3 Things To Note Before Your Next AC Service
Your annual air conditioning service visit is a great time to discuss any concerns about your system with a qualified HVAC technician. Even if your system is running well, you may have noticed some minor issues that you don't think are worth a dedicated visit. By noting these problems now, you can discuss them during your service visit to determine if you may have a more severe issue.
If you aren't sure where to start or how to tell if your air conditioner might be suffering from a malfunction, here are three things that you should carefully observe before your next AC service visit.
1. Hot & Cold Spots
A well-designed HVAC system should keep the temperature in your home relatively even and comfortable. A single-stage air conditioning unit may have trouble maintaining a precise temperature without occasional hot and cold swings. Still, you shouldn't notice one part of your home cooling more quickly than another.
If your house has areas that always seem to be a little bit too warm or a little bit too cold, it can be a sign of a restriction in your ductwork or another airflow problem. Unfortunately, these problems can also point to design issues with your home's HVAC system. Discussing hot and cold spots with your technician will help you get to the bottom of the problem and find potential remedies.
2. Increased Energy Usage
It can be hard to pin down exactly how much energy your home's HVAC system uses, but saving your utility bills between years is a good place to start. If you notice a year-to-year increase in energy usage over the summer, that's a relatively good indication that your air conditioner might be drawing more power than usual.
Air conditioners can draw excessive power due to simple maintenance issues, such as clogged filters or dirty coils. On the other hand, more severe problems, such as failing compressors or blower motors, can also result in an excessive electrical draw. Let your technician know about these increased costs so they can inspect these components for signs of trouble.
3. Long or Short Cycling
Your air conditioner should typically run a few times per hour when cooling your home. If your air conditioner keeps running without turning off, that may indicate that it's struggling to keep up with your home's cooling load. Likewise, a system that frequently turns on and off is short cycling, another condition that can lead to poor efficiency and increased equipment wear.
Always let your service technician know if you feel that your system cycles too quickly or runs for too long. Since both of these symptoms can potentially lead to increased wear, it's essential to address them as soon as possible to prevent premature component failures. For more information, contact an HVAC service such as Mid Atlantic Mechanical and Repair, LLC.
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