It’s springtime here, and whether you’re in Amesbury, MA, or Hampton Falls NH, this means it’s almost time to turn on your home’s cooling system for the first time this year. However, after going unused throughout the winter months your heat pump or air conditioner might not operate at peak performance. Not only will this leave you feeling uncomfortable in your home, but it can increase your cooling costs all summer long, too.
Kearney HVAC is a qualified air conditioning contractor offering reliable HVAC repair and maintenance services in Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. We work on all makes and models of AC units and heat pumps, including ductless mini split systems. Here are the top 5 signs from our professional technicians that mean it’s time to repair your cooling system.
1. Inadequate Cooling & Poor Airflow
If your AC system takes a long time to cool your home or you can’t feel any cold air coming out of your air vents, give our HVAC specialists a call.
There are several reasons that your AC could be blowing warm air or not at all, ranging from simple fixes to bigger problems. A few common causes include:
- Blown breaker switch
- Dirty air filter
- Obstructions blocking vents
- Refrigerant leak
- Dirty condensate coils
- Blown compressor
2. Strange Sounds
It’s normal for your AC unit or heat pump to make some noise, especially if you have an older system. However, there are some noises to get checked out immediately, such as hissing, banging, or grinding.
Noises coming from your AC or heat pump usually mean there’s a loose part, but it can also point to:
- Damaged fan blades
- Electrical issues
- Worn bearings or broken parts
- Obstructed airflow
- Motor issues
3. Leaks & Moisture
Have you noticed a pool of water surrounding your AC unit? Or maybe your wall-mounted AC keeps freezing? Leaks and excessive moisture are common red flags that something isn’t working properly. This is also true if your home is more humid than normal, as your cooling system is designed to cool and dehumidify your home.
Common reasons for leaks in your air conditioner or heat pump include:
- Clogged air filter
- Obstructed outdoor unit
- Condensate drain problems
- Refrigerant leak
- Frozen evaporator coils
4. Unusual Odors
Odd smells from your home’s cooling system can have a variety of sources, some of which are easily fixed and others that can be a safety risk for your family. If you notice an electrical or burning smell coming from your AC or heat pump, turn it off immediately and call our team.
Musty or rotten smells can be caused by:
- Moisture buildup
- Duct system clogs
- Wet air filters
- Faulty evaporator coils
- Condensate drain issues
5. High Cooling Costs
An increase in your cooling costs without a coinciding increase in your usage or electricity rates should always be a cause for concern. Older ACs or those on the verge of a breakdown will need to work harder to keep your home comfortable, which will cause them to use more energy to operate. At Kearney HVAC, the most common cause for high cooling costs that we see is a lack of preventative maintenance.
Our HVAC specialists recommend getting a cooling system tune-up every spring. This not only helps to ensure your AC or heat pump will run efficiently throughout the summer, but it also allows our team to identify potential issues before they turn into costly AC repairs. Kearney makes cooling maintenance a breeze with our comprehensive service agreements that include annual tune-ups, discounts on repairs, and more.
Kearney HVAC: Your Go-To AC & Heat Pump Contractor
Our NATE-certified technicians have seen just about every cooling system problem out there and can help get your home comfort and efficiency back on track as quickly as possible. If it turns out that the best option is to replace, not repair, your cooling system, we can help there too—and help you find eligible incentives to make your upgrade more affordable.
