Regular air conditioning inspections are an important part of HVAC maintenance. Of course, a professional maintenance visit is the only way to ensure your AC is running optimally, but it’s also a good idea to casually inspect your AC on your own a couple of times a year. This allows you to find any potential issues and get them fixed before they become worse. If you want to keep your air conditioner functioning as effectively as possible, it’s essential to keep an eye out for these warning signs.
Malfunctioning Thermostat Problems
Start your inspection by checking out the thermostat. You can test indoor air temperature with a thermostat to see if the thermostat is properly calibrated, but keep in mind that HVAC professionals will have more accurate equipment for testing air temperatures. You should also make sure the thermostat is communicating correctly with your AC system. To do this, turn the thermostat temperature down to see if the AC kicks on and up to see if the AC turns off.
Debris Around the Exterior Unit
Don’t forget to include the outdoor unit in your inspection. This part of your AC system helps to dissipate excess heat outside. However, if it’s covered in dust or plant overgrowth, it might struggle to release heat. To improve efficiency, you should occasionally pull weeds from around the unit and use a hose to gently spray dust off it. If you have any shrubs or trees nearby, you might also need to prune away overhanging branches.
A Crooked Exterior Unit
Your exterior condensing unit functions best when it’s entirely level. However, most units are placed on a concrete pad that can shift over time. If shifting soil has caused the pad to tilt, your compressor has to work harder and may fail quicker. To see whether your unit has shifted, all you need to do is place a level on the top and see whether the bubble inside the level is in the proper position. If your unit is tilting, you’ll need to get a professional HVAC technician to help you level it.
Standing Water in the Condensate Drain Pan
It is normal for your HVAC unit to produce some water. As it runs, it sucks moisture from the air which can actually be a helpful way of keeping indoor humidity low. However, a properly functioning HVAC system will promptly drain all this water away. You should never see puddles of standing water. This usually indicates that you have a clogged drain line and should call a professional HVAC company right away.
Ice Buildup Around Your AC Unit
If you see ice growing anywhere on your unit, it means something is going wrong. Though ice might seem like a positive sign that your AC is cooling things, it actually means your system has malfunctioned. Instead of cooling the air properly, your unit’s cooling energy is getting redirected elsewhere. There can be a lot of potential issues that cause ice buildup, from refrigerant leaks to short cycling, so it’s important to get your system checked by an HVAC professional promptly.
Gaps in Your Ductwork
In addition to looking at your HVAC unit, you also need to check the ducts. If you have leaky ducts, even the best AC cannot properly cool your home. Try using a flashlight to carefully examine your ducts for any visible gaps. You can also check to see if there is dust blowing around in certain spots. A draft also indicates leaky ducts. However, keep in mind that even small gaps that aren’t visible to the naked eye can impact efficiency, so it’s a good idea to have a professional test your ducts if you suspect leaks.
Dirty or Warm Air Coming From Vents
Examining the air coming from the AC vents in each of your rooms lets you see if there are any other potential issues with your HVAC system. If you hold a hand in front of the vents and the air feels lukewarm, it means your AC isn’t cooling properly. If you notice dust blowing from the air vents or see dirt building up around them, it can mean your ducts are leaking or your filter needs changing.
At Island Heating & Air Conditioning, our professional HVAC maintenance services can catch any issues you missed and help your system run more efficiently. We’re Oak Harbor’s trusted HVAC company because we provide professional, courteous, and budget-friendly HVAC services, including maintenance, repair, and installation. To schedule your appointment, contact us at Island Heating & Air Conditioning today.
Tags: AC MaintenanceTags: Air Conditioning
June 13, 2023 5:00 pm
