The air conditioning is a great asset in any home and workplace. Especially in regions of the country where the temperatures climb over 100 degrees, including the San Fernando Valley and parts of Los Angeles. In those regions, and elsewhere it can definitely feel like the end of the world when the air conditioner is not working properly or, worse still, if it completely breaks down. One sure way to tell that your air conditioner is on the way to failure is if it is working too hard. Working too hard can both be a symptom or cause of issues. Either way it is important to be able to identify signs your AC is working too hard.
High Electric Bills
During the hotter months of the year, most expect the electric bills to be a bit higher than normal. However, if your electric bills are becoming alarmingly higher than usual, there is a good chance that your air conditioner is the source. Air conditioners that work too hard also run inefficiently. Even a newer system that is built for better efficiency can cause higher bills if it is working too hard. The most common causes of your system running inefficiently are lack of maintenance or age. It is an absolute fact that if your system does not receive regular maintenance it will not run at its optimal level of efficiency. Air conditioning units also naturally lose efficiency over time from regular aging. No matter how much maintenance and repairs you have done on your air conditioning unit, there is no way it will be as efficient at 30 years old as even a 15-year-old unit.
Not Cooling Enough
It is understandably frustrating when you are running your air conditioner all day and it is still not reaching the temperatures you set. Not only is it frustrating, but it can also be expensive. Running your air conditioner all day will most definitely cost you more on electricity. Unfortunately, this is not always something that can be helped. In regions where the summer temperatures are extremely hot, it is likely that the inside of your home may not reach your desired temperature with the help of the air conditioner alone. On average an air conditioner can get your home to approximately 20 degrees lower than the outside temps. The best thing to do in these situations is to utilize other methods to keep your home cool as well, like limiting sun penetration and using ceiling fans. A common cause of the system not cooling enough is if the refrigerant levels are not correct. If the levels are too high or too low the process of cooling air for your home is disrupted. The good news is that it is a fixable problem that is sometimes as simple as an adjustment of a couple pounds of refrigerant added or removed.
Unusual Sounds
Another one of the signs your AC is working too hard is unusual sounds. Air conditioners can be naturally noisy depending on the type and size you have. However, there are some sounds that are not normal. Grinding or scraping sounds are sounds of impending trouble. These sounds usually indicate that components inside of your system are loose and should never be ignored. They can be simply fixed if they are addressed right away, but if they are ignored, they can end in extensive costly damage.
The most effective way to prevent your air conditioning unit from working too hard is to make sure it receives regular routine maintenance. Like a car, the better maintained your air conditioning is the smoother it will run during its lifespan at your home. If you are ready to schedule your first air conditioning maintenance of the year, give LA Construction, Heating and Air a call today! (818)341-3406
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