7 Warning Signs That Indicate You Need Air Conditioning Service | Fort Worth, TX
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If you own a home in Fort Worth, TX, then you are probably well-acquainted with your HVAC system. In fact, during the thick heat of the Fort Worth summers, you might even consider it your best friend. However, even the best HVAC system will fail if it is not properly maintained. This is why it is so important to know when to call for air conditioning service in Fort Worth. An HVAC system is at most a complex machine, and if anything in that intricate system is off it will eventually affect the entire machine.
A lot of small problems can build up and create a domino effect that can cause your HVAC system to break down. Fort Worth, TX homeowners want to try to prevent this from occurring, because no one wants to live without their AC for a few hours, and certainly not a few days in the heat of summer. The good news is if you know the warning signs you can call for proactive air conditioning service and get small problems repaired before they become major problems.
Not sure how to tell if your AC is malfunctioning? Chances are the system has been giving off warning signs, but you may not know what they are. Learning the warning signs of an HVAC system that needs air conditioning service is the first step in taking proper action. The following is a quick list of the leading warning signs that it is time for HVAC service in Fort Worth, TX. If you notice any of them then you need to call for service right away to prevent larger issues from arising.
You Notice Your Energy Bills Spike
It is normal for your energy bills to rise in the summertime in Fort Worth, TX because your AC is in much higher demand during the summer months compared to the mild winters. While you probably have turned on your heat, it likely will not have to run half as much as your AC does during a Fort Worth summer. However, you should notice your energy bills rising slowly and as expected.
When you compare the summer heating bills of last year to your summer heating bills this summer the amounts should be close. Heating costs do rise a bit every year, but the difference should be a matter of dollars, not a dramatic rise that will hurt your budget. If your energy bills jump dramatically enough that you gasp when you open the envelope, there is a good chance something is wrong with your HVAC system.
Discovering your energy bill is rising is a big sign that it is time to call for an air conditioning service in Fort Worth, TX. You don’t want to delay the phone call either. Chances are good that whatever is wrong is not going to fix itself. That means the longer you wait the higher your bills are going to go. Unless you enjoy paying high electric bills every month, you should call for an air conditioning service call right away.
You Notice Strange Noises Coming From Your HVAC System
Most people are used to the quiet hum that comes from their air vents when the HVAC system is running. Other people simply consider the hum reassuring and it fades into the background. That can make the harsh sound of a banging or clanging noise very disruptive. Hopefully, it’s disruptive enough that it spurs you to call for air conditioning service.
The bottom line is that your AC system should never make any noises. Banging, screeching, clinking, or rattling noises are all indications that something is wrong and you need air conditioning service in Fort Worth, TX. You don’t want to ignore the sound because if you do the problem will only get worse. A lot of people wait a few days to see if the sound resolves itself, but this is usually the wrong move.
A few days allows whatever is damaged or coming loose the time it takes to further loosen and fall off. It also allows the potential damage to deepen as one loose piece affects the functioning of another leading to a domino effect. Before too long, what could have been fixed in a quick air conditioning service call turns into an expensive repair that may leave you baking for a few days while you wait for the replacement part to be delivered.
All of this can be avoided by simply taking action the first time you hear a noise. If you can, turn off the system while you call an air conditioning service so that you prevent any further damage. Talk to the HVAC technician and see if they think it’s safe to turn it on or want you to leave it off until they arrive. A trained technician is the best one to make this decision, and listening to their wisdom may save you a lot of grief down the road.
Your Home Is Full of Cold and Hot Spots
Do you notice warm and cold spots around your home? Or do you find yourself putting on extra layers while downstairs and taking them off before you go to bed? If you are noticing uneven heating or cooling around your home it is a good sign that it’s time for an air conditioning service. On occasion, uneven temperatures are the result of insulation issues, but most of the time they point to an issue with your HVAC system.
The good news is that this can be fixed with proper air conditioning service in Fort Worth, TX. You should be comfortable while relaxing in your home, and fixing your AC so that it effectively cools your home is a great first step.
