4 Signs of an Under-Performing Air Conditioner

As the weather outside gets hotter and more humid, your air conditioner may struggle to keep your house cool. Understanding the signs of an underperforming AC unit can help you stay on top of repairs. Maintaining your AC systems keeps your unit running at peak condition for longer.

To keep your house cool and comfortable, it’s important to repair and maintain your AC system. Part of that includes determining when your AC unit is deteriorating.

The Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning team is here to offer insight into an underperforming air conditioning system. We’ve been go-to HVAC specialists for over 25 years. Let’s look at four signs your AC unit isn’t working well.

1. The AC Unit Is Making Strange Noises

One of the first signs that your air conditioner is failing is when it starts making unusual noises. Odd noises indicate a broken or aging system that requires professional repair to get it back up to speed. Some examples of strange noises you might hear include:

• Banging or clanking: If you hear banging or rattling from the unit, you probably have a loose or broken part inside the compressor.
• Squealing: A squealing noise is usually caused by a worn-out belt or dry motor bearings.
• Hissing: Hissing typically indicates a refrigerant leak, which can drastically impact your AC’s efficiency.
• Buzzing: If you hear buzzing from your air conditioner, you may have an electrical issue or a problem with the condenser fan motor.

2. Your Utility Bill Is Higher Than Usual

When your AC system isn’t efficiently operating, it has to work harder to cool your entire house, which results in higher energy bills. This increase is typically attributed to either:

• Dirty air filters: Clogged filters reduce airflow, so the AC unit works harder and consumes more energy.
• Improper maintenance: AC components wear out prematurely without proper maintenance, which can decrease efficiency.
• Aging equipment: As the parts of an air conditioner age, the entire system uses more energy to cool the house.
• Thermostat issues: A malfunctioning thermostat can also waste energy, causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

The best way to reduce long-term costs and keep your HVAC system in great shape is with AC maintenance. During regular maintenance, a professional can notice minor issues and resolve them before they escalate. 

3. The System Isn’t Cooling Properly

The purpose of an air conditioner is to cool an entire home. So, when your AC system struggles to maintain your desired temperature, it shows that the unit is underperforming. Here are some solutions to improve airflow and better distribute the cooling:

• Establish zoning systems to control the temperature in different areas of your home.
• Install mini-split systems that provide targeted cooling to specific rooms.
• Use ceiling fans to help distribute cool air evenly throughout your home and reduce the strain on your HVAC system.

4. The Air Is Cold but Too Humid

Sometimes, an air conditioning system can produce cold air, but your house remains uncomfortable because the air is humid. This can be an indicator that your AC unit is struggling. Luckily, there are a handful of things you can do to fix humidity and other indoor air quality issues:

• Install a whole-home dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters that capture allergens to cleanse the air.
• Enhance ventilation by opening windows or using fans in high-moisture areas (like bathrooms and kitchens) to remove humid air.

Schedule AC Services With Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air Today

No homeowner wants to sit in discomfort due to an underperforming air conditioning system. So, if you notice strange noises, increased energy bills, inefficient cooling, or cool yet humid air, get prompt, professional AC services.

Our team offers same-day service, upfront prices, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can rely on us for AC repair and maintenance.

Contact Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air today to learn more about our process or to schedule your AC service.