Signs That You Need an Air Conditioning Tune Up

When was the last time you got an air conditioning tune up? Was it within the last three months? Then you're all good. If it was longer than three months ago, you might need to give your air conditioning contractor a call. And if you can't remember the last time you got a tune up, then you can be sure that your air conditioner really needs it!

Going without an air conditioning tune up for a long time can harm your air conditioning system and shorten its life, thus costing you money in the long run. Here are five signs that your air conditioner needs a tune up:

1. You need to turn the thermostat lower to get the same degree of cooling. Don't keep turning the thermostat lower and lower to adjust to the way your air conditioning system is working. Give your air conditioning contractor a call instead.
2. Your air conditioner has not been used for a long time. Maybe your air conditioning system was completely switched off in the winter months and you're only just thinking about using it again. Instead of just switching it on, it might be a good idea to give it a tune up first.
3. You've made some structural changes to your house. People are always renovating their homes, knocking down walls, building new walls, etc. If you've been doing this, contact your air conditioning contractor to see if any changes are needed in your air conditioning system. At the very least, it will help to get a tune up.
4. You've made some changes to your electrical system. If you've installed new appliances and your electrical system is taking on a greater load, then you might want to call your air conditioning contractor and get a tune up. If your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently, this will save electricity and, hence, money.
5. Your electricity bill has been going up. If you are using your air conditioning system the same amount as you used to but your electricity bill has been going up, then you might want to call your air conditioning contractor and get a tune up, just to be sure that the problem doesn't lie there.

Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Signs Indicating That You May be in Need of Air Conditioning Repair This Spring

While it may feel like winter wasn’t too long ago, the fact is that summer is already around the corner and your air conditioner will be the number one resource in keeping your home comfortable in the weeks to come! This makes it critical that you have any necessary repairs performed on your air conditioner now so that you do not encounter any surprises this summer. Yet, how will you know if your system needs repairs? Here are a few signs that you can look out for when you start running your air conditioner this spring, indicating that your system may need repairs. 

It is Blowing Hot Air

One of the clearest indicators that your air conditioner needs repairs is if you feel warm air blowing out of the vents when it shouldn't be. If you check that your system is set to cool and the thermostat is set to a low enough temperature but your system is still blowing warm air, then it is likely a compressor issue, or some other problem, is preventing your AC from making cold air. You will need to have your system professionally inspected and repaired in order to address the problem.   

There Are Unusual Sounds

When you start running your air conditioner, you will also want to listen for any strange or unusual sounds. Squealing, grating, or grinding noises coming from your AC are not normal and indicate severe problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent the unit from breaking down. These noises can indicate a variety of problems such as a belt that has slipped out of place or a broken component within your air conditioner.    

Your System Cycles Frequently

In order to keep your home comfortable, your air conditioner will cycle on occasionally to maintain the temperature within your home; however, your system should not cycle on and off on a constant basis. If you notice that your air conditioner is cycling constantly, this indicates that it is struggling to cool your home properly and will need to be repaired or replaced.

Have questions about your air conditioning? Don’t hesitate to contact our team here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. – we’ll make sure that you keep cool!

How a Thermostat Affects your HVAC System

Think of the thermostat as the brain of your system. It’s rather cool as you’re given the power to connect and monitor the exact temperature of your home throughout the day, right? It’s great to have this control at your fingertips; which is why when your thermostat is having issues, it not only affects your comfort level, it also affects the whole system in a big way.

One of the most common issues that a malfunctioning thermostat can manifest is short cycling. This means that the system doesn't run the full cycle, it instead just kicks on and then shortly turns off. This can be caused by a system too big for your house where it pushes out air too quickly rather than the standard gradual cooling.

Sometimes short cycling is caused by miscalibration. This means that the thermostat thinks it is warmer or cooler inside your home than it actually is. Luckily, if it is a calibration issue, this is a rather quick and painless fix for your HVAC technician. If short cycling is caused by an actual malfunction, then unfortunately your thermostat may need to be replaced.

Yet, many homeowners should think of a thermostat replacement as an exciting opportunity! Thermostat technology has progressed so much further than just a tiny dial on the wall. If you have gotten into creating an energy efficient home, a thermostat can play a huge part. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that will adjust the temperature for you based on your own unique living habits.

Do you have questions on thermostats? Please feel free to contact our team here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. – we'd love to hear from you!