Does My AC Need A Clean Or A Repair?
An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for it to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of use. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy uses steadily increases. It is important to ensure you notice the signs that need cleaning/maintenance before more issues arise, which can only be resolved through an HVAC repair.
Signs your AC needs a clean
Regularly cleaning your air conditioner is important for overall efficiency and functioning. As an additional plus, it will help remove the dust and dirt, mold, and mildew that builds up deep within the machine, spreading germs through your environment.
Here are a few obvious signs that your AC needs cleaning immediately:
1. Mold and mildew are covering the external vents.
If you can see mold on the external vents when the air conditioner is in use, it’s definitely time for a thorough cleaning. By the time this microbial contamination can be visibly seen on the external vent, the inside of the machine is most likely addled with mold and its damaging spores.
2. Dust and dirt build-up is covering the filter.
This build-up of microbial contamination prevents your air conditioner from running at its prime level. A dirty filter is often the first obvious sign an air conditioner needs cleaning, and it should be cleaned every three months if used regularly. A dirty filter spreads dust throughout the air, which can be problematic for those suffering from allergies.
3. AC is blowing hot air when it’s meant to be cold.
The first step to fixing this problem is a thorough cleaning as the air conditioner is likely struggling to operate efficiently.
4. A strong smell is coming from the AC unit.
Air conditioners have a drain pan that can get clogged, resulting in mold and mildew growth which releases a musty smell. Sometimes, this water and dark space become tempting for small animals, which then get stuck and decompose, adding to the pungent scent.
5. It’s been more than a year since its last cleaning.
You may not notice any of the previous signs that should trigger a clean, but if it’s been over a year since a clean, your air conditioner will be harboring dust, dirt, and microbial contamination.
Signs your AC needs a repair.
A properly functioning air conditioner is important to your comfort and health and is easily handled by the regular AC maintenance service. Avoid costly AC repair services and visits from the plumbing companies by identifying the small issues early before they become serious problems. Some of the signs for an AC repair are the same as when it needs a cleaning. A repair is needed when the AC system is neglected and not maintained at its optimum working functions.
Here are a few obvious signs your AC needs to be repaired:
- The AC thermostat is not working.
- Little air is blowing out of the AC unit.
- Loud noises (grinding, squealing, or scraping) are coming from the AC unit.
- Water leaks around the AC unit.
- Not much humidity is removed from the AC unit.
- Increasingly high electricity bill.
- Problems with the AC unit are occurring more frequently.
These signs are useful reminders of how to recognize a problem quickly and, in many cases, help avoid an HVAC unit replacement altogether. Keeping your space at a comfortable temperature takes many properly functioning mechanics.
Maintaining your AC is imperative to ensure it is functioning optimally and prevent future costly repairs or even a replacement. Having an air conditioning installation is costly and avoidable by taking good care of your current AC unit.
Whatever your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or ventilation needs are, it’s easier with Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. The Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC team is made up of trained and certified service technicians who offer various services, including general plumbing and heating maintenance, for both residential and commercial clients. They can help with your AC repairs and maintenance to ensure you have a well-optimized unit functioning for all your needs.
For more information and/or help, visit https://mucciaplumbing.com/