Common Signs You Need a Residential AC Repair

As a residential property owner, the first thing you should do if your air conditioner (AC) shows signs of breaking down is to call a professional home AC fixing service. Not only can technicians catch problems while they are still relatively small, lowering the cost of repairs, but they can also ensure that your air conditioner will be working properly throughout the year. And in a city like New Orleans, where heat waves and humidity can make ambient temperatures uncomfortable and distracting, keeping your property’s climate cool and pleasant is no small thing.

Of course, to have a technician come and fix your AC, you first need to know which technician to call. That is where Optimum Air Solutions comes in. With over 20 years of experience serving our community, our team has the skills to maintain and replace AC units of all makes and models. No matter the issue, we are ready to provide quick, comprehensive and durable residential AC repairs to ensure your unit is working efficiently all year long. 

Common Signs of AC Wear-and-Tear

In order to determine whether your AC may be experiencing problems, look out for common signs of AC damage, including:

• Increased energy bills

An air conditioner which isn’t functioning as efficiently will have to work harder to cool your home, raising your monthly bill. Keep in mind that this could also be due to increased usage during heat waves. 

• Unexplained changes in temperature

Keep an eye out for rooms which are noticeably warmer than the rest of the house when the air conditioner is on, though make sure that these temperature differences cannot be explained away by factors like open windows or oven usage. 

• Poor performance

Weak airflow or warm air being blown into rooms while the AC is running may have a number of causes. While some are easy to fix, such as a clogged filter that needs replacing, larger problems like damaged system components may be more difficult and costly to repair.

• Strange noises or smells

Your ears and nose are powerful tools; if they’re telling you that something is off about your AC system, it is important to listen. Sounds such as hissing or rattling may indicate leaks or loose parts, while sustained unpleasant smells can be indicative of issues including mold, overheating components or dirty condensate drain pans. That is, a tray which collects any moisture dripping from the evaporator coils. 

• Leakages

Clogged or damaged condensate drain pans or drain lines may be some of the most common causes of water leakages around your AC, though other causes may include dirty air filters and frozen evaporator coils. While leaking water is serious, there is another issue which can be much more dangerous—refrigerant leaks. Sustained and extensive exposure to refrigerant fumes may cause headaches, dizziness and other health risks. For safety’s sake, consider calling our 24/7 answering service to schedule an emergency AC repair if you think your unit has a refrigerant leak.

How Can You Mitigate Residential AC Damage?

Once damage has been done to your AC, the safe and sensible course of action is to call for repairs. But how can you prevent this damage from happening in the first place? Some at-home preventative maintenance options include:

• Regularly cleaning and replacing air filters
• Clearing foliage and debris away from outdoor units in order to prevent clogs 
• Using a vacuum and a damp cloth to clear dust from around your air vents

The most important and comprehensive method of preventing AC damage, however, is scheduling regular AC maintenance with a professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company. These experienced technicians can conduct extensive assessments of your AC system in order to identify potential sources of concern and catch problems early. And when you work with Optimum Air Solutions, you get more than just a thorough inspection of your HVAC system. Your AC unit will also receive a professional and thorough cleaning, as well as any necessary adjustments to components such as the thermostat in order to keep your system functioning properly. 

Benefits of Preventative AC Maintenance

Of course, to some property owners, regular AC maintenance service can seem entirely unnecessary. After all, your AC may go a long time without ever experiencing any serious problems. Outside of preventing or quickly responding to AC damage, lowering repair costs, and potentially boosting air flow, what benefits does regular AC maintenance actually offer you? 

Scheduling preventative AC maintenance may:

• Improve the air quality of your property. During maintenance, technicians clean pollutants including dust, mold and allergens out of your AC’s components, helping you to breathe easier while indoors. 
• Keep your residence cool during heat waves. This is especially important in a climate like the one in New Orleans, where heat and humidity can make it uncomfortable or unsafe to stay in a home without air conditioning.
• Better energy efficiency. When your system doesn’t have to fight against leaks, clogs and other issues to cool your house, your AC’s performance improves and your energy bill reduces.
• Boost the longevity of your AC unit. Damage is not the only thing which can impact your AC’s lifespan; an AC unit which has to continuously strain to cool your house may wear out more quickly.
• Help you sleep and concentrate better. A residence which is too hot may increase your irritability levels, making it difficult to sleep or focus on tasks like work.

Give Optimum Air Solutions a Call and Improve Your Home’s Air Quality Today

As a residential property owner, the importance of keeping an eye out for signs of AC damage cannot be overstated, particularly during New Orleans heat waves. Compromised AC units, when left unattended, may wreak havoc on your wallet as well as the comfort and safety of your residence. In order to avoid this, it is important to schedule repairs—or, preferably, preventative maintenance—with a professional HVAC company like Optimum Air Solutions as soon as possible. With experienced technicians, high-quality materials and a focus on customer satisfaction, partnering with our company means having a reliable, efficient and precise team on your side when you need us most. So if you’d like to schedule a preventative maintenance appointment, or if you need a residential AC repair, give us a call or send us a message today.