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5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs a Tune-Up

Close-up photo of green grass with black bold text "5 Signs Your AC Needs a Tune-Up" and Service Professor logo in bottom right corner.

Don’t Ignore AC Maintenance Routine Tune-Ups Help Your AC Last Longer

We do our due diligence when it comes to maintaining and tuning up our cars, but what about your home’s heating and cooling systems? Those may have slipped through the cracks.

What most of us don’t know is that our heating and cooling systems, just like our cars, need maintenance and tune-ups too.

Without regular AC tune-ups, our cooling systems would never survive Michigan’s hot and humid summers. Spring will come and go and summer will be here. Make sure you’re ready to take it on.

5 Signs Your AC Needs a Tune-Up

1. Your AC Is Louder Than Normal

After a long winter of no use, your AC might need a pick-me-up. An unusually loud AC could mean several things, but the most common issues are typically related to loose screws, motor malfunctions, debris buildup, and bent blades. 

  • Screws hold your system in place, so if you’re noticing an increase in noise, it could mean a few of those have fallen loose. Ensuring they’re all in the right place is key for the overall health and functionality of your cooling system. 
  • Unlike your car, your AC is made up of multiple motors. Different noises often indicate where the malfunctioning motor is. For example, a grinding noise could relate to an issue with your fan motor. Our HVAC specialists do a great job diagnosing and resolving issues like this. If you’re noticing strange noises, give us a call.
  • Having debris caught in your AC can create some strange noises. Turn off your AC and clean in and around the area. Trim any surrounding hedges and remove twigs or branches that may cause problems. 
  • A bent blade can often be the culprit for a noisy AC. Look at the blades on your unit. Take note if any appear bent. Even the slightest bend can cause the blade to rub against the inside of the unit, making a loud noise. 

2. Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air

The last thing you want is your AC blowing warm air into your hot home. If you’re noticing warmer air, the first thing to check is your air filter. The air filter is one of the most important components of your AC. When you have a dirty air filter, your airflow can be affected.

When the air can’t flow properly throughout your air conditioning system, it can make the air feel warmer. If you can confirm it’s not an air filter issue, check your thermostat to make sure the air conditioning is on. This seems silly, but it’s often the case.

3. Strange Smells Coming From Your AC

If you ever got home from a scorching day in the sun and turned your AC on only to be wafted with a horrible smell in the air, we feel your pain. Dirty condenser coils can build up grime and dust. When your AC turns on, it blows air over these coils, so if they’re caked in dirt and bacteria, you’ll be able to smell it.

Another issue could be your air filtration quality. If your air filters aren’t protecting your home from outside air and bacteria, foul odors can fill your home. Our HVAC specialists can help you determine whether your filtration system is working for your home.

4. Weak Outflow of Air

If you notice cool air isn’t reaching its destination, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your air ducts. Weak airflow could also have to do with your air filters, so if you’ve replaced these already, it’s safe to assume that isn’t the case.

If one of your air ducts is leaking, you’re wasting precious air. And no, duct tape is not the answer. 

5. Temperature Swings

Uneven cooling temperatures throughout your home definitely shouldn’t go unnoticed. Make sure that windows or doors in rooms with uneven temperatures are properly sealed.

If you don’t notice the temperature evenly distributing, it might be best to contact an HVAC professional. They can properly diagnose where the issue lies within your air conditioner. 

Schedule Your AC Tune-Up With Service Professor

Service Professor AC technician performing maintenance service on an air conditioner next to a pale yellow home

These signs and symptoms can indicate an underlying issue with your air conditioning system. Scheduling a tune-up before the height of summer is a great way to ensure you’ll be cool all season.

Contact your West Michigan heating and cooling specialists today to get started. Serving West Michigan since 1978. 

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