One of the features that attracted you to your new home is the HVAC system, and as such, you’ll want to maximize the unit’s life. Here are tips and tricks to ensure your HVAC system works optimally.
Review Your HVAC Unit’s History
Do you have a mini-split system, boiler, central air conditioning, or a heat pump? It would help if you learned how your house is heated and cooled. The following are some things you need to know about your HVAC unit.
● Age of the unit: If your home is more than 10-15 years old, there is a likelihood that your HVAC system is old. You need to confirm the age of your system, as old HVAC units can give you a lot of problems.
● SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)
● Inspection Reports: Request the former homeowner for inspection results for the HVAC system. The reports will help you know if the system has had any problems in the past. You will also know what to expect with the unit.
● Warranty: If the HVAC system still has a warranty, understand the terms and conditions of the warranty.
Air Conditioning Installation for a New System
Installing a new HVAC system is not a DIY project. Hiring professional air conditioning installers with the necessary expertise and experience to handle the air conditioning installation process is crucial. Professional installers have the right tools, knowledge, and training to install your new system correctly and safely. They can also help you choose the right HVAC system for your home, ensuring you get the most efficient and cost-effective option.
DIY AC Maintenance
At your new home, you can take steps to maintain your HVAC system. These include changing air filters as often as needed to maintain good HVAC efficiency and removing debris and weeds around the outdoor unit. It would help to seal your home to prevent drafts since this can cause you to use your HVAC system more.
Have a programmable thermostat installed to decrease the energy your HVAC system uses when you’re not home. Using curtains or other window coverings can also help you run your HVAC system less often, reducing wear and tear.
Need AC Unit Repair? Give Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning a Call Today!
Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning has years of experience repairing air and heaters. We also specialize in air conditioning installation, maintenance, heating repairs, and attic insulation services. Delivering quality HVAC services at an affordable price is always a priority. Our team is happy to answer all your questions, and we pride ourselves on providing the best customer service.
Feel free to call Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about our AC unit repair & HVAC services!
To find the root of your problem, you’ll want to start by quickly inspecting each of these components. If your air filter is dirty or hasn’t been replaced in the past three months, go ahead and replace it. A clean air filter is a crucial component of an efficient AC unit. If this doesn’t mitigate the problem, try checking your thermostat.
If you think your thermostat is failing, you can take a few steps to troubleshoot it. If your thermostat’s screen is blank or unlighted, it likely needs to be replaced. The location of your thermostat can also impact how it functions. If your thermostat is in direct sunlight or if it is located on a wall with large openings or holes behind it, your temperature readings may be inaccurate. Before replacing your thermostat, try checking the settings, batteries, and circuit breakers first. If you have confirmed these elements are not at fault, then it may be time to replace your thermostat.
The last reason your unit may be short-cycling is if you have a refrigerant leak. If this is the case, you’ll need to repair the leak before adding more refrigerant to your unit. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact an HVAC professional to help locate the source of the leak and facilitate the AC unit repair.
AC Unit Blows Hot Air
There are few things more uncomfortable than an air conditioner that dispenses lukewarm air. Before doing anything, verify that your thermostat settings weren’t accidentally switched. If your settings are correct – the first thing you should do is change your air filter. Old, clogged air filters are often to blame for AC problems like frozen coils.
If the filter isn’t the problem, you could be low on refrigerant. Test this by feeling the larger of the two copper lines that go into the unit’s condenser. If it is moist and cold to the touch – your levels are good. If it lacks one or both of these qualities, refrigerant is low. Refilling or repairing the refrigerant reservoir is a job for a professional. Call in an HVAC technician for air conditioning repair.
Uneven Temperature Distribution
Are some parts of your home significantly colder or warmer than others? Don’t worry – it’s not a ghost. The problem could be an unbalanced air system. Depending on room size, air vent placement, windows, and even external temperature –some areas of your home won’t get as much attention from the AC unit.
Make sure more oversized windows are covered with sun-blocking curtains or blinds. From here, you can check the insulation of each room or install dampers to balance your system and redistribute some of the airflow to keep each room equally cool.
AC Unit is Running Constantly
We know you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but your unit shouldn’t be running constantly in order to do so. Your AC unit’s thermostat is responsible for measuring the room’s ambient air to know when to turn on to reduce the indoor temperature. If your thermostat incorrectly measures the room’s temperature, it will instruct your unit to keep running until it reaches your set temperature. Achieving this goal temperature can be impossible if your thermostat is faulty. Fortunately, this problem can be easily remedied by replacing your home’s thermostat.
