air
It isn’t normal for an AC to blow warm air, and if you’re experiencing this regularly, it could indicate a serious problem with your AC. This can be caused by a dirty air filter, refrigerant leak, or frozen evaporator coils. If not addressed, you may start to notice your energy bills are spiking and may require more costly AC repairs.
Weird AC Noises
A soft click when you first turn on your AC is normal, but hearing consistent banging, squealing, clunking, knocking, whooshing, or other sounds is a red flag that something is up with your AC. These sounds can be caused by various issues, including a fan belt that needs to be replaced, loose components, or a refrigerant leak.
Weak AC Air Flow
Proper airflow is important for the proper function of your HVAC system. However, over time, a clogged air filter or blockages in the ducts or vents can reduce airflow quality. Weak airflow makes it more difficult for your system to cool you off, and the excess effort can put unnecessary wear and tear on your unit and cause your utility bills to go up.
AC Turns On & Off Constantly
If you notice your AC is cycling on and off faster than usual or is turning off only a minute or two after it kicked on, there is an issue. This may be due to bad thermostat readings, requiring your thermostat to be recalibrated or replaced. It may also be that your HVAC unit is too small and is simply not up to the job. It may also be related to another internal component that requires maintenance or replacement. No matter the cause, the result is the same: inefficient cooling and more costly utilities.
Bad Smell
A funky smell from your AC can be caused by a wet filter, mold or mildew, fungus, or a clog in the condensate drain. There may also be an issue with wiring insulation or possibly that a trapped animal has died somewhere in the HVAC system and is now beginning to smell. To properly address the cause, your AC system will need a full once-over and will probably require a thorough cleaning and filter replacements.
Utility Bills Are Going Up
You might have noticed that most of these AC issues cause utility bills to become more expensive, which is often a telltale sign that something electrical isn’t working right in your home. If your bills are increasing, don’t shrug it off as something you have to deal with. Simple HVAC maintenance can cost a lot less than continuously rising energy bills!