Is Your Air Conditioner Ready for a Tune-Up?

Signs that your air conditioning system needs an air conditioning tune-up can be subtle, but they are important to recognize. If your system seems determined to blow warm air, rather than cold air, or if the air conditioning vents are producing weak airflow, it may be time for a tune-up. Additionally, if you notice dramatic temperature changes from room to room or hear “unusual” sounds emanating from the air conditioning system, it is likely time for a tune-up. The most common sign that an air conditioner unit needs a tune-up is noise.

If the machine is emitting a loud squeak as it works harder to cool the house, it is likely not operating normally. This means that it has to work harder to compensate for the performance deficit. In addition to noise, other signs that your air conditioner needs a tune-up include dirty or loose electrical connections, leaks, or broken safety devices. It is also important to check and replace the fiberglass, polyester, HEPA, or UV air filter regularly. To ensure that lint from the dryer does not enter the air conditioning unit and restrict air flow, watch where the dryer is vented and make sure that it is not tilted toward the air conditioning unit.

If utility costs are higher than usual, this could be an indication that the air conditioning unit is working harder than normal and may need a tune-up. That's why getting your air conditioner set up, also known as air conditioner repair, is such an important part of your home maintenance regimen. If summer is coming up and your air conditioner hasn't been repaired recently, a Carrier HVAC dealer can quickly and easily provide you with an estimate of the cost of air conditioning service and schedule your annual maintenance. The air conditioner can emit a bad smell due to several factors, such as the humidity of the filters, the blockage in the condensate drain pipe, or the accumulation of fungi. There's no doubt that adjustments are a great way to remove dirt from ventilation grilles or any other obstacles and restore air flow to get the air conditioning system back to working properly. While air conditioning units usually take a little longer to maintain optimal temperatures in larger homes or at the hottest times of the year, if the difference in cooling time is drastic enough for the homeowner to notice, it is likely time for a tune-up.

In addition to hiring a professional to perform an annual air conditioner tune-up, there are some tasks you can perform to extend the life of the air conditioning unit. While air conditioners are developed and tested to work reliably for years, an annual air conditioner tune-up can be the key to keeping your HVAC system running at peak performance and helping to improve its lifespan.