If you have lived in the Valley of The Sun for a few years, you dread the heatwave that comes every Summer, and you hope and pray your air conditioning will get through it! While this weather also can be enjoyable, it is crucial to have an escape in your home so you and your family can stay comfortable when the temperature rises above 90 degrees outside. It is a wise move for an Arizona homeowner to schedule regular yearly tune-ups or maintenance before problems arise.
Unfortunately, these devices sometimes fail, so it is essential to know the signs your air conditioner needs attention or possibly may need to be replaced. This article will cover ten common warning signs to help you know what to expect. If you notice any of these issues in your home, you can count on the experts at A-Quality Refrigeration Inc. to be there when the need arises!
1. Excessive Noise
If you hear any loud clanking, clunking, banging or screeching sounds from your air conditioner, inside or outside, it desperately needs repair. In some cases, the sounds may mean that the motor or compressor has failed or is failing and requires immediate attention.
2. Unpleasant Odors
If your air circulating in your home smells musty or moldy, or of mildew when you turn it on, it may indicate your condensation line is blocked and possibly water has backed up into your air handler. This can cause bacteria or fungus that can quickly spread to you, your family, or your pets. Such contamination can cause various health problems, so you should take steps to thoroughly clean the unit as soon as possible to avoid putting the members of your household at risk.
3. Slow or Poor Performance
Have you noticed that your AC unit is blowing out cool air but is not able to keep the temperature in the home as low as it formerly did? This may indicate several possible problems with your system, such as low Freon, dirty evaporator coils, dirty or clogged blower wheels, moisture in your insulation, etc. This requires expert inspection, assessment, and repair.
4. Frozen Coils
If your indoor evaporator or outdoor condenser coils are frozen, you may have a Freon leak. Other failures may indicate air flow issues, such as a stopped blower motor or condenser motor. A dirty filter or blocked coil could cause the compressor to overheat and eventually burn out, so it is essential to clear the coils immediately to prevent damage.
5. Overheating Problems
If your air conditioner has stopped working or keeps running without cooling your home, this could indicate a bad run capacitor, or the condenser fan motor has stopped, or the compressor failed or is failing. The cause of overheating may be a mechanical failure or insufficient coolant levels in the evaporator. Either way, it will need repairs to function properly again.
6. Uneven Temperatures
Does one side of your home continuously feel cooler than the other? This issue could be a sign that the airflow in your ducts is uneven and needs to be balanced out to improve the efficiency of your system. Poor airflow can also trigger a buildup of moisture in your ductwork, leading to mold and mildew growth. If you notice any temperature imbalances in your home, contact a licensed professional to investigate the issue and make any necessary repairs. Ideally, when an AC unit is functioning properly, you should get a temperature differential of 18-22 degrees between the supply and return air outlets.
7. Increased Energy Usage
If you find that your electricity bills have been going up recently despite no change in your electricity usage, the culprit could be a problem with your air conditioner. An older, inefficient air conditioner may run constantly to keep a room cool, which wastes more energy than it would running at an average rate. While repairs are usually the first choice, in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace your old unit with a new one rather than continue to repair it. Our experienced HVAC technicians at A-Quality Refrigeration can help you assess each option’s costs and benefits and recommend the best solution for your home and budget.
8. Humidity
Excessive humidity inside your home can be a serious problem that can exacerbate various health conditions, such as allergies and asthma. It can also contribute to the development of mold and other allergens, leading to more health problems for you and your family. If you are noticing excess humidity in your home while operating your air conditioner, it is crucial to hire an experienced professional to address the situation as soon as possible.
9. Aging System
Your air conditioning system should last about 15-20 years, depending on how much maintenance you provide it. But once your unit gets past about 20 years, it is usually on borrowed time. You will probably start noticing less comfort, possibly more humidity. The failure rate usually goes up and the reliability usually goes down. It will no longer be capable of functioning efficiently and reliably. Unlike older units, modern models are far more energy efficient and won’t put a huge dent in your budget. Most units that are 20 years or older only had an efficiency rating of 9-10 SEER. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a comparison chart the U.S. government created back in the 1980's to rate the efficiency of an AC unit. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit. Kind of like miles per gallon (MPG) for a car. The base units these days start at 14 SEER, but higher SEER rated units are available as well. So, replacing your old worn-out unit with a new higher-rated unit will pay for itself in energy savings. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and brands to meet the needs of your home and family. You will increase your comfort level and reliability, while reducing energy costs for years to come.
10. Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are extremely dangerous, as they can lead to fires in your home, so it is always vital to deal with them as soon as possible. Loose connections or frayed wires can cause arcing or sparking and other types of damage to the electrical components of your system. Loose or discolored fuses in the disconnect box, or breakers tripping are signs you need to contact an HVAC professional right away so that they can assess the problem and repair it safely. Call for Air Conditioning Repairs or Replacement Today
Don’t leave things to chance when it is time for replacement or repairs. Find a company you can trust. At A-Quality Refrigeration Inc., we are proud to provide expert air conditioning services to Gilbert and southeast Valley residents at affordable prices.
Please feel free to explore the other informative articles we have put together for your benefit on our website. When you start to notice signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced, call A-Quality Refrigeration Inc. at 480-844-6144 to schedule a "Free No Obligation” quote.
We also service and repair all major Appliances and Water Heaters.
A-Quality Refrigeration Inc.
Mark DeMichele, Owner
480-844-6144
C39R280799
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