Top 5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs a Tune-Up in Midland, TX
Midland, TX, has a hot climate, so homeowners need working air conditioning to escape the summer heat. Even the best AC units can break down over time, making it hard to keep homes cool. If you don't maintain your AC, it might not work as well, cost more to run, and break down. This is why you should know when your air conditioner needs a professional to check it out.
At First Service Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, our certified HVAC experts work hard to keep you comfortable and worry-free. We've been helping folks in Midland for many years, and we know how much regular upkeep matters for your AC system. By fixing small problems, we help you steer clear of bigger headaches later on. This saves you money, time, and a lot of hassle.
Decreased Cooling Efficiency
A clear sign that your AC needs a checkup is when it doesn't cool as well as it used to. You might notice your house isn't as cool as before, even though you have yet to change how you use your thermostat or AC. This means something needs to be corrected.
Here's what could be causing your AC to work less well:
- Refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant plays a crucial role in your AC system. It absorbs heat from the air inside your home and moves it outside. Even a small leak can reduce the unit's cooling power.
- Dirty cooling coils: Dust, dirt, and debris build up on the evaporator and condenser coils over time. This creates a layer that blocks heat transfer and lowers the system's output.
When you book a professional checkup with First Service Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, our team can spot and fix any refrigerant leaks. They'll clean the cooling coils and make sure your system runs at its best.
Unusual Noises
It's normal for your AC to make some background noise while running. But if you hear sudden or weird sounds, you should pay attention. Grinding, squealing, or rattling noises often mean there's a problem with the machine's parts, like belts, bearings, or other things inside.
Here are some common reasons why your AC might make strange noises:
- Worn-out bearings: Motors and fans in your AC unit need bearings to run. These bearings break down as time passes, making grinding or squealing noises.
- Loose or damaged components: Loose or broken parts, like fan blades or mounting hardware, can shake and cause rattling or clanking sounds.
- Refrigerant issues: When refrigerant leaks or doesn't have the right amount, it can make hissing, gurgling, or bubbling noises as it moves through the system.
Disregarding these odd sounds can result in more harm and expensive fixes in the future. By booking a checkup with First Service Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, our capable experts can find the root of the noise and take the necessary actions to get your system back in shape.
High Humidity Levels Inside
Besides cooling your home, a well-working air conditioning system is important in managing indoor humidity levels. If you've spotted a quick rise in humidity or a moldy wet feeling in your living areas, it might mean your AC unit is having trouble removing moisture from the air.
Possible reasons for high indoor humidity include:
- Refrigerant leaks: As we said before, refrigerant leaks out can hurt how well your AC cools and takes moisture out of the air.
- Frozen evaporator coils: If they get too cold, water in the air can turn to ice on them. This stops air from flowing right and keeps the AC from removing humidity.
- Drainage problems: A clog or blockage in the condensate drain line can stop moisture from leaving the system as it should. This makes the air inside more humid.
By booking a checkup with First Service Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, our team can adjust or fix your system to bring back its ability to control humidity. This ensures you and your family have a cozy and healthy home environment.
Frequent Cycling
Have you seen your air conditioner turn on and off more often than it should? This short cycling issue can mean your system is working too hard and can't keep the temperature steady.
Short cycling can happen for several reasons, such as:
- Wrong thermostat settings: A thermostat set too low or with a broken sensor can make your AC turn on and off more often than it should.
- Dirty air filters: Air filters full of dirt can block airflow, forcing your system to work harder and switch on and off more to keep up.
- Refrigerant leaks or low levels: As we discussed before, refrigerant problems can make it hard for your system to cool well so it turns on and off more.
- Failing compressor: The compressor is key to your air conditioning. If it's breaking down, it can cause your unit to switch on and off in weird patterns.
Nasty Smells
A good air conditioning system should give you clean, fresh air. But if you notice bad smells coming from your AC, it might mean trouble. These smells can be musty, moldy, burning, or like electricity. They can point to different problems.
Here are some reasons why your AC might smell bad:
- Mold or mildew growth: When moisture builds up in the ducts or unit, it creates a perfect spot for mold and mildew to grow. This leads to musty or earthy smells.
- Electrical issues: Smells of burning or electricity can mean wires or parts have overheated. This can start a fire if you don't fix it .
- Clogged or dirty air filters: Air filters full of dust and dirt can trap pollutants. These then spread through your house, causing bad smells.
At First Service Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, our skilled team can closely examine your system, find out what's causing the smell, and put the right fixes into action. This might mean cleaning and disinfecting the ducts, swapping out air filters, or fixing any electrical or mechanical problems that could be behind the issue.
A well-kept AC system plays a key role in keeping your indoor space comfy and healthy in the hot Midland, TX weather. You can take action when you spot signs that your AC needs a checkup, like less cool air, weird sounds, too much moisture in the air turning on and off a lot, or strange smells. This helps prevent minor issues from turning into big, expensive problems.
Regular checkups don't just make your AC last longer. They also help it work better, clean your indoor air, and even cut down your power bills. At First Service Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, our team of certified HVAC experts is committed to giving you top-notch service and making sure you're happy with the results.
Have you seen these signs with your AC in Midland TX? Don't wait for your system to break down – get in touch with First Service Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning now to set up a full AC checkup.
