Three Signs of a Broken AC During the Summer

When to Call for AC Replacement or Repair 

If one appliance in the home simply has to work during the summer, it’s the air conditioner. Air conditioners not only make homes more comfortable during the heat and humidity of the summer. In many cases, they are necessary to protect the health and well-being of the young or elderly. 

Losing the air conditioner in the summer can be stressful. Not only is a loss of cool air in the home frustrating, but it also gives the owner a looming sense of doom, contemplating the cost of repairs or replacement. Luckily, learning to recognize the signs that an air conditioner needs repairs is easy. Responding to the first sign of trouble can help homeowners save money and stress by allowing them to keep the cold air coming without allowing problems to spread within the air conditioner. Here are the top three signs that air conditioner repair or replacement is a good idea. 

Inadequate Cooling Power 

The first signs that air conditioning replacement or repairs are needed are fairly easy to notice. When people come home from a hot, hard day and want to relax in the cool, dry air only to notice the home is warm and muggy, something is wrong. Living in a home where the air conditioner can’t keep up is inconvenient and costly. Unfortunately, the problem will only persist until air conditioner repairs are made. 

When experts look for the source of inadequate cooling power, they look for things like: 

• Refrigerant leaks
• Low refrigerant
• Clogged filters
• Dirty coils

In most cases, simple AC repairs will restore performance. In the case of refrigerant leaks, if the unit is old, AC replacement may be the better option. 

Climbing Energy Bills 

The next sign that AC repairs are needed is related to the first. When air conditioners can’t keep up, they overcompensate by running long cycles. This becomes painfully evident at the end of the month when energy bills are out of control. 

Unfortunately, the causes of high energy bills are not the result of just one problem. With aging AC equipment, bills naturally rise because the unit loses efficiency yearly, even with good maintenance practices. Additionally, new air-containing technology is constantly making cooling more efficient. If energy bills have increased over the last few years, AC replacement can lower bills and restore comfort. 

Bad Odors and New Sounds 

Maybe bills are manageable, and comfort isn’t compromised. Are there other signs that AC problems are present? Of course. When it comes to finding air conditioner problems, it can take more than one sense. Turn to two other senses to find other signs that AC repairs are needed. 

First, the nose never lies. If bad odors and musty smells plague a home, the air conditioner could be to blame. Underperforming air conditioners can bolster mold growth that makes odors impossible to mask. 

Secondly, listen for the signs of trouble. A flagging AC will have new noises like thumping, popping or grinding. These are signs that a professional should be called before things get worse. 

About Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning

Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning is the industry leader in home comfort. Their skilled technicians offer stellar service 24/7. Call today for tailored solutions for HVAC in Boston, MA. 

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