Early Warning Signs That Your AC Is Going Out

No matter what steps you take to protect your home’s air conditioner, that device won't last forever. Regularly maintenance is going to extend its lifespan, but there will come a point when you need to speak with a contractor about replacing it entirely. Here is a look at a few early warning  signs  that your AC unit is on its last leg.

The System Repeatedly Turns Off and On

As a general rule, your air conditioner should stay on until it has reached your preferred temperature. Once it has reached that temperature and the system switches off, it should stay off for at least 15 minutes. If the system repeatedly turns off and on in short bursts, then you need to contact a local HVAC contractor who specializes in AC repair Montgomery County TX. That unusual side effect is known as short cycling, and it is a clear sign that the system needs to be repaired or replaced.

Grinding Sounds

Even a well-maintained AC unit is going to make some noise, but you should be wary of any grinding sounds. Those sounds are normally the result of a broken bearing or some type of motor damage. An experienced HVAC contractor can replace those broken parts, but installing a new unit will most likely save you money in the long run. Motor damage usually won’t occur until the AC unit is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Sporadic Airflow

All of the vents throughout your home should produce a strong flow of air when the HVAC system is on. If you notice that some of the vents have weak airflow, then you might be dealing with a damaged compressor. The compressor is another vital component that can be repaired by an experienced HVAC contractor, but investing in a new unit is probably going to be a better idea.

In addition to these few early warning signs, you should also consider the age of the unit. Cooling systems that are more than 15 years old tend to be very inefficient, and upgrading to a new unit could reduce your energy bills by thousands of dollars a year.

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Tips to Keep Your House Cool

No one wants to suffer through the summer months as the temperature rises. Here are a couple of things that you can do to make sure that your entire family stays cool on the hottest days of summer.

One of the first things that you can do is make sure that your air conditioner is working correctly. You want to hire air conditioning repair in Fort Myers, FL professionals if you are noticing a problem with the air conditioner. Perhaps it is not blowing as strong as it used to or perhaps the air does not get as cold. No matter the problem, a professional will be able to fix the issue and help you fight the summer heat.

Learn to open windows and curtains during the time when it is coolest outside and to close them when it is the hottest. You may be able to just use the AC during the daytime or not use it at all if you can get used to a good routine of being more conscious of letting cool air in and blocking hot air. Using a fan can help push hot air out and bring cold air in during appropriate times.

Did you know that about 30 percent of the extra heat in your home is coming in through the windows? This is the greenhouse effect. Heat and sunlight enter the home but are not able to escape. The best remedy to this situation is to make sure the curtains or blinds are closed during the day. Pay special attention to windows that face west and south.

Look at appliances in your home that produce heat. Of course, the oven is obvious. You do not want to bake something during the hottest part of the day because it will contribute to the high temperature in your home. Avoid using the oven on hot days. Use the stove top or grill more often. Keep the furnace fan on, which will keep air flowing through your home. Do chores that require the use of appliances at night. For example, run the washer and dryer or dishwasher at night.

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