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Warning signs your air conditioner needs maintenance, what a professional tune-up includes, and how often to schedule one in the South.
Air conditioners tend to give hints before they fail. Catching those early, and scheduling regular maintenance, can help you avoid breakdowns on the hottest day of the year. Here are the most common warning signs and what a professional tune-up usually involves.
If your power bill climbs compared with the same month last year and your habits haven't changed, your system may be losing efficiency from dirty coils, low refrigerant or worn parts.
Less air from the vents can point to a dirty filter, a dirty blower or coil, duct problems or a weakening motor.
If the system runs longer and longer to reach the set temperature, or never gets there in the afternoon, something is reducing capacity.
In the South, a properly working AC removes a lot of moisture. Sticky indoor air can mean airflow issues, a refrigerant problem or a system that short-cycles.
If the system turns on and off every few minutes, it's wearing itself out and not dehumidifying well. Causes range from thermostat placement to oversizing to electrical problems.
Grinding, squealing, buzzing, banging or rattling are all worth checking. Buzzing at the outdoor unit can mean an electrical part is failing.
Musty odors suggest moisture or mold in the system or ducts. A burning smell can indicate an electrical or motor problem; turn the system off and call for service. If you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 or your gas utility.
Water around the indoor unit usually means a clogged condensate drain, a cracked pan, or a frozen coil that's melting.
Even without symptoms, most manufacturers and contractors recommend professional maintenance at least once a year. Heat pumps, which run in both summer and winter, often benefit from twice-yearly checks. Some manufacturer warranties also expect proof of regular maintenance.
Every contractor's checklist is a little different, so ask what's included. Common items:
Spring is the ideal time for cooling maintenance, before the summer rush when contractors are busiest. For heat pumps and furnaces, early fall is a good time for the heating check.
Some HVAC checks are safe for any homeowner: the thermostat, the air filter, a single breaker reset, and keeping the outdoor unit clear. Others are not. Leave refrigerant, capacitors, wiring inside the unit, and anything involving gas to a licensed professional. If you ever smell gas or see smoke or sparks, leave the home and call 911 or your gas utility from a safe place.
Southern AC Repair is a free referral service. Choose your city to call a local, independent licensed HVAC contractor, or send a request.
Sebring, FLWichita Falls, TXDothan, ALLake Charles, LAOcala, FLThis article is general information, not professional advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed HVAC contractor about your specific system.
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