HVAC Maintenance

Air conditioning is not a given. As recently as 1998, only 68% of surveyed homes had an AC unit at all; of those homeowners with an AC, only 42% of them regularly called a professional to service their units. It should come as no surprise that non-expert maintenance and repair skews the data concerning the average lifespan of an AC unit. Estimates vary pretty widely, anywhere from 10 to 25 years depending on the type of the system, the type of service, and the regularity of repairs. While preventative maintenance is a big component of ensuring you get the most out of your AC unit, making sure to schedule repairs before the condition of a poorly performing unit deteriorates is critical. Let’s take a look at three common signs that should signal to you that your AC unit needs some TLC.

  1. Insufficient Airflow

    You’re probably thinking to yourself, “No crap Sherlock.” That’s what an AC unit is supposed to do, right? Blow cool air? But it isn’t so simple. Poor airflow can be a common sign that your air conditioner isn’t working efficiently, or it could be that a blockage is preventing air from moving through your home’s ductwork. A clogged air filter, a broken motor, or something even more serious may be to blame. The solution might be as simple as investing in an energy-recovery ventilator to give your unit a boost by exchanging stale air with fresh air every time your system cycles. A NATE-certified technician from Anton's Plumbing, Heating/Cooling & Energy Experts will also be able to recommend to you other solutions like a zoning system to help ensure you’re getting the right airflow and cooling power where you need it most.

  2. High Humidity

    Does your home feel humid and muggy? It very well could be your AC at fault. Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to cool your home and may produce condensation as it operates. If your refrigerant is not top quality, you may experience humidity issues inside your home. If it wasn’t immediately obvious: it’s not supposed to do that. High humidity levels in your home can cause a range of issues, such as warped wood, mold, mildew growth, damage to electronics, and even heightened allergy symptoms — especially bad as we move into allergy season. Leaks of this kind can also pose more serious problems if they’re not dealt with, including structural damage to your home. But the good news is that they’re relatively easy to diagnose and repair. So if you notice pooled water or an active leak around your air conditioner, call Anton's Plumbing, Heating/Cooling & Energy Experts!

  3. Bad Odors & Loud Noises

    Smell something funny? Hearing loud noises from your AC unit? These are typically the first signs that something isn’t working as designed. As for smells, a quick diagnostic is usually all that’s needed to determine if your system needs a tune-up or a complete cleaning. Your Anton's Plumbing, Heating/Cooling & Energy Experts’s tech may also recommend a duct cleaning or an air purification system to make sure any persistent microbial growth is eliminated; preservation of the indoor biome is, after all, super important for your health. Loud noises, on the other hand, typically signal bigger problems with your AC unit. Rattling or buzzing noises can indicate a loose part while whistling or grinding noises can signal something more serious. And no, it isn’t just going to go away on its own; these sorts of problems require professional diagnosis. Trust us: it’s much better to take a small hit for repairs than get stuck with a big bill when your system fails down the line.

Want to ask a question about your system? Or interested in having a professional tune-up? Tap here and give Anton's Plumbing, Heating/Cooling & Energy Experts a call or drop us a line! And if it’s an emergency? We’re available 24/7 with NATE-certified technicians on deck to get your system back in order.

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