When you’re turning on your central air conditioning for the first time in spring, you’ll want to be on the lookout for any issues that need to be fixed before summer is in full swing. Here are our top 9 to be aware of and when to call McClaren Heating & Air Conditioning for central AC service.
1. Your Airflow Is Weak or Warm
When you turn on your AC for the season, you should feel a strong flow of cool air coming from your vents. If the airflow is weak or the air feels warm, this is a good sign there’s an underlying problem. Your filters might be dirty and restricting airflow, or you might even be dealing with low refrigerant or a failing compressor.
2. There’s a Difference in Air Pressure Between Vents
If the airflow from some vents is much stronger than others, this could be the result of uneven air pressure. This is commonly caused by leaks in your ductwork or a poorly balanced HVAC system. Or, you could be looking at a problem with a specific duct that affects the air coming into a certain room.
3. Your Electric Bills Are Climbing
If your electric bills are climbing higher than normal during the spring and summer, your central AC might be the culprit. As internal components become worn over time, your unit can start to operate less efficiently.
This means your air conditioner has to run longer and work harder to keep your space comfortable, which drives up energy costs. Rising power bills are often one of the first indicators that your cooling system needs professional service.
4. Your Unit Starts Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when your air conditioner turns on and off frequently in a short period of time, without completing a full cooling cycle. Not only does this make it harder for you to keep your space comfortable, it also puts additional strain on your equipment and its components. Whether short cycling is caused by a broken thermostat or because your equipment is the wrong size for your space, our qualified HVAC professionals can help.
5. You Hear Unusual Noises When Your AC Is Running
Modern air conditioners are designed to operate quietly, so hearing unusual noises like squealing, rattling, or metal grinding is a clear sign that something is amiss. It could be something as simple as a loose component that needs to be tightened, or you could be dealing with a more serious issue like a broken heat exchanger or an electrical problem.
6. It Takes a Long Time for Your House to Cool Down After Your AC Has Been Off
If it seems like your air conditioner is struggling to cool your home when you turn it on, your condenser coils may be too dirty or you may have a refrigerant leak somewhere in your system. This can also happen when your unit is too small for your space and doesn’t offer enough cooling power to keep your space comfortable.
7. Your Thermostat Doesn’t Match Your Home’s Actual Temperature
Your thermostat is the main control center for your air conditioner, so it needs to be able to accurately measure the ambient temperature in your home. If not, your thermostat won’t be able to turn your system on and off when it should. This miscommunication between your thermostat and your AC wastes energy and can make it hard to keep your home comfortable.
8. Your Air Is Stale or Triggers Your Allergies
If your air feels stagnant, stale, or is causing you to have allergy symptoms, this could be a sign that your home air quality is poor. There are a lot of reasons for this, from clogged air filters that just need to be replaced to bigger issues with your ductwork or the system itself. Scheduling professional maintenance can help identify and resolve the problem, so you can breathe easier.
9. Your AC Is Leaking Water
If you pooled water, condensation, or other signs of moisture around your AC unit, this can be a serious problem. If the leaking substance is water, this can cause mold and mildew growth that can damage your property. If it’s refrigerant, this can reduce your system’s cooling efficiency and pose a hazard to people and pets.
At McClaren Heating & Air Conditioning, your comfort is our priority. When you need central AC service you can rely on, don’t hesitate to contact us at 781-447-0136 for an estimate.
