Signs Your AC Needs a Tune-Up This Summer
Even in the Pacific Northwest, where seasonal changes aren’t as drastic as in other regions, having a well-functioning AC during summer heat waves is crucial.
Regular AC maintenance can improve efficiency, lower energy bills, and keep your family comfortable even on the hottest days.
If your AC is acting up and you’re unsure about a tune-up, this guide has all the answers.
Summer AC Maintenance & HVAC Tune-up Indicators
As the temperatures rise, it's important to be aware of the signs your AC needs repair. This will help to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Here are some essential air conditioner maintenance tips to ensure your system runs efficiently all season long.
Inconsistent Cooling or Warm Air
One of the main indicators that your AC isn’t functioning properly is inconsistency. If you notice that some spots in a room are hotter or cooler than others, it could mean that your ductwork requires professional repair.
Similarly, if your system is outputting warm air, you could be wasting money and electricity. This is because it's trying to cool your home to your desired temperature without actually seeing the results.
Unusual Noises
You probably know what your heating and cooling system sounds like when it’s running normally, especially if you’ve used it for years. Any noises outside of the usual whirr could indicate a serious issue. Here are some of the most common noises homeowners call us about:
Banging or Clanking: Often indicates loose or broken components.
Hissing or Whistling: This could be a sign of a duct issue or a refrigerant leak.
Grinding or Squealing: These jarring noises often point to issues with the belt or motor.
Weak Airflow
One of the most common culprits of weak airflow in an HVAC systems is blocked vents. If you have furniture, rugs, drapes, or other furnishings covering your vents, it can make it difficult for the air to come through.
However, if your vents are clear, weak airflow could be the result of an issue with the fan or motor. The primary function of your motor is to circulate air throughout the ducts. Unfortunately, over time, motors wear out, and when a simple cleaning doesn’t do the trick, a full replacement might be in the cards.
Frequent Cycling
Does your Air conditioning unit turns on and off again within a matter of minutes? If so, there’s most likely something causing your unit to short cycle. This could be a sign of a bigger problem and may cause more strain on your system's compressor.
There are several common causes of short cycling on a heating and air condition system. One of the most frequent culprits is faulty thermostats.
Another issue could be if a thermostat is near a heat source. This could be a large, heat-emitting appliance. This may create wear and tear on the s
Or if the thermostat is near a sun-facing window. It could also be because it is calibrated incorrectly. All of thes can cause it to register temperatures incorrectly.
High Energy Bills
Do your energy bills seem way too high this month, even though you aren’t running your AC more than you usually do? It could be an indicator that your HVAC unit isn’t as efficient as it once was.
Fortunately, regular tune-ups can help you cut back on those costs and maintain your system’s efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, scheduling a regular HVAC tune-up can save you up to 15% on energy bills. It can also increase the energy efficiency of your system by up to 40%.
Excessive Humidity
If the air in your home feels wetter than usual, your AC system might not be removing excess humidity like it should. There are a few reasons why this might be the case. It could be low refrigerant levels, dirty filters, or dirty evaporator coils. It could also be that you AC unit simply isn’t large enough to pull the excess moisture out of your home’s interior.
Indoor humidity is not something to leave unchecked. Homes with humidity levels over 50% are far more susceptible to rapid mold growth.
Strange Odors
If you can't get rid of a musty smell after cleaning your home, it might mean there is mold or mildew in your ducts. When humidity levels are too high, bacteria, mold, and mildew thrive. When you smell something off, it’s probably time to call in a professional.
The same goes for burning smells, which indicate electrical issues or overheating.
Water Leaks
One of the last signs it might be time for an AC tune-up is leakage. HVAC companies can check this but you can too.
If you see water pooling around your AC unit or excessive condensation, it could signal issues with your drainage.
The more you allow that excess moisture to build up, the greater an issue you could find yourself dealing with down the line. The more repairs and replacements you could be facing. The same goes for refrigerant leaks, which can impact the efficiency and performance of your system.
If you notice any leaks, get in touch with a local HVAC professionals or a technician right away.
3 Important Summer HVAC Tips
Clear and Clean Vents
Check and Change Filters
Seal Leaky Ducts
There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate an issue with your home’s cooling system and that it needs an AC unit tune up. If you notice any of these hiccups in your AC, contact us at Miller's Heating and Air as soon as possible. We are here to help 24/7 to help with any HVAC maintenance.
Better yet, if you want to prevent AC efficiency issues from occurring at all, call us in Vancouver at 360- 695-6500 and Portland at 503-972-2434 for a home cooling system check-up and routine maintenance.