There are a lot of reasons why your AC system may not be equally cooling your home. It may be that the entire system needs to be cleaned. Systems that are not clean are more likely to distribute air unevenly. The problem may also be in your ductwork. If your ducts are not properly installed it is possible that the air is not able to reach certain areas of your home as well as it can reach others. The result is rooms that are cooler than others.
By the same token, if there is dirt or debris in your air ducts then airflow may be restricted. In this case, you will need an air duct cleaning service, but make sure you only choose an HVAC technician to perform your cleaning. At any rate, if you call an air conditioning service to come out to your home to inspect the problem they can quickly get to the root cause and offer you a solution that will solve the issue once and for all.
There Are Leaks Around Your HVAC System
There should never be a leak around your HVAC system. There should never be any condensation at all. A lot of people think that a small amount of condensation is okay, but usually, this is also a sign that something may not be working right. A minimal amount of condensation you can save to discuss at your next air conditioning service, but an actual leak determines quick action. This indicates that something is leaking and is not something that should be left alone.
A lot of times if there is a leak around your AC this indicates that the condensate is leaking or not working correctly. You should turn off your system and then call your local air conditioning service. Ignoring the issue will lead to the growth of mold or mildew in your basement or utility closet. Not only is mold dangerous to your health, but it can spread into other areas of your home destroying items in storage and/or furniture. Plus, it will cause an increase in humidity levels which in turn will force your AC to work harder, something that is probably already happening because of the leak.
Finally, a leak around your HVAC system may also refrigerant. Refrigerant is a highly dangerous solution that has strict laws around its use and disposal. You do not have anyone in your home to be exposed to the refrigerant, especially small children or pets that may ingest it. If you suspect that refrigerant is leaking you need to immediately turn off your HVAC system and then call for an air conditioning service to inspect the issue.
The Airflow Feels Reduced
If you have young children in your home, they probably enjoy standing next to the air vents every time the AC turns on. However, it can be useful as an adult to also stand near the vents from time to time to keep an eye on the airflow in your home. You should have a basic idea of how much air usually comes out of your air vents. If you can place your hand by the vent and feel cool air but not notice it from a foot away this is a sign that something is probably the matter.
Ideally, you should be able to feel cool air coming out of any vent in your home without bending down and touching it. If the airflow in your home is reduced there is a good chance that something is wrong with the fan or motor of your HVAC system. In the worst-case scenario, something may be wrong with the compressor, but generally, if this is the issue you usually feel room temperature air flowing through the vent in place of cool air. Either way, this is a clear sign that you need to call for air conditioning service. Fixing the problem now instead of waiting for it to get worse is always the right move.
There Is a Lot of Humidity in the Air
If your AC is working correctly, there shouldn’t be much humidity in the air. In fact, one of the most important tasks of your HVAC system is to remove humidity from the air. If you are noticing a high amount of humidity then there is probably something wrong with your AC. Common signs are the air that feels thick, feeling stuffy while inside your home, or continuing to sweat even though the temperature on the thermostat is low. If you are constantly sticky it is a good idea to call for air conditioning service.
Not only is humid air uncomfortable, but over time it will damage items in your home. Photographs and books will start to warp and your furniture can actually start to grow mold. Also, your home will start to have an odor. You can avoid all of this by simply calling for air conditioning service in Fort Worth, TX if you think that it is an issue.
Your Home Won’t Cool
If your AC seems to be running all day but your home is not cooling then this is a definite sign that something is wrong with your AC. Unless you also have your windows open, your AC should be able to cool down your home without cycling endlessly all day. It may be there is an issue with the compressor, or it may be that a part is broken and preventing the AC from running correctly. Either way, a service call is the best way to get to the bottom of the issue.
Have you noticed one of the above warning signs? If you suspect that it may be time for air conditioning service give One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth a call. We will be happy to come out to your home and inspect your HVAC system and make any necessary repairs.