If you are in Los Angeles, CA, or the surrounding area, and your air conditioner is having a problem, do not opt for a replacement just yet. At JW Plumbing, Heating and Air, we want to make sure that a major expenditure like a brand-new AC unit is a last resort. There is a possibility that your home may simply need an AC tune-up, which costs a tiny fraction of a new system.
Here are signs that your AC may only need a tune-up by one of our team members at JW Plumbing,
Heating and Air:
1. Routine Maintenance was Skipped
Routine maintenance is one of the most important things that you can do to keep your air conditioning system running smoothly, season after season. Maintenance ensures that all individual parts and components are checked, and air filters are replaced when necessary. It also catches anything that might become an issue, as well as small problems, before they become bigger ones. Regular maintenance is advised to be performed by a professional at least once a year, typically in the spring, and then a check-up on your furnace is generally done in the fall.
2. Energy Bill Spike
Take a look at your energy bill history. If you notice that there has been an uptick in recent months without an increase in usage or a temperature change, this is a sign that your air conditioning unit has been running inefficiently.
3. Foul Smell
If the issues you have been having with your air conditioning unit are accompanied by a foul smell, there could be a few reasons for this. A musty smell points to mold that has grown in your system. If there is a burning smell, that typically means a wiring issue, an overheated motor, or some other electrical problem.
4. Strange Sounds
If you are hearing strange sounds coming from your system, it could mean a number of things. For example, if you are hearing squealing or screeching, that is a sign of a fan belt needing replacement or the motor requiring lubrication. A thwapping sound could mean that there is some obstruction in the fan blades of the blower. Rattling could mean that a part is loose or broken. If you hear a buzzing sound, that could be an issue with a compressor. It is difficult to say with 100% certainty what the sound is without having a professional technician check it out for themselves.
5. Excessive Dust or Weak Airflow
If you are getting excessive dust in your home via your AC unit, you might be tempted to purchase a new system. More often than not, the dust is simply a sign of neglect. An HVAC unit that has not been receiving regular maintenance is bound to collect dust and blow it back into your home. Fixing this issue is often just a matter of a tune-up and changing out the filters.
You might notice that the air coming from your HVAC is cool, but it is very weak. When the velocity of the cool air coming from your unit is minimal, no matter what setting you put it at, this is usually an issue with the vents or an outdated, dirty filter.
6. Warm Air
One of the primary signs that your AC requires a tune-up is if it is blowing warm air. Many customers think that as soon as it is not keeping you cool, the unit is broken. They are often surprised to find out that the culprit is simply that the air conditioner has a low refrigerant level. It can sometimes be a bigger issue, like the compressor, but the best way to find out is to schedule a tune-up with one of our trained technicians.
7. Short Cycling
If your AC unit runs in stops and starts without reaching the desired temperature, that means it is short cycling. It is understandable to think that it is broken and a replacement will be needed, but that is not necessarily the case. An air conditioning unit can short cycle for a variety of reasons, some of which are quite easy fixes. Scheduling a tune-up with someone from our team can help identify the reason for the short cycling. Being that it could be as small of a problem as your air filter, you should definitely not immediately plan for getting a new AC unit altogether, at least, not before one of our technicians has a chance to have a look at it.
8. Leaking Around Unit
If you notice moisture leaking into or around your AC unit, this is a problem. The leak could be refrigerant, which is poisonous and needs to be handled by a professional. There is also the possibility that the moisture that you are noticing is water that is coming from the tube that is meant to dispose of condensation. Sometimes, this tube can become blocked or broken. Other scenarios that could indicate leaking moisture include when ice is present inside the unit or along the condenser’s copper refrigerant lines.
Other Benefits of Tune-ups
Having one of our trusted technicians at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air come out to give your AC unit a tune-up could make the difference between a small amount of money being spent and thousands of dollars. We make sure that our tune-ups are thorough. Annual maintenance plans will often put you on a priority client list, so you will get discounts and priority service if something arises between tune-ups.
We also check for any issues that you might be having and identify anything that might cause you a problem in the future. Learning that your air conditioner is nearing the end of its lifespan gives you extra time to budget and shop around before you purchase a new unit.
Tune-ups are a great opportunity to discuss changes to your system with a professional who knows your home. You can discuss whether your central air system has the power to handle a filter with a smaller mesh size without straining. HVAC professionals are also great sources for learning about upgrades to air quality or smart thermostats. They will know what brands and items will work with your system and can give some experienced advice on which brands are most reliable or have features that will make a big difference in your home.
Your Los Angeles AC Tune-up Team
Our team has over 30 years of experience in the industry, so we have the expertise to service all major brands of cooling systems. We also understand the trust you are giving us by letting our technicians into your home, so we respect each home as if it were our own and every customer like family. Our dedication to quality and the community has made us an award-winning Los Angeles air conditioner service company. If you are in the greater Los Angeles area and having cooling issues, give us a call today to learn more.
