If your air conditioner is older than 10 years or requires frequent repairs, you may want to consider replacing it. However, many AC problems are fixable if you troubleshoot them first.
Before calling in a professional like Air Conditioning Repair Woodland Hills check the disconnect block and circuit breaker with an ohms meter. Also, clean the tray that carries condensation away from the evaporator coils.
When the temperatures climb, your energy bills will naturally rise. But a utility bill that’s two, three, or even four times higher than usual during the summer is cause for concern. Besides the fact that it’s expensive to run an AC, your high electricity bill can indicate that your system is not working as efficiently as it should.
There are a number of things that can contribute to your high energy bills, including incorrectly billed usage from the electric company, poorly insulated homes, open windows, and old appliances that consume more power than they should. However, the main reason for a high electric bill during the summer is an inefficient air conditioning unit.
A few simple tips can help you keep your energy bill in check and your AC running efficiently. For example, it’s important to change your air filter every 1-3 months. Dirty filters hinder the flow of air and make your unit work harder to cool your home.
It may also be a good idea to replace your air conditioning unit if it’s older than a decade or more. New units are more efficient than older models and will save you money over time.
If you’re still struggling to keep your energy bills in check, your utility company might offer budget billing or other options that can spread the cost of your energy use over a year.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your high energy bills, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a Castle Rock AC repair service company to visit your home and evaluate the condition of your AC system. A professional will be able to recommend services like getting a coil cleaned, replacing your capacitor or motor, installing a hard start kit, duct sealing, and a programmable thermostat. Keeping up with routine maintenance will help your AC unit stay in peak condition and reduce your energy bills. Moreover, an expert will be able to detect potential problems before they become costly repairs. This will keep your cooling costs down and avoid a sudden surge in your electricity bill during the summer.
Warm Air
If your air conditioner is running but not blowing cool air, it needs a professional inspection and servicing. An improperly set thermostat, a dirty air filter, or a refrigerant leak can all cause warm air production. In most cases, a qualified HVAC technician will be able to fix the problem and restore the AC’s cooling capabilities.
A clogged drain line is another issue that can affect your AC’s ability to produce cold air. When this happens, the condensation from your air conditioner isn’t able to leave the unit and can create several issues, including mold and mildew growth, water leaks, and even an electrical short in the system.
The best way to prevent a clogged drain line is to clean it out every three months. If you’re confident in your DIY abilities, you can easily clean your air conditioning drain line by removing the access panel, disconnecting the evaporator coil, and using a hose to flush out the line. If you aren’t comfortable working with electricity, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to do this for you.
An air conditioner that sputters or emits a musty smell is also a sign that it’s time to call in the professionals. These issues are caused by the breakdown of an internal component, such as a capacitor or compressor. If you notice these issues, it’s important to call in a skilled and experienced technician as soon as possible to minimize the amount of damage they can cause to other components.
If your air conditioning repair bill is on the higher end of the scale, it’s a good idea to consider replacing your air conditioning unit altogether. This is especially true if your unit is over 15 years old, as newer units are less likely to require repairs.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is a critical part of your air conditioning system, but it’s also subject to wear and tear. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs that your thermostat is going bad, it’s time to call a professional:
A thermostat that won’t turn on at all or constantly displays an incorrect temperature is usually a sign of a bad battery or a wiring issue. It can be tempting to open the thermostat and check the wires yourself, but this is dangerous and should be left to a professional. You can also try turning the AC off and on again if it’s displaying an inaccurate temperature. If the air is still warm, it’s likely due to a bad compressor or fan.
When your AC is running but the air isn’t cold, it may be because of dirty or blocked registers. These can cause your AC to work harder, driving up your energy bills and not cooling your home properly. In order to fix this, you’ll want to vacuum the inside of your registers and unblock them if necessary.
A car’s thermostat can also be affected by wear and tear, leading to problems. Thermostats are responsible for regulating the flow of coolant between the engine and radiator, so when they’re defective, it can lead to overheating. This can also cause a sweet scent or white smoke from the engine, both of which are signs that it’s time to replace the thermostat.
If you suspect that your thermostat isn’t working, shut off the power and remove the cover. Clean it with compressed air or a brush, and then reinstall the cover before you flip the power back on. This can often solve the problem, but if your breaker keeps tripping, it’s best to call a professional. They have the tools and knowledge to diagnose the problem quickly and effectively. In addition, they can test the wiring connections to ensure everything is in good working order. This is a simple task that can save you from the hassle of dealing with an inefficient and uncomfortable vehicle.
Leaking Ductwork
Leaking ductwork is a common problem that affects home comfort. It can allow conditioned air to escape into the attic or basement, wasting energy and money. In addition, it can cause uneven cooling throughout your home, making it difficult to cool down specific areas of the house.
If you suspect your ductwork is leaking, it’s important to have a professional HVAC technician evaluate the issue. They’ll be able to locate the leaks and perform duct sealing, saving you money on your energy bills and ensuring your ducts are properly cooled.
A professional can use mastic tape to seal the most common leaks in your ductwork, which are usually along the seams where two pieces of ductwork meet or at joints. They can also use a fog machine to test the system once they’re finished, ensuring they have sealed all leaks.
In addition to leaks, ductwork problems can include dirt and debris buildup that restricts airflow. Over time, this can lead to the air filter becoming dirty or clogged more quickly, reducing the amount of air flowing through the system.
Leaks from ductwork can also allow toxic fumes to enter your home. For example, if you store chemicals like paint lacquer and pesticides in the attic or basement, the leaking ductwork can pull those fumes into your living spaces, which can make you sick.
You can do a visual inspection of your ductwork by checking for obvious signs of leaks or gaps in the ducts, which are usually near seams and joints. Leaks are more likely to occur at these points due to the stress of mechanical fasteners and the expansion and contraction of metal ducts as they heat and cool.
If you notice a sudden increase in your utility bills, that’s an indicator of a problem with your ductwork. Another sign of leaking ducts is an increase in indoor humidity levels, which can lead to mold growth and other issues.
It’s important to check for a leaky ductwork system because it can lower your HVAC unit’s lifespan and lead to expensive repairs. However, a professional can help you find and seal all the leaks, so you can enjoy even temperatures throughout your home and save money on your energy bills.
