Inefficient air conditioning can start arguments in unbearably hot households. Or, everyone might avoid each other. It also spikes utility bills.
This is no way to live!
Stop putting up with inefficient air conditioning. Get your AC under control with advice from Leith Heating & Cooling, Elgin’s reliable AC repair experts. These guidelines will show you how easy it is to take control of your cooling and energy bills.
Causes of Inefficient Air Conditioning in Elgin
There are three major causes of inefficient air conditioning. The first is a lack of maintenance. The second is choosing a too-small unit. The third is an out-of-date HVAC system.
Maintenance Matters
An inefficient air conditioner might not be an out-of-business air conditioner. A lot of problems come from a lack of upkeep. A regular maintenance routine is the best way to make an air conditioner like this operate optimally.
Even if your AC seems to work fine, it can always work better with regular maintenance. Besides, you can’t see what’s going on in your AC, and even if you could, you wouldn’t recognize the signs of trouble because you’re not an AC expert. This means your energy is being wasted, and your carbon footprint gets bigger.
Here’s what professionals do during maintenance to keep your AC running efficiently.
Clean the Air Filters
Air filters collect a lot of debris and dust. Some of it includes normal dust and some of it consists of dead bugs and bits of animal waste tracked in on your shoes. These things cover the filters between maintenance visits, but imagine how they look if you don’t receive regular maintenance.
The build-up prevents the free flow of air, creating a stuffy feel to your indoor air quality. When HVAC professionals see dirty air filters, they know you’re dealing with inefficient air conditioning.
Address the Causes of a Loud AC
An air conditioner isn’t supposed to make noise. It should turn on quietly and remain quiet, no matter how old.
Sometimes, dirt and debris can cause an AC to make noise. A fan belt can also cause noise if it’s damaged. This drains the system so the AC won’t run efficiently unless that fan belt gets repaired or replaced.
Repair Leaks on or Around the Unit
An air conditioner that leaks needs help. It might be leaking refrigerant, a caustic, poisonous substance that no one in the household should come in contact with. Keep the area covered and kids and pets away from it.
Refrigerant plays a vital role in the heat removal process that cools a home, so a leak inhibits efficiency.
Address Thermostat Problems
During maintenance, your HVAC contractor will look at your thermostat to see if it’s working correctly. If the thermostat is unresponsive or the unit is short cycling, it needs a repair or replacement because of sensor issues or being past its prime. You could also have a wiring issue.
The possibility of a wiring issue is something that you shouldn’t ignore. This can cause a fire. Always call in the professionals when your AC starts making weird sounds or exhibits other concerning issues.
The AC Is Too Small
If your AC is too small, the unit probably never shuts off. This is because it is straining to cool the house, yet can never finish a complete cooling cycle.
Here’s another important point about air conditioning size: A too-small unit can cause mold because it can’t manage humidity. Mold makes people sick, and it’s expensive to clean. Regular maintenance, getting the right sized AC, and getting rid of an old HVAC system severely limit the possibility of mold.
Having the wrong-sized unit often occurs when the unit gets chosen and installed without the help of a professional team. Professionals factor in the house size and its layout, along with your cooling preferences. This ensures you select the correct unit.
The more you try to save on AC costs without the input of professionals, the more you usually spend because you choose inefficient models and fail to practice good AC hygiene, whether with a lack of maintenance or by holding onto an old AC system.
Inefficient air conditioning never pays. It only costs more and more money each month. Stop putting up with a humid house, bad moods, possible mold, and exorbitant cooling bills.
The AC Is Past Its Prime
Maintenance is great, but it’s not magic. Maintenance can extend the longevity of an air conditioner, but if your HVAC unit is between 15-20 years old and needs constant repairs, it’s inefficient. You will see this in two ways.
First, your energy bills will be much higher despite no increased usage. When you see an increase in your utility bill without more usage or price raises, call AC experts to examine the system. This should never happen.
Second, you will spend more money on repairs. Getting the same repair over and over isn’t a good way to manage an appliance because, in the long run, it costs more to repair it than to use it. Even if the repairs vary, it still wastes money.
When this happens, it wastes energy, too, increasing your carbon footprint. That’s bad for the environment and your bank account. Modern systems can save money after that initial investment. The savings in utility costs and the increased comfort more than pay for themselves.
Contact Leith Heating & Cooling for Your Elgin AC Upgrades
If you’re ready to sign up for air conditioning maintenance, need a repair, or are in the market for a new air conditioner, Leith Heating & Cooling is ready to help. Our five-star reviews show why we’re the best AC team in the Elgin area. Clients count on us for fair pricing, first-rate services, and genuine customer service.
We show up on time, clean up our work area, and when it’s time for us to leave, your indoor air quality is better than when we arrived.
For help addressing inefficient air conditioning, contact us at 847-851-8698 for more information and to make an appointment soon.