AUSTIN, Texas — We're entering the time of the year when air conditioning units will be working overtime every day for the next few months.
And for people not maintaining their AC units properly, things can get expensive.
“The AC systems just get beat to death in Texas,” Joshua Bronsted, a service manager at Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electrical, said. “That takes a toll on them.”
Bronstead said this is the busiest time of the year for HVAC companies – much of the time because people just aren’t keeping up with preventative care.
He said a little upkeep on units can save lots of time and money in the long run.
Bronstead said some common signs to look out for if your system seems off are:
- Warm air: If air coming from the unit is warmer than the temperature the thermostat is set to, or if you feel an uncomfortable amount of humidity in your home, it can be a sign of low refrigerant levels or a problem with the compressor
- Leaks and smells: If water is dripping from an indoor unit, or there is pooling around the base, that is not normal. It can cause significant damage to your home. A musty or burnt smell could either indicate a mold problem or an overheating unit, which means there's an electrical problem
- Strange noises: If the air conditioner is making strange noises, that could be a sign that the unit is overworked and about to break down, there is potentially a loose part or there's a problem with the compressor
- Rising energy bills: Higher than normal energy bills could be the result of a leaky duct system, low refrigerant or an inefficient air filter
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Bronstead said typical upkeep of a home's AC unit is easy and can be done by yourself.
“Washing your condenser down outside and changing filters is key,” Bronstead said. “You'd be surprised at how quickly a $7 piece of cardboard can ruin a $15,000 AC system. So that and flushing drain lines with vinegar and water. That usually helps on nuisance calls like clogged drain lines, systems not cooling properly, because the condenser is dirty.”
Bronstead said many people ignore problems or just wait until their system breaks down. He said it's a bad idea to do that because some parts to replace a broken AC system can sometimes cost thousands of dollars.
Bronstead recommends replacing filters once a month, which is often much cheaper. He said most energy bills come from running AC units, so keeping them working smoothly will also save money.
“Well-maintained systems can usually save you anywhere from 15% to 30% on your electric bill every month, so it's very important to have these things tuned in properly,” Bronstead said.
Bronstead said someone should check your AC unit every six months to make sure it doesn't break down.