Houston has a warm climate, which means that homes in Houston are more likely to run their air conditioner throughout the year. Constant operation makes it more likely that an air conditioner will break down. This can leave you stranded in the middle of the summer, with no way to make your home comfortable again.
Knowing the reasons to call the professionals for Houston air conditioning repair makes it much easier for you to know how to keep your AC unit running smoothly throughout the summer months.
5 Reasons to Schedule Houston Air Conditioning Repair
The following five reasons are the most common problems that can affect your air conditioner. Being able to narrow down the problem your unit is suffering from can help speed up the repair process. Let your contractor know what you’ve noticed about your air conditioner’s performance when you contact them.
1. Increased Energy Bills
You should always call a professional to take a look at your air conditioner if you notice that its performance has suffered. The clearest way to measure the performance of your air conditioner is through your utility bills.
A well-functioning air conditioner works at its highest efficiency. As your air conditioner ages, it’s performance will degrade, requiring it to run for longer periods of time to produce the same cooling effect.
This means that your unit can cause your energy bills to spike if there is a new mechanical issue that develops in a month. You will also be able to see smaller, gradual increases in utility costs over time as your unit becomes less efficient. Maintenance like duct cleaning, air filter replacement and anything else that needs fixing can reduce your bills and improve your system’s performance.
2. Strange Noises
Beyond tracking your electricity bills each month, you should also listen to any noises your air conditioner makes. Different sounds can point to different issues.
For instance, rattling sounds mean that your ducts have likely come loose. This causes them to rub against each other, resulting in a constant sound from your vents when your unit is on. A whistling sound can point to the same thing occurring.
This is more than an annoying sound. Sections of ductwork that are not secured to one another can let air from your air conditioner leak out. This reduces air flow throughout your home, and can make your unit less efficient and effective.
In some cases, a grinding sound can come from your air conditioner itself. This usually means that the fan’s blades have bent out of shape, and are grinding against another metal component. Letting this continue can cause more damage to other parts of your unit, which means more expensive repairs.
3. Uneven Cooling
Another reason to consider professional Houston air conditioning repair is the presence of warm spots in your home. An air conditioner that is working as intended will cool your entire home. If it is struggling to cool specific areas, it needs some sort of maintenance.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to pinpoint what is affecting your air conditioner’s efficiency. That is why a professional inspection is the best thing to do, as you can identify the cause and necessary fix.
4. Odors
A strange smell that comes out of your vents points to an issue with your ducts. If they are not insulated correctly, condensation can build up within them.
This can lead to mold growth in your ducts. This is something that you should be very concerned about, as mold exposure can have large impacts on the health of you and your family. It can aggravate or even cause certain breathing conditions.
Cleaning your ducts out, and repairing the ductwork to prevent future condensation, is the best course of action.
5. No Air Flow
Related to the above point, your unit is overdue for professional attention if you’ve noticed air flow issues. Weak air coming out of your vents means debris has built up in your ductwork. If this is the case, you’ll need to have your ducts cleaned.
In other cases, your air filter may be overdue for replacement. The Department of Energy recommends replacing your air filter every month or two when you are using your AC every day. Check the label on the type of filter you are using, as they have different recommended lifespans.
Finally, the last thing that can hamper air flow is a broken blower or fan. Like all mechanical parts, the motor that powers the blower or fan can burn out with age and use. Once this happens, a contractor will have to remove and replace the entire fan or blower.
Get a Professional Inspection Today
If you notice any of the above problems affecting your AC unit, you should talk to a contractor straight away. Leaving problems alone can reduce the efficiency of your unit. This can lead to higher energy bills each month.
It can also lead to a greater likelihood of damage or malfunctions, which can require expensive repairs. Simple maintenance and updates early on prevent problems from snowballing into larger ones.
Look no further than P&M HVAC for all your Houston air conditioning repair needs. Our team of trained professionals has years of experience in the industry, and can work with you to identify problems and get cold air flowing again in no time at all. For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.