Local HVAC pros give tips on when to tune up AC No one wants to be stuck in the heat when an air conditioner unit goes out. Before it’s too late, performing regular maintenance on your unit can keep it operational all year long and can extend its overall lifespan. Our team is located in the East Bay Area and we’re proud to be the go-to choice for HVAC maintenance and installation in Pittsburg, Walnut Creek, Concord and the surrounding areas. It’s our goal to offer customer-focused service and keep you feeling comfortable in your home no matter the season. Proper maintenance of an AC unit can help it last longer and keep you cool all summer long, but if you have neglected maintenance for a while there are a few warning signs to watch out for. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to bring in a professional to check out your unit. Strange/Loud Noises If you hear your AC unit kick on and notice it sounds a little different than usual, it might be time for a check-up. Whether it’s scraping metal, vibrations or a rattling sound, it can mean some of the inner workings of your unit need to be addressed before more severe damage occurs. Higher Bills When a unit is struggling to keep up, it will cycle more frequently and as a result it will use more energy. The first sign of this is a constantly running unit, followed by a higher than average power bill. While we’re all used to our bills rising with higher temperatures, an abnormal spike can signify a problem with the unit. None of us want a higher power bill, but in addition to using more energy, a constantly running unit can put unnecessary strain on the AC, ultimately shortening its lifespan. Uneven Cooling Do some areas in your home get cool, while others struggle to get enough air? Some of this can be due to upstairs vs. downstairs spaces since heat rises, but if you notice areas which are usually cool are routinely warmer than the rest of the house, it could mean there is a blockage in the ducts which needs to be addressed. Leaks/Signs of Water An AC unit has a system in place to remove moisture from the home which results from the condensation process. When a unit shuts off, it’s sometimes due to this condensation building up because it has nowhere to go and as a result a switch stops the unit from producing more water and eventually leaking. While these usually kick on, sometimes the unit can start to leak from the condensation collection pan. Warm Air If your AC unit is blowing warm air in the cool setting, it could be missing coolant. When this happens, not only do you have warmer air flowing through the ducts, it can also cause the unit to freeze entirely and stop producing cool air. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, give us a call today and one of our professional technicians can come diagnose and correct the issue so your home can stay comfortable all summer long.