August 16, 2021
An efficient air conditioner is a real asset in Gwinnet County’s hot and muggy summer weather. If your AC is working correctly, you should be comfortable without noticing its operation. Noisy or dusty equipment is one of the symptoms of a malfunctioning system. Here are some of the top signs that will tell you if your AC is running efficiently.
1. Observe How Your Air Conditioner Is Running
The simplest way to tell if your AC is working is to observe how often it is running. An air conditioner that runs all the time is a sign of systemic problems with the equipment. It means that the AC has to struggle to keep the interior cool.
A constantly running AC is a problem that often starts with the installation. A substandard process may overlook critical factors such as the sizing of the equipment.
Your AC may be constantly running because it can’t handle the load presented by the region’s climate. Additionally, it could be that you’ve increased the footprint of your home without updating your HVAC equipment.
Therefore, it is always advisable to seek professional assistance when installing or upgrading your AC. For air conditioner repairs and installations in Norcross, you can talk to the factory-trained technicians from Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
2. Pay Attention to Temperature Fluctuations
An efficient air conditioner should cool the interior evenly throughout the building. One of the most common problems you may encounter in summer is hot and cold spots.
Your indoor AC unit is responsible for pushing conditioned air throughout the premises. If you notice temperature fluctuations, one possible cause is airflow blockages. Ensure that the vents are open and allowing air to distribute to every part of your home. Changing the air filter in your equipment can also prevent airflow blockages and hot or cold spots. We recommend changing or cleaning your filter at least once a month.
Sometimes, hot and cold spots occur when there is heat gain in the space you want to condition. Direct sunlight can increase temperatures in the room. Cooking appliances can also produce heat that modifies interior temperatures. The heat gain will force your air conditioner to overwork in the hot Gwinnet County summer. As a result, the equipment will age faster and may develop multiple issues in its lifetime.
3. Carefully Review Your Utility Bills
Another tell-tale sign of a malfunctioning cooling system is high utility bills. When your AC becomes inefficient, it may run continuously to keep up with the demands of your home. So, if you notice a recent spike in your bills, it is advisable to have a professional assess the AC’s function.
It is also possible that your system is approaching the end of its life. Even though replacing the AC is a considerable investment, new ENERGY STAR equipment can reduce energy consumption.
Energy Star appliances have a high-efficiency rating that can be up to 25 SEER. If your equipment is more than a decade old, it most probably has a rating of between 5 and 12 SEER. The higher the value, the less power the equipment consumes. According to statistics, you can save up to 7% of energy for upgrading by 1 SEER. That means upgrading your equipment from 10 SEER to 16 SEER can save you more than 40% in utility bills. If you are unsure of the system to buy, you can contact the team from Bardi’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
If different parts of your home have varying temperature demands, you may want to consider zoning. Zoning the house entails using several indoor air handlers to manage cooling more efficiently. For example, occupants may use one part of the building more than the others. The temperatures they set for the room could be too low for the rest of the house. In the process, some places will experience overcooling. By zoning various parts of your home, you ensure that you only regulate temperatures when it is necessary. Your equipment runs less frequently and cuts down on power consumption.
4. Does Your AC Leave Your Home’s Interior Humid?
If you tend to feel damp and sticky even indoors, your AC could be faulty. In Norcross, humidity can hit highs of 80%. According to the EPA, the ideal level is between 30% and 50%.
An efficient AC unit can remove humidity and moisture. The evaporator coils will cool down the vapor and turn it into water before channeling it through the drain pan. When the interior of your home is humid, it is often a sign that the evaporator coils are not cooling the vapor sufficiently. The equipment might be leaking its refrigerant, or the refrigerant levels might be insufficient.
Dirt and grime can also reduce the cooling capacity of the evaporator coils. When that happens, your AC will overwork to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity.
Refilling the refrigerant is a task for certified professionals. Technicians can clean intricate parts of your HVAC unit to restore its performance during maintenance. We recommend that you schedule a tune-up for your AC at least once a year.
5. Understand the Meaning of Different Sounds
A noisy AC unit is often a sign of a malfunction. Fortunately, the different sounds produced by your equipment can point to the source of the fault. For example, if you hear banging sounds, it is usually a loose component. Loose parts can also damage your system and cause fire hazards.
When you hear clicking noises, it could be something lodged inside your air conditioner. You may also want to check if your thermostat is working.
Squealing is often a sign of friction and lack of lubrication. A worn-out motor or belt may make high-pitched noises. The best step is to consult a certified professional to replace the defective parts.
Rattling noises indicate that your AC is aging. Older models will have many loose parts that produce such sounds. Annual maintenance is essential for increasing the lifespan of your air conditioner.
6. Is Your AC approaching the End of Its Lifespan?
Your air conditioning system has a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. Modern equipment tends to last longer than older models. The more recent appliances have features that allow the AC to run more efficiently and last longer. Typically, cooling equipment will frequently develop faults when it is in the last two years of its lifespan. If the AC has been demanding multiple repairs within that period, it most probably has systemic problems.
Observing routine maintenance of your air conditioner ensures optimal performance. At Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we recommend that you schedule a tune-up in Norcross before summer. By servicing the equipment in spring, you can have it running efficiently throughout the warm season. You will be reducing frequent repairs when you need your AC the most.
Whether you’re looking for AC repairs, maintenance or installation in Norcross, you can turn to the NATE-certified technicians at Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We also provide the same options for heating equipment and perform a complete line of plumbing services. As a BBB-accredited company, we’re committed to providing outstanding results. Our professionals have the requisite experience and skills to provide air purification, duct cleaning and insulation solutions as well. Call us today.
