Memorial Day is right around the corner, and if you haven’t given your air conditioner a second thought since last September, you’re in good company. Most Rhode Island homeowners don’t think about their AC until the first really hot day hits, and by then, HVAC companies are swamped with emergency calls. Getting a little ahead of it now makes life a lot easier when the humidity rolls in off the bay.
Here are the most common signs that your air conditioner needs attention before summer gets going in earnest.
It’s Making Noises You Don’t Remember
A properly running AC is mostly quiet. You hear the blower start up, the hum of the compressor, and that’s about it. If you’re hearing rattling, banging, grinding, or a high-pitched squealing, something is off. Rattling often points to loose components inside the unit. Grinding or squealing can mean the motor bearings are wearing out. Neither of those problems fixes itself, and both tend to get worse (and more expensive) the longer they run.
The Air Coming Out Isn’t As Cold As It Should Be
Turn your system on and let it run for 15 minutes. Hold your hand near a vent. The air should feel noticeably cold. If it’s just slightly cool, or if some rooms feel comfortable while others don’t, you could be looking at a refrigerant issue, a dirty evaporator coil, or a problem with airflow. A refrigerant leak isn’t something to put off, since low refrigerant makes the system work harder and shortens its lifespan.
Your Energy Bills Jumped Last Summer
Think back to last July and August. Did your electric bill seem higher than usual? An AC that’s losing efficiency has to run longer to hit the temperature you’ve set, and that shows up on your bill. A tune-up, a coil cleaning, or a refrigerant recharge can often bring efficiency back up and save you real money over the course of the cooling season.
It’s Been More Than a Year Since a Professional Looked at It
Manufacturers and HVAC technicians recommend annual maintenance on air conditioning systems, for good reason. A yearly tune-up typically includes cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and making sure the condensate drain is clear. Skipping a year or two doesn’t automatically mean disaster, but systems that aren’t maintained regularly tend to have shorter lives and more unexpected breakdowns.
The System Is More Than 12 to 15 Years Old
Modern air conditioners are significantly more efficient than units from a decade or more ago. If your system is getting up there in age and you’re noticing any of the issues above, it’s worth having a conversation about whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense. Newer systems use updated refrigerants, run quieter, and can cut cooling costs considerably. Heat pumps are also worth exploring if you’re heating with oil or gas, since they handle both heating and cooling with impressive efficiency.
What to Do Right Now
Before you turn the system on for the first real run of the season, do a quick walkaround outside. Make sure the condenser unit is clear of leaves, grass clippings, and anything that may have piled up over winter. Replace your air filter inside if you haven’t recently. Check that the area around the unit is clean and unobstructed.
If you want peace of mind before the heat arrives, scheduling a spring AC tune-up is the smartest move. Our team at McKee Brothers can inspect your system, clean it up, and catch any issues before they turn into a breakdown on the hottest day of July. Give us a call at 401-723-1100 or request service online, and we’ll get you set up before the summer rush hits.