Air conditioning is a necessity to make life livable and comfortable in many parts of the nation and world. Air conditioning is a mechanical system that needs maintenance and repairs like all other things that are mechanical. According to the Energy Information Administration, 42% of U.S. homeowners routinely hire AC professionals to maintain their homes' AC systems. If you are not among those 42% of homeowners, here are four signs that your air conditioner needs maintenance.

1. Higher Energy Costs

An AC system that works efficiently will help keep your utility bills lower. When the air conditioner becomes less efficient, it will run more often and drive up your energy costs. If you notice your air conditioner is running more often and your energy bills are rising, you need to have it maintained. If a serious problem is found, it might be time to consider AC replacements instead of trying to repair a dying system.

2. Consistently Warm Air

It's very frustrating for homeowners to hear their AC system running but feel warm air coming from the vents and ducts. There could be many potential causes, including a leaking system that needs to be repaired and fully maintained to restore its normal efficiency. The warmer the air, the longer the AC system will run, which will run up your energy costs during the hotter months. You also may not feel comfortable sleeping or going about your day at home with air that is too warm. If maintenance or repairs don't fix the problem, it's time to consider significant AC replacements.

3. Odd Sounds When Running

You never want to hear odd sounds while the AC system is running. An air conditioner has lots of moving parts, including a blower fan and one or more drive belts. Strange noises coming from your HVAC unit might indicate that there is a problem with one of these moving parts, including significant wear and tear or a malfunction. It also might just need some lubrication and a new belt to silence your AC system and get it running smoothly again. An AC inspection and maintenance service can determine the cause and fix it.

4. Restricted Air Flow

Sometimes, the AC system is working fine but the airflow is low. The primary culprit is a dirty air filter, which can restrict air intake and outgoing airflow. According to our AC experts, you should change your air filter every two or three months to protect the AC system against contamination from dirt and debris, enabling better airflow throughout the system.

You can call Made New Air Conditioning & Heating Inc to schedule maintenance services and learn about our HVAC replacement work today! We look forward to speaking with you.