Despite our northern latitude, the Tri-Cities area can see some warm summer days! As temperatures rise, every home wants to switch on its air conditioning. In the dog days of summer, your air conditioning system becomes essential to a comfortable home. However, like any system in your home, your unit can malfunction and need AC repair. In this article, we will discuss the importance of a properly functioning system, signs that you need an air conditioning repair, and the matter of calling a professional so you don’t let the heat get the best of you!
The Importance of a Properly Functioning AC System
A properly functioning air conditioning system is essential to control the heat and humidity of your home throughout the summer months. It provides a cool, pleasant indoor environment and regulates the moisture in the air. AC filtration systems improve indoor air quality, help protect from allergens and airborne particles, and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Temperature regulation promotes better sleep, reduces fatigue, and enhances concentration and your family’s overall health. An AC system can help protect your personal belongings and electronics from wear and tear, overheating, and moisture damage. Investing in regular AC repair and maintenance is crucial to keeping your home habitable and comfortable throughout the year.
The Significance of Warning Signs
Recognizing warning signs in your AC system is critical. If you recognize a warning sign and take action, it allows you to address problems while they are small. Fixing an issue at the start can save time and money. Plus, solving problems while they are small can be far less costly than a more extensive repair and take a shorter amount of time to fix. If you heed a warning sign and fix an issue immediately, you could avoid needing a complete system replacement in the near future. It also helps you maintain optimal energy efficiency, ensures your continued comfort, and extends the lifespan and performance of your unit.
The Top 5 Signs of AC Trouble
Is your home not cooling down as quickly as you’d like? You may be starting to hear strange noises or smell something funny. If you’re experiencing heating and cooling troubles, it is often a sign that you need to call in a professional for help. Read on for the top five signs you need an air conditioning repair!
1. Inadequate Cooling
If you are running your air conditioner at capacity, it should be more than capable of cooling your home. An inadequately cooled home means that you need an AC repair. You may have low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak in your system, both of which reduce the effectiveness of a cooling cycle. Alternatively, this could be caused by a malfunctioning compressor, meaning the heat exchange and refrigerant circulation isn’t happening correctly. You could also have obstructions in your filters, vents, or ductwork that prevent cooled air from circulating correctly. If you’ve checked your filters, the next step is to call a professional heating and cooling company.
2. Unusual Noises
Strange noises can indicate a variety of AC repair needs. If you’re hearing a grinding noise from your AC unit, the bearings in your motor might be due for replacement. Squealing noises indicate a slipped or damaged belt, and banging or clanking is usually the result of loose or broken components in the unit. An unusual noise might be the first warning sign that something is wrong with your unit. Ignoring these noises can lead to further, more severe damage to your system, so it is critical to call an AC repair service as soon as possible.
3. Strange Odors
Unusual odors are another indicator of potential AC problems. Musty and moldy smells likely stem from mold or mildew within your AC unit or ductwork. If moisture has built up in your system, poor airflow and contaminated air can affect your family’s health. If you smell sparking or burning odors, you could have an electrical problem on your hands. In this case, turn off your system immediately and call a repair company before attempting to use your unit again.
4. Frequent Cycling
Frequent on-and-off cycling is known as short cycling in the AC world. Short cycling can happen because you have an improperly sized unit or a malfunctioning component, such as a faulty thermostat, sensor, or compressor. Frequent cycling prevents your space from being cooled consistently to your ideal temperature. It also stresses your system significantly, leading to increased wear and tear and a shorter lifespan.
5. High Energy Bills
If your energy bills have increased unexpectedly, your air conditioner could be malfunctioning. High energy consumption means your unit is operating ineffectively. There could be a variety of reasons for this – clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, refrigerant leaks can lead to poor performance, dirty condenser coils can’t transfer heat effectively, and worn-out components or lack of maintenance can mean your system is working harder to produce cool air. If you have high energy bills, it is likely an indicator that your AC unit needs repair.
The Importance of Timely AC Repair
If you’re experiencing air conditioning troubles, you must call a heating and cooling specialist as soon as possible. Timely AC repair is critical for several reasons:
- Timely repair and routine maintenance help address issues promptly and prevent further damage or minor problems from escalating into more significant issues.
- Scheduling a heating and cooling repair as soon as there is an issue ensures the comfort of your family members. A timely repair can help you maintain your ideal temperature and humidity level while preventing allergens, dust, and debris from entering your home.
- Quick repairs prevent your system from running inefficiently as it works harder in its state of disrepair. If you fix your system quickly, it helps you maintain energy efficiency and saves you money by not letting those utility bills skyrocket!
- Most AC issues can be solved easily and quickly with a replacement part, cleaning, or refilling low liquid levels. However, if left unattended, some of the simplest issues can damage your unit permanently, and AC units are costly to replace! Timely repairs can avoid total system replacements and extend the longevity of your unit.
Benefits of Professional Air Conditioning Repair Services
Professional air conditioning companies have the expertise and knowledge to accurately diagnose issues and repair any system. When you hire a professional, you know that you are getting your unit fixed correctly the first time. A technician will have the proper tools and equipment to perform the repair and often provide a warranty on their work, which helps protect you against future problems. One of the best things you can do for your unit is to hire a local company to regularly maintain your unit to keep your system in optimal condition. Professional care can prolong its lifespan, maximize efficiency, and ensure you have reliable, long-lasting solutions and advice from a trusted expert.
Tips for Maintaining Your AC System
Like any other system in your home, your air conditioning and heating systems need a check-up from time to time. Proper, regular maintenance is crucial for a smoothly running unit, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring that any small problems are solved quickly. Here are the top five tips for maintaining your AC system.
1. Check Your Filters
Regularly clean and replace your air filters to ensure optimal airflow. This is something that you can do yourself! Cleaning your filters is easy – they can be rinsed with a hose or soaked in a sink. If you need to replace your filters, make sure you purchase the same size and type of filter you are replacing, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Annual Routine Maintenance
Schedule annual professional maintenance to inspect and tune up your system, inspect refrigerant levels, clean condenser coils, and check the drain lines.
3. Look for Obstructions to Air
Keep indoor vents unobstructed by furniture that can prevent air distribution to certain rooms of your home. Likewise, ensure the outdoor unit is clear of debris and plants that block the vents and prevent proper airflow throughout the system.
4. Buy a Smart Thermostat
Invest in a smart thermostat, which allows you to program your thermostat for energy-efficient temperature settings and takes some of the strain off your system when you aren’t home. 
How Apollo Heating and Air Can Help
Do you need an air conditioning repair in the Tri-Cities, Washington, area? Apollo Heating and Air is here to help! Our team of heating and cooling technicians are experts at assessing and diagnosing any AC issue and will be able to provide you with multiple options for repairs. We work with your unit, needs, and budget to help you get your AC system back up and running or replace your unit if necessary. Contact Apollo Heating and Air for professional AC repair services in the Tri-Cities area today to ensure your system operates efficiently.
