Air conditioners are so integral to many people’s lives. When they aren’t working, everything becomes a chore. In the Southern states, 67% of central air conditioning is used all summer long. It’s hard to imagine what life was like down there without any AC.

Because we rely on them so much, air conditioners need consistent maintenance. If you aren’t sure if you need an air conditioner tune-up, this guide will help you. Look for these signs you need a tune up the next time you turn the AC on.

Higher Electric Bills

During the summer, your energy costs will naturally go up. The A/C works harder and so does your refrigerator for that matter. Your bills shouldn’t suddenly spike from month to month.

This is especially true during cooler months. If your air conditioner is struggling, it will show up on your bill. The causes of these wild fluctuations can be due to a number of reasons.

Look around for these common problems:

Air Filter Needs Changing

The most obvious place to look for a reduction in efficiency of your A/C. When the air filter gets clogged, it’s harder for air to pass through. That means the A/C must work harder to push air throughout the house.

You should be changing filters out every three months, at least.

Dusty Vents/Unit

If the air filter gets dusty quick, then you might have an accumulation in the entire system. The more dust there is collected inside the system and vents, the easier it is for heat to be trapped. Dust also reduces airflow, as well.

This is a big problem for businesses and warehouses, especially. Special repairs and air conditioning maintenance must be done on a regular basis. Otherwise, it’s like flushing money down the toilet.

Air is Not Blowing Cold

It can be a little tricky to detect sometimes, but your A/C shouldn’t be struggling to pump cold air. Put your hand up to the vent, this air should always be noticeably cold. It may take longer to cool a room on a hot summer day, but air from the A/C should always be cold.

This could be a problem with the refrigerant, insulation, or coolant itself. A refrigerant leak can cause the system to fail and pose a potential health hazard.

Loud Operation

Any loud or unusual sounds coming from the A/C (inside or out) should be looked at. Rattling, buzzing, or high-pitched whines can all be red flags. If left unchecked, you could have something burn out or vibrate enough to cause damage.

Get an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

If you suspect anything wrong, you should schedule an air conditioner tune-up. The cost of preventative maintenance is nothing compared to a major repair. New air conditioning units aren’t cheap, either.

Don’t wait until the hot summer days overwork your HVAC system, schedule a visit from us today. We can ensure that you are getting maximum efficiency. This means lower bills and more years out of your air conditioner.