Don’t Ignore These Potential End-of-Season AC Repair Needs!
For people who hate the heat, the transition from summer to fall is a joyous one. Outside temperatures start to drop at night, prompting homeowners to open their windows for a cool breeze in lieu of air conditioning. Hot afternoons become more and more infrequent until the summer clothes eventually go into storage, and the fall jackets come out. Among the many pleasures of fall, perhaps one of the greatest benefits to the energy-conscious homeowner is the end of constantly running the air conditioning.However tempting, you shouldn’t totally abandon your AC cooling system when summer ends. After running non-stop for months and cooling your home in the dog days of summer, it needs a little end-of-season maintenance. Calling an HVAC maintenance service for essential repairs may be the last thing on your mind, but a little care now will save you time and money come next season. Keep reading to learn the signs that you need end-of-season air conditioner repairs.At Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC, we’re committed to making sure your HVAC system is functioning properly year-round. Whether you need AC repair, heater maintenance, an indoor air quality assessment or something else, we’re here for all your Highland Village HVAC needs.
Weak Airflow
Does your air conditioner run constantly but still struggle to cool your entire home? When it’s running at full-capacity, is the airflow forceful or weak? Weak air flow can indicate a few different problems that need to be addressed this season. Waiting out the warm weather and just hoping your air conditioner has what it takes to make it through is a recipe for disaster. It could quit working altogether and even break.Weak airflow means that something is blocking the air from moving through the vents. As long as the problem persists, it won’t be able to effectively cool your home, and the evaporator coils could freeze, potentially damaging your unit. A number of issues could be causing your AC cooling system to have weak airflow.
Clogged Air Filter
When airflow is weak, a clogged filter is generally the culprit. Air filters play an important role in your HVAC system by trapping dirt, dust, allergens and other debris from blowing through your home. When changed regularly, air filters can improve your home’s indoor air quality. However, many homeowners forget to change them, resulting in poorer indoor air quality, stifled airflow and an overworked AC cooling system. Luckily, it’s an easy fix. Simply replace the filter and see if it solves the problem.
Ductwork Damage
Air ducts are an unseen yet vitally important component to your HVAC system. They are responsible for transporting air throughout your home, and if they’re damaged, your whole home could suffer. Mold, pressure from heavy objects, pests and old age can damage air ducts. When part of an air duct breaks, air escapes and decreases the air flow to the rest of the house. Luckily, Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC provides comprehensive HVAC maintenance service, including duct cleaning.
Unfamiliar Noises
Everybody’s AC cooling system makes noise. However, you can generally tell the difference between an everyday noise and a noise that indicates a problem. If you’ve noticed humming, moaning, buzzing, clanging or hissing noises that didn’t used to be there, you should call a Highland Village HVAC repair service right away. Even though unfamiliar sounds may not seem like a big issue, they’re important to pay attention to. Hissing noises can mean you have a refrigerant leak, which can cause poor airflow or frozen coils. Buzzing noises can signal an electrical issue, which is dangerous to your safety.
Short-Cycling
Does your air conditioner ever shut off abruptly after running for only a short time? This is called short-cycling, and it suggests that something is seriously wrong. When an AC cooling system is short-cycling, it shuts off before bringing the house to the desired temperature indicated by the thermostat.Not only can short-cycling affect the comfort levels in your home, but it can also drive up your energy bills dramatically. Additionally, short-cycling can put your air conditioner through extra wear and tear and cause expensive damages. Short-cycling is generally caused by one of the following issues:
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Clogged air filter
- Low refrigerant
- Electrical issues
- An oversized AC unit
As so many different issues can result in short-cycling, the best thing to do when you notice it happening is to call a trusted HVAC professional for a check-up.
Why Is End-Of-Season Repair Important?
Making time for end-of-season repairs can feel like a hassle, especially if you think your AC cooling system can make it through the rest of the summer. However, end-of-season repairs offer many benefits, including the following:
- More Saved Money. Without regular air conditioner maintenance, certain small issues will grow until they eventually break your system, or at least cause serious damage. Although regular maintenance costs money, it’s nothing compared to the cost of an entirely new AC cooling system. In the long run, repairs save you more than they cost.
- Longer AC Lifespan. Like any other appliance, your air conditioner will last longer with a little TLC. Maintaining your air conditioner could add years to its life, a huge pay-off for a minimal investment.
- Energy Conservation. When your air conditioner isn’t functioning optimally, it has to work a lot harder to reach the desired temperature. That means it’s running for longer and consuming more energy, which drives up your electric bill and increases your carbon footprint. Additionally, increased stress can reduce your air conditioner’s lifespan.
Highland Village AC Repair
Before fall arrives and you retire your air conditioner for the foreseeable future, make sure you make the necessary end-of-season repairs. Not only will it save you money and reduce your energy consumption, but it may also help you avoid a very expensive repair or replacement in the future. When you’re looking for a quality HVAC maintenance service in Highland Village, you don’t have to look far — Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC is here for all your HVAC needs. Visit us online to schedule HVAC service or give us a call at 940-246-2075.