With temperatures still on the warmer side, and with the violent weather we had recently, your air conditioner’s repair needs are probably not at the top of mind, especially if that system is still running and keeping you relatively cool.
But the thing is, the end of the summer season is near, and this is actually the most likely time for an air conditioner to break down. This is especially true if your cooling system is on the older side. When well-maintained, an air conditioner should last about 10-15 years. Anything beyond this point and the system is going to start working inefficiently, costing you more to run and leaving you with repair needs. But if you take care of those repair needs as soon as you discover you have them, you might be able to keep your system up and running a bit longer!
Read on as we uncover some of the most common end-of-season AC repair needs we get called for.
Reduced Airflow
When chilled air isn’t moving through your ventilation system and into your home with the speed or power you expect, it’s a problem! It usually indicates that air has become trapped somewhere in the AC system, which can cause the coils to freeze over.
Alternatively, low airflow can mean that you have damaged ducts, and your conditioned air is escaping into unoccupied spaces like your attic or behind your drywall. Lower airflow is not only the symptom of a problem, but it’s a problem all on its own too, as you won’t be able to maintain comfort.
Low Cooling Power
Maybe the air coming through your vents seems strong enough, however lukewarm? You’re probably quite perturbed by this issue! Factors such as refrigerant leaks, overheating components, or, again, damaged ductwork, could all lead to a decreased ability to cool your living space. Lowered cooling power is similar to reduced airflow in that it’s both a symptom and a cause of further problems, so it’s something you want to call about right away.
Short-Cycling
Short-cycling is the name given to the process where an HVAC system shuts off and turns back on in rapid succession, without ever completing a full cooling cycle–or full heating cycle in the case of a heater. Your air conditioner uses up the most energy turning on and turning off than it does simply running. Therefore, you want yours to run for about 15 minutes at a time. Otherwise, you could find yourself facing problems, not excluding a need for premature system replacement.
Strange Sounds
You should be alert to any sound that’s outside of the normal noises you hear coming from your air conditioner. It’s never a good idea to brush a noise off as it could mean something serious is going on. For instance, a hissing noise indicates a refrigerant leak, while a clanging sound can be the sign of a loose component. These are just a couple of the things that can go wrong inside your air conditioner.
DB Heating & Cooling, Inc serves the heating and cooling needs of customers throughout Rockland County, NY as well as Bergen County, NJ and surrounding communities. You can count on us for expert services. Contact us today for professional Westwood, NJ air conditioning services and more!