A well-functioning central air conditioner is vital for making sure your family enjoys a comfortable home throughout the entire summer season in Clinton, TN. Learn about six signs that signal it’s time for your HVAC system to receive its annual tune-up.
Utility Bill Spike
While it’s normal for your energy bill to rise during the summer, keep a close eye on any irregular spikes. Your HVAC system’s overall performance might be the reason you’re spending more on electricity.
It’s common for your air conditioner to lose some efficiency as it becomes older. This problem can worsen if you haven’t been maintaining it at least once annually. Getting an HVAC tune-up after seeing an unexpected rise in the power bill will decrease your utility bill costs, save energy, extend the life of your system and postpone the need for an AC replacement.
Noisy Operation
The longer you live in your home, the more accustomed you become to how your HVAC system sounds. You probably don’t even notice the sounds it makes when it turns on and off. If you suddenly notice new, strange noises coming from your HVAC system, then it’s time to have a professional tune-up.
The system probably needs recalibration or a part needs to be tightened up if it’s making grinding sounds. Your technician likely needs to install a new belt. It’s important that you get these repairs completed immediately, so you don’t end up with more dangerous problems later.
Bad Airflow
Your family’s comfort when it’s hot outside depends on whether your HVAC system provides the correct amount of airflow throughout the entire house. It’s time to schedule your annual maintenance if you’re noticing that cool air isn’t reaching all of its rooms.
You might be tempted to wait on a tune-up if the airflow inconsistency only affects a room you spend little time in. Don’t make this mistake because poor airflow indicates that larger HVAC problems are just around the corner.
Too Much Humidity
High humidity is the last problem you want to have because the extra moisture can potentially cause problems like biological growth in your home. Normally, your HVAC system will balance humidity to the correct level. If you notice the humidity rising in your home, then you know it’s time for a tune-up.
The HVAC tune-up process allows your technician to determine why humidity isn’t efficiently being leveled out. It might be due to frequent short cycles or a thermostat issue. Either way, getting the problem fixed will bring comfortable temperatures back to your living space.
Strange Smells
Freshening the air, eliminating bad odors, and improving the overall indoor air quality are important jobs performed by your HVAC system. You’ll know that something isn’t working correctly if you notice unpleasant odors coming through the duct system as your air conditioner cycles on and off.
You may suspect spores growing within the ducts if you notice a musty odor. An electrical smell means there is most likely a wiring issue that needs fixing.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Do you notice a sudden increase or decrease in temperature? This signals a problem because your HVAC system’s job is to keep your home at a consistent temperature.
Temperature challenges typically entail simple fixes, so call in a tune-up professional when you notice this issue. Your technician will inspect the thermostat for problems and recalibrate the HVAC system so you can enjoy the rest of the summer.
As you can see, simply getting your HVAC system maintained at least once a year not only fixes these common issues, but it also helps prevent problems from occurring in the first place. We encourage you to call one of our friendly Melton Heating and Air Conditioning representatives. We’ll schedule your next HVAC tune-up and help ensure that your family remains comfortable on the hottest Clinton, TN, days.
Image provided by iStock
