These 5 Signs Tell You It’s Time To Service Your AC Unit

We’re getting towards the hotter part of the year, which means you’re preparing your home for the summer heat. Much of your comfort depends on a functioning AC unit, but what if yours isn’t working properly and needs a service? Here are five signs to look for that tell you this is the case so you can get everything fixed and ensure you remain cool indoors. 

1. Warm air blowing out

AC works by blowing out cool air, so if yours keeps blowing out warm – or even lukewarm – air, then there’s a definite problem. It could be as simple as low refrigerant levels, or it may be more complex and require a heating and cooling expert to replace the compressor or thermostat. In any case, warm air is a terrible sign for your air conditioner. 

2. A very weak airflow

Take a moment to look at your AC vents and consider if the air blowing out feels as powerful as it used to. If you turn it up to max power and it still feels like there’s barely a gust of air coming out, then the chances are you’ve got clogged filters or blocked ducts. Healthy air conditioners provide consistent and strong airflow to cool down your rooms. This is a key thing to keep your eye on. 

3. A loud AC unit

Air conditioning units won’t be absolutely silent, but they should be fairly quiet. All you should hear is the slight blow of the fan and maybe a bit of a rumble from the internal components working. If you start hearing banging sounds, grinding, or squealing, then you know an issue is afoot. AC units shouldn’t be excessively loud. This means there’s likely something wrong with a component. It’s either come loose or two parts are rubbing against one another. You need to service it ASAP to prevent even bigger problems. 

4. Funky smells

The interesting thing about air conditioners is that they also work as pseudo air purifiers and dehumidifiers. As such, they actually don’t smell at all – and they make the air in your house smell “cleaner” too. So, if you start to get funky smells emanating from your AC unit, there’s probably something wrong. It usually means there’s mold or mildew in the system, which can happen if you don’t service and clean the unit regularly. 

5. Unexpectedly high energy bills

Your energy bills will always be higher when you use your AC than when you don’t. That being said, if yours seem inexplicably high whenever you turn the AC on, then it could indicate an efficiency problem. This normally happens when the unit can’t regulate the right temperature. It then has to work harder to cool your home down. Keep an eye on those electricity bills. Book a service if it seems like your unit costs too much to run. 

Generally, you should service your AC at least once a year, primarily before the hot season starts. It might need additional servicing as well, which is why you should keep an eye on these five signs. They tell you something is wrong with your AC, so you can get it looked at and fixed before it costs you more money and leaves you in a hot home.