During the summer months, your AC system is one of the most important fixtures within your home or business. Without it, your indoor climate would be just as hot as — if not more hot than — the stifling outdoor air. That being said, your AC is a machine; like a car, a computer or any other machine, it will eventually need repairs to keep it running. However, since you aren’t an indoor heating and cooling expert, you may be wondering how to determine when an AC repair is needed. To help, we are going to discuss the three most common reasons to call for AC repair.
Your AC system isn’t doing its job
You have an AC in your home or business for one reason: to keep yourself and everyone else in the building cool as the outdoor climate heats up. If this isn’t happening, then your AC isn’t serving its intended purpose, so you need to call for an immediate AC repair to get it back in working order as soon as possible. You should be as preemptive about this as possible. For example, if it seems as though one room isn’t staying as cool as the rest of the building, then you should call for an AC repair service ASAP to stamp out the cause of this problem before it gets worse.
In some cases, an AC repair professional may discover that your AC is either beyond repair, or so badly worn down that you would need constant repairs to keep it running. In this case, a full AC replacement is your best option.
Your energy bill is way too high
Your AC system can be delivering a constant stream of cool, climate controlling air to your home or business, and still be on the fritz. This is because in some cases, a malfunctioning AC can continue to generate the same results that it would generate if it were in perfect condition — at a price (literally). That is because instead of rendering an AC totally inoperable, some AC damage or malfunctions will reduce its efficiency; reduced efficiency means that your AC will have to work harder to maintain your indoor climate. This extra work means more energy output; with more energy output comes more energy use, and ultimately a much higher energy bill.
The season is changing
You should have an AC repair service inspect your AC an repair it as necessary at the end of the summer and winter seasons. Here is why:
Why you need AC repairs at the end of summer
During the warmer seasons, your AC system will undergo a lot of stress. To make sure that this stress doesn’t continue to cause damage while it is off, have an indoor heating and cooling expert take a look at it and repair it as needed.
Why you need AC repairs at the end of winter
The freezing winter climate can cause all manner of problems for your AC system. While there is little that you can do to prevent these problems, you don’t want to deal with then on one of the hottest days of the year, when you will need your AC system the most. As such, you should have an AC professional inspector and repair your AC as soon as the frigid temperatures of winter fade away.
Don’t leave the safety and comfort your home or business’ indoor climate to chance
Being indoors on a hot day without a fully functioning AC is just as dangerous and uncomfortable as being outside. Don’t let this happen — get AC repairs done at the appropriate time.
FAQs: AC Repair and Maintenance
1. How do I know if my AC needs repair?
There are several signs that indicate your AC needs repair. The most obvious is if your AC isn’t cooling your home or business as it should. Uneven cooling, strange noises, or warm air blowing from the vents are all warning signs. Additionally, a sudden spike in your energy bill might mean your AC is working harder than it should due to a malfunction, signaling it’s time for a repair.
2. Why is my energy bill higher even though my AC seems to be working?
If your energy bill is noticeably higher, your AC could be using more energy than usual due to reduced efficiency. Even if it’s still cooling your space, it might be working overtime to maintain the temperature, which consumes more power. Issues like dirty filters, refrigerant leaks, or malfunctioning parts can cause this, so it’s important to have a professional inspect it.
3. What should I do if one room isn’t cooling properly?
If one room in your home or business isn’t cooling properly while the rest of the space is comfortable, it could be due to an airflow issue, a blocked vent, or even a malfunction in your ductwork. This is a sign that you should call an AC repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue before it worsens.
4. Why should I get my AC repaired at the end of summer?
Your AC works hard during the summer, and all that stress can cause wear and tear on its components. By having it inspected and repaired at the end of summer, you can ensure that any damage caused by heavy use is addressed, preventing further issues when you start using it again the following year.
5. Is it necessary to get my AC repaired after winter?
Yes, it’s a good idea to have your AC inspected and repaired after winter. Freezing temperatures can affect components like coils and refrigerant lines. Even though you don’t use your AC during the cold months, addressing any potential issues early ensures it’s ready to perform efficiently when summer rolls around.
6. When should I consider replacing my AC instead of repairing it?
If your AC requires frequent repairs or if the repair costs are adding up to more than half the cost of a new unit, it’s time to consider a replacement. Older units, especially those over 10 years old, tend to lose efficiency, and replacing them with a new energy-efficient model could save you money on energy bills in the long run.
7. How can I prevent my AC from needing repairs?
Routine maintenance is key to preventing AC breakdowns. Regularly changing air filters, cleaning vents, and scheduling professional inspections and tune-ups can extend the life of your system. Annual maintenance can also help identify small issues before they turn into major, costly repairs.
8. What are the risks of not repairing a malfunctioning AC?
Ignoring AC problems can lead to bigger issues, including a complete system breakdown, costly repairs, and higher energy bills. Additionally, running an inefficient AC can reduce indoor air quality and make your home uncomfortable. In extreme cases, an overworked AC could even become a fire hazard due to overheating.
9. How often should I have my AC inspected for repairs?
You should have your AC inspected at least once a year, ideally before summer, to ensure it’s in good working order. Additionally, it’s wise to have it checked at the end of summer and winter to address any wear and tear caused by extreme temperatures.