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5 Top Signs You Need AC Repair
Your air conditioner may only work a few months out of the year, but during that time, it works hard day and night to keep your family cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, that hard work takes its toll on the system and may cause it to fail the next time you need it.
Here are the five most common signs telling you your AC may not be in the best shape.
It Blows Hot Air
If your air conditioner blows hot air or air that’s not as cold as you want despite the thermostat setting, it could be a broken compressor or a refrigerant leak.
Moisture Leaks
Leaking liquid around your air conditioner could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, or it could be a blocked drain tube. While a clogged drain tube doesn’t require emergency AC repair, refrigerant leaks can be dangerous and warrant a call to an AC contractor as soon as possible.
Strange Noises
Your air conditioner should run silently during operation, so if it makes grinding or squealing noises, it’s a problem you shouldn’t ignore.
Unusual Odors
Musty or burning odors coming out of your AC vents can mean the ducts and system are infested with mold or that there are burned wires which need replacing.
High Humidity Levels
Your air conditioner pulls humidity out of your home’s air, so if you notice the air inside the house is sticky or too humid, it means you probably need an AC tune up.
If you notice any of these or other issues with your air conditioner, the sooner you call for help, the less likely the problem will escalate, causing system failure.
Our AC Maintenance Services
The best way to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and avoid problems leading to system failure is by performing routine system maintenance.
Most experts recommend scheduling a service call at least once a year, preferably in the spring to ensure the system is ready for summer.
Here are a few tips for keeping your AC running efficiently and trouble-free.
Clean the Coils
Over time, the air conditioner coils collect a lot of dirt and debris, which prevents the coils from absorbing heat. Furthermore, dirt impedes airflow, causing the system to work harder to cool your home, leading to premature failure. Clean the coils every year before summer and clear out vegetation and anything else around the unit that might attract dust.
Clean the Filters
Your air conditioner’s filter keeps dirt from getting into the system. However, if the filter is too dirty, it blocks airflow, making your system work harder. Besides that, a dirty air filter can cause contaminated air to blow through your house.
Hire a Professional
To be absolutely sure your air conditioner is in top form and will run efficiently throughout summer, call a professional air conditioner contractor for annual AC maintenance services. Hiring a pro ensures your system is in the best shape and allows you to fix minor problems before they escalate into something that can cause significant damage.
If you’ve never considered hiring an AC contractor for maintenance and a tune up, call the pros at Gresham Heating and Air Conditioning and ask about our maintenance plans.
Find out what your friends and neighbors think about our work by checking out our customer reviews.
How to Decide Between AC Repair & Replacement
An HVAC system is an expensive household investment, and it’s normal to want to hang on to your current system as long as possible. However, sometimes, it makes more economic sense to install a new system instead of throwing money at your current one, and here’s how to know.
Age
The average lifespan of an air conditioner is between 10 and 15 years. As a guide, if your system is over ten years old, the warranty has expired, and you’re performing more frequent repairs, it makes more sense to purchase a new unit.
Repair Cost
Most professionals use the 5,000 rule, which means you multiply the age of your air conditioner by the repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, it’s more economical to replace it than repair it.
Environmental Impact
Many older air conditioners use R-22 Freon as a refrigerant. However, as of 2020, you can’t buy or install Freon legally in the United States. While there may still be unsold supplies of Freon available, the cost is typically much higher than the R-410 refrigerant used in newer systems, making repairs more expensive and more challenging.
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