Summer weather is here! Pools are open and the barbeque is fired up. During this season, your house is a haven from the heat. The last thing you want is for your air conditioner to break down.
The good news is that it will likely give you some indication it’s failing before it up and quits.
Here are five warning signs your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced.
INSUFFICIENT AIR FLOW
The output of your HVAC system is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). It’s a unit used to measure the volume of air pumped into your home. One way to gauge the airflow of your cooling system is to place your hand over a register. If the system is not putting out adequate CFM, you’ll feel a noticeable difference in the amount of air coming out of the register.
UNUSUAL NOISES
Creepy noises are reserved for haunted houses alone. If you hear them coming from your air conditioner, you’ll want to call a professional. These noises are a clear message that something isn’t working the way it should.
WARM AIR
No. Just, no. The whole point of your air conditioner is to cool the air. If it is pumping out warm air, it’s not only annoying, it is a warning sign that something is wrong. Your cooling system pulls in air from outside, mixes it with warm air from your home, and runs it over a condenser which cools it. When the air pumped into your house is warm, it narrows down the problem area.
BAD SMELL OR ODOR
Every system has a smell when you use it for the first time. In the fall, the heating system will have a slight burning smell and the air conditioner will have an old water smell in spring. This is normal as the system circulates for the first time. If it happens regularly or lasts longer than a few minutes, it is likely a warning sign that something is wrong in the system’s operation.
AGE OF SYSTEM
The average useful life of an air conditioner ranges between 10 and 15 years. Regular maintenance, like changing filters every three to six months, and having your system regularly cleaned and maintained, like ductwork, can help your unit reach the 15-year mark. As your air conditioner ages, you will likely face more frequent breakdowns and repetitive issues. It is important to start considering replacement as you get close to year 10. To learn more about what to consider when replacing your air conditioner, check out our recent blog on the topic. https://blueheatingandcooling.com/make-sure-your-home-will-stay-cool-this-summer/
When your system starts showing warning signs, give us a call. There isn’t much we haven’t seen, and we can help. The Northland is our backyard and you’re our neighbors. We’re here for you.
