How Do Determine When It’s Time to Schedule A/C Cleaning

If you’re like most homeowners, you hardly give your a/c unit a second thought until it’s super hot outside or something goes wrong with it. But regular a/c cleaning and maintenance is a critical step in keeping your unit functioning optimally and extending its lifespan. Ideally, you should have the service performed once a year, either during spring or just before the summer season.

If it’s been a while since your last a/c cleaning, there are a few signs you should keep an eye out for that indicate the need for maintenance service. The experts at Dust Doctors share what they are below.

Unusual Noises During Unit Operation

If you’ve noticed odd noises coming from your ductwork or your air conditioner while the unit is operating, don’t ignore them! You know what your a/c is supposed to sound like and anything out of the ordinary may indicate a problem. Sounds to listen for include:

●        Rattling or clicking

●        Banging

●        Buzzing or humming

●        Screeching or whistling

In many cases, rustling or rattling noises can also signal that there’s debris buildup inside the outdoor unit. To maintain system performance, that debris must be removed with a thorough a/c cleaning.

During a cleaning appointment, your cleaning technician will also examine the unit for potential issues. If a damaged component is contributing to the odd sounds you hear, he’ll let you know what you need to do about it. 

Unexplained Increases in Your Energy Bills

A number of HVAC issues can cause seemingly unexplained increases in your monthly energy bills, and a dirty A/C unit is one of them. If you recently began running your a/c more often than usual, don’t be surprised to see an increase in your bill. If an increase comes out of nowhere, though, even with modest a/c use, the unit itself may be the culprit.

Typically, increases in cooling costs indicate that an a/c unit isn’t performing as efficiently as it should. Generally, a decrease in performance is due to one or more of the following issues:

●        Dirty condenser or evaporator coils

●        Low refrigerant

●        Debris buildup inside the unit

●        Damaged air ducts

●        Blown fuses or other damaged components

Scheduling a/c cleaning is an excellent way to make sure the interior of your unit is completely clean, so it’s able to perform as it should. Your technician will also alert you to any potential red flags inside the unit that could be hampering its performance.

Inconsistent Air Flow

If you crank up your air conditioner and it barely pushes out cool air, that’s a definite indication it requires prompt service. Usually, poor airflow from the unit is due to one of the following problems:

●        Frozen or dirty evaporator or condenser coils

●        Blocked or leaking ductwork

●        Clogged air filter

●        Condenser unit obstructions

●        Blocked registers and vents

●        Sluggish fan operation

If your airflow issue is due to dirty coils or an obstructed condenser unit, a/c cleaning should solve the problem. As for the other issues in the list, an a/c cleaning specialist can alert you to other potential problems as he services your unit.

Longer Run Times or Frequent Cycling

If your air conditioner seems to be running longer than usual or cycling on more frequently, something is wrong. One of the most common culprits behind these issues is frozen or dirty coils, which a/c cleaning will quickly solve. An overly dirty filter can also contribute to these issues, so if you’re dealing with this issue, be sure to replace your filters regularly, too. 

Dust Doctors: Your Twin Cities Source for Comprehensive A/C Cleaning

You might not be ready to crank up your air conditioner quite yet, but there’s nothing like proactive maintenance to keep it functioning optimally. Before summer hits, schedule an a/c cleaning appointment with our team at Dust Doctors. To get started, feel free to request a free quote, send us a message, or give us a call at 651-319-9777.