The high temperatures we’ve been seeing in and around the greater Peoria area have put our cooling systems to work. Some homeowners are watching their air conditioners working overtime and also noticing strange signs that something may be wrong. After all, even the best cooling systems on the market need to be serviced regularly to operate at peak capacity, and problems really begin to make themselves visible once the summer sun starts bearing down.
Does your AC need to be serviced? Here are five signs to watch for, all of which point to a resounding “yes.”
1. It’s Never Cool Enough in Your Home
Picture this scenario: It’s 90 degrees outside, and the heatwave isn’t looking to let up anytime soon. Your AC is set as cool as it can possibly go, but there’s still not a single comfortable room in your home. Blame it on poor insulation and air sealing (which may well be the case), but there’s a chance that the problem actually lives within your cooling system. In most cases, a lack of adequate cooling just means your AC needs to be serviced.
2. Your Bills are Skyrocketing
Have you seen a consistent uptick in energy costs with each passing year during the summer months? If so, your air conditioner may be the culprit. Rising energy bills often occur as a result of an AC that cycles constantly due to never being able to properly catch up, and this is a sign that your unit is either in need of servicing or outright replacement.
3. The AC is “Short Cycling”
Have you noticed lately that your unit has been constantly running, regardless of what the temperature is outside? This is often referred to as “short cycling,” and it’s a problem that pops up more often than most people realize. What’s to blame? It could be your thermostat, but mechanical issues may also be at play. The only way to find out is to have your AC serviced by an HVAC expert.
4. The Unit is Making Strange Noises
One of the most obvious signs that you may have a problem with your AC is if it begins to make strange, unexpected noises. Think noises like clanking, banging, grinding and the like, and you’ll have an idea of what to look out for. All of these are signs that there’s a part of your system which has likely worn down or broken over time and requires immediate attention.
5. Something Smells “Off”
Another clear sign of problems can be found in strange smells associated with your AC. Burning or metallic smells indicate an electrical problem and are reason enough to immediately stop using your AC. Musty smells can be due to moisture buildup, which may indicate the presence of mold.