Your AC is Loud
You should be able to feel that your AC is working, but you shouldn’t have to hear it. If your AC sounds like it’s struggling to keep you cool – it probably is struggling. Failing air conditioners tend to make different noises difficult for a novice to identify or diagnose. Screeching and squealing could mean there’s a faulty belt. Rattling sounds may represent problems with the fans, motor, or compressors.
Beyond checking your thermostat, clearing debris from around your outdoor unit, and changing the filters – suspect noises are best corrected by a professional. Of course – you might get lucky. Loose air filters have been known to rattle when the blowers come on.
Need AC Unit Repair? Give Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning a Call Today!
Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning has years of experience repairing air and heaters. We also specialize in air conditioning installation, maintenance, heating repairs, and attic insulation services. Delivering quality HVAC services at an affordable price is always a priority. Our team is happy to answer all your questions, and we pride ourselves on providing the best customer service.
Feel free to call Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about our AC unit repair & HVAC services!
Homeowners want to look forward to a cool, relaxing environment when the summer heat rages on. That’s why ensuring your air conditioning system is in peak condition when the season arrives is essential. As with any household appliance, your air conditioner may start to exhibit signs of wear and tear over time. Recognizing these signs early on can save you from uncomfortable situations and prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs. Some common signs suggest it’s time for AC unit repair.
Common Air Flow Issues
Inadequate airflow is a common issue in many malfunctioning air conditioners. It is typically a sign that the unit’s compressor is failing or the air ducts are blocked. When the airflow becomes weak or inconsistent, your AC struggles to circulate the air properly, resulting in uneven cooling. In some cases, certain areas of your home are cooler than others. Varying temperatures can indicate a problem with the ductwork or an issue with the AC unit itself. Additionally, if your air filters are dirty or clogged, they can significantly reduce airflow and negatively impact your AC system’s efficiency.
Cycles are More Frequent Than They Should Be
Your air conditioner should undergo relatively regular cooling cycles, regardless of the weather. It shouldn’t constantly cycle on and off, even on the hottest summer days. Frequent cycling can be a sign that your AC needs a tune-up. If you’re noticing an uptick in the frequency of these cycles, it’s time to call an AC technician. Prolonged or frequent cycles can place undue strain on your air conditioner, leading to more extensive damages if not promptly addressed.
You Feel Warm Air from a Bad Compressor
Feeling warm air blowing out of your air conditioning vents indicates that your AC might be malfunctioning. This can be due to a failed compressor or problems with the refrigerant. If your AC unit’s compressor isn’t working correctly, it won’t be able to pump refrigerant through the system, leading to a lack of cooling power. If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t solve the problem, a professional inspection may be required to diagnose the issue and restore cool air in your home.
Odors or Other Visible Signs of Issues
Foul smells or strange odors emanating from your air conditioning vents usually suggest that your AC’s wire insulation is burned out or mold inside your unit or ductwork. A pungent or smoky smell can indicate serious problems that require immediate attention. Visible signs like moisture or dirt around the vents, ice on the evaporator coils, or soot around the AC unit indicate underlying issues that need professional intervention.
Humidity Levels are High
Your air conditioner should moderate humidity levels, providing a comfortable environment indoors during humid summer months. It may need repair if your AC unit cannot keep humidity levels within a comfortable range. This could mean the AC is not properly sized for your home or needs a quick re-calibration to restore its performance.
Leaking
Air conditioners rely on refrigerant to cool your home, so that any leaks could spell trouble. Water or refrigerant leaks can potentially damage your home and may indicate a severe problem. Leaking water around the AC may suggest that the condensate line is blocked or broken. A refrigerant leak, on the other hand, poses a health risk to you and your family and should be dealt with promptly by a professional.
Noises and Banging Sounds
While it’s normal for an air conditioner to make a low level of noise, loud, sudden, or unusual sounds like grinding, squealing, or banging should not be ignored. These noises often suggest something wrong inside the unit, such as a loose belt, a failing motor, or a broken part. It’s recommended to get a professional diagnosis as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Get in Touch with Melton’s Heating and Air Conditioning to Schedule AC Unit Repair
Don’t take any chances when it comes to your home’s comfort. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms with your air conditioner, it’s time to call in the experts. At Melton’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we have a range of air conditioning repair services, and our experienced technicians are equipped to handle any AC issue.
