Have you noticed your cooling system doesn’t perform the way it used to? Ignoring the problem will not solve it. It will only make it worse. Sure, the last thing you want to spend your money on is an AC repair. However, when you fix things quickly, you usually pay less money and don’t have to deal with a stressful situation like not having air conditioning.
Sometimes, homeowners put off repairs not because they don’t want to handle them immediately but because they don’t realize they need a repair. We’ll discuss the benefits of timely repairs and dive deeper into the signs pointing to AC problems. We’ll even touch on the benefits of repair versus replacement and vice versa.
Benefits of Timely Repairs
Yes, you’re out of money when you repair a problem with your air conditioner, but in the long run, you save money. You also save yourself the frustration of being without air conditioning when you need it the most. Below, we share the top benefits our customers receive when they schedule repairs promptly and not in an emergency repair situation.
Extended AC Lifespan
Air conditioning costs a lot of money to buy, operate and maintain. You don’t want to spend a large sum of money every decade to buy a new furnace and air conditioner. You want to get as many years out of your system as possible. A well-maintained system that receives prompt repairs and yearly maintenance can last up to 20 years.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
You might not have considered how your air conditioner contributes to indoor air quality (IAQ). However, one of its primary jobs is humidity removal. Relative humidity levels in the average home should fall between 30 and 60 percent. If humidity levels become too high, the air conditioner will stop doing its job and must be inspected. High humidity causes moisture to develop, which can lead to mold growth. Breathing moldy air aggravates allergy symptoms and can increase respiratory discomfort.
Better Cooling
An air conditioning system that struggles to cool the air will find it challenging to produce even cooling. You might turn up the thermostat to try to cool the house better and discover that it doesn’t work. Fixing mechanical issues leads to better cooling because the unit cannot meet your demands. Having us look at your ductwork when your AC isn’t cooling your rooms evenly would also be prudent.
Cheaper Energy Costs
Using your air conditioner, even on the hottest days of the year, shouldn’t cost you a fortune. Yes, you spend more when temperatures turn extreme, but your jaw shouldn’t drop when you get your electric bill. Timely repairs keep your energy costs lower. They take stress off the system, and, in turn, you feel less stress because you’re not worrying about skyrocketing electric bills.
If the problem’s a humidity issue, getting that fixed also contributes to lower energy costs because humidity doesn’t simply cause mold growth. It also causes the air in your home to feel warmer, so you adjust the thermostat. Addressing humidity issues can instantly make you feel more comfortable in your home, and you might even get away with setting the thermostat a few degrees lower and still feel ok.
Signs Your AC Needs Some TLC
Here’s some good news: You can avoid most emergency repair situations. Why? Because air conditioning systems warn you that they need some attention before they break down. You just need to know what those signs look like.
Odd Sounds
Air conditioning systems make sounds upon start-up, but you should notice the AC turning on. You might see it if the house is quiet, but you shouldn’t if you’re going about your day distracted. So, if you hear the AC making loud banging or clanging sounds, invite your local HVAC experts out to have a look.
Uneven Cooling
Uneven cooling offers another glimpse into your AC’s performance. The air conditioner might need servicing if you have hot spots in your home that never cool or feel humid. Before you call for service, you should check the vents to ensure they didn’t get closed. Also, check the air conditioner’s filter. If it’s dirty, replace it and see if the airflow improves. If neither seems to fix the issue, the unit might have a mechanical problem, like a broken blower motor.
Short-Cycling
Short cycling is another problem that many people overlook. When a unit short cycles, it seems to run continuously. It’s likely not running all the time, but instead, it’s starting and stopping before completing an entire cycle. A cycle is usually 15-20 minutes long. Short cycling doesn’t necessarily affect cooling performance, but allowing the unit to run like that can increase utility costs and strain the unit. You want to figure out what’s causing the unit to short cycle and fix the underlying problem to prevent unexpected breakdowns and diminished life expectancy.
Rising Utility Costs
Rising utility bills are another sure indication that your air conditioner’s performance is deteriorating. If you can’t figure out why your energy usage is increasing, it’s likely a mechanical problem. Or, it might need a professional tune-up.
Repair or Replace
When you call for air conditioning service, you might consider replacing the air conditioner if the repair costs seem high. The benefits of timely replacement include:
- Better performance
- Improved efficiency
- Warranty coverage
- Peace of mind
Replacing an air conditioner isn’t always the right thing to do, though. If you have a newer AC system that is still covered by its manufacturer’s warranty, use the coverage and repair the part. When repair costs stay within a reasonable range, say under $500, fixing the unit is often a no-brainer.
HVAC industry experts recommend replacing air conditioning equipment when the repair cost exceeds the replacement value, the unit’s nearing the end of its lifespan, or you’ve had multiple problems with the system over the last few cooling seasons.
When to Call the Experts
You don’t want to wait around to call for cooling repairs. Timely service always keeps more money in your bank account. If your air conditioner has any of the problems mentioned in this post, call today.
72 Degrees Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help! We service air conditioning equipment throughout the Raleigh, NC, area. Our NATE-certified technicians repair traditional air conditioners and mini-split systems and offer heating service, maintenance protection, and more! Since 1998, we’ve serviced thousands of HVAC systems, providing our customers with exceptional heating, air, and indoor air quality solutions. Our team has over 75 years of combined experience and promises to deliver the A+ service customers expect from us. We even have an A+ BBB accreditation rating to prove it. Did we mention all our technicians undergo extensive background checks as well?
Stop putting off air conditioning repair in Raleigh. Make today the day you call 72 Degrees Heating & Air Conditioning for outstanding HVAC service near you!
