The Pacific Northwest experiences fairly cool temperatures throughout the year, but when the temperatures rise during the summer, you’ll need reliable air conditioning. Maple Valley’s professional air conditioning service provider, DEAR Services, explains when locals should repair or replace AC units once they start experiencing cooling issues.
Use the tips in the guide below to determine which air conditioning service is best for you.
What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Stops Working
While it might not seem like an emergency, you won’t want to wait long to address a faulty air conditioner. The problems that affect these units escalate after a certain point. You can reasonably expect that any minor issue requiring a simple repair turns into a serious mechanical problem overnight – often impacting your whole climate control system.
In severe cases, the unit damage could be so extensive that you have no other option but to replace it. That’s part of why experts like DEAR Services recommend calling for assistance at the first sign of trouble. An experienced professional will come and inspect the unit, locate the source of the problem, and fix it quickly.
If you’d like to avoid all of this in the first place, consider annual maintenance services to keep your system in excellent condition!
Common Air Conditioning Problems Maple Valley Homeowners Face That Require Repair or Unit Replacement
Professionals repair or replace AC units experiencing a wide range of problems, so how can you decide what is best for your home and budget? Below are common issues your air conditioner might experience and whether you should repair or replace it.
Lack of Cool Air
Is your AC blowing warm air or no air at all? An AC not cooling is a legitimate concern, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace your unit. Experts recommend troubleshooting the following:
- Replace the air filter.
- Adjust your thermostat’s settings.
- Remove any furniture or other large objects blocking your vents.
If these steps aren’t sufficient to resolve the lack of cooling, a professional technician will check for a major mechanical problem. If this isn’t the first repair your unit has needed for the same problem, you might also consider replacing it.
Hearing Strange Noises From AC Units
Is it better to repair or replace AC units that make loud, unusual noises? If the issue stems from moving belts becoming loose and banging against other components, timing is key. As long as you catch the problem early, cooling experts can repair it without risking damage to:
- The fan blades
- The compressor
- The motor blower
For grinding or scraping noises, contact a cooling repair professional right away.
Refrigerant Leaks
A leaking AC unit requires urgent repairs. These systems contain a hazardous material coolant or refrigerant, which traps heat.
If that refrigerant starts to leak or pools around your unit, it not only exposes you to dangerous chemicals but also reduces your system’s cooling capabilities.
Increased Humidity Inside Your Home
When deciding whether to repair or replace AC units, you will want to take into account indoor air quality, as well. Aging HVAC systems might struggle to keep up with your cooling demands, leading to imbalances in your indoor humidity levels. An HVAC technician can detect a faulty part in a newer model causing this issue, but for air conditioners nearing the end, indoor air quality often degrades.
Since this issue most often affects those with older, failing units, it’s best to replace the system if it is older than ten years and giving hassles. That way, you can enjoy a comfortable environment every time you run your air conditioner and have peace of mind it will last.
High Utility Bills
When your air conditioner doesn’t experience any of the problems listed above, you might think it’s working fine. However, there’s one more crucial sign that your unit needs attention – unexplained spikes in your energy bill.
Older systems lose their efficiency and may cost more to operate. In that case, replacing the unit can save you money.
Contact Maple Valley's Leading HVAC Contractor for Air Conditioning Repairs and Installation
Knowing whether to repair or replace AC units boils down to factors like the age of AC units and their performance. If you’re unsure of how to address your air conditioner’s issues, just reach out to DEAR Services for high-quality cooling and heating services in Maple Valley.
To schedule a consultation, call the DEAR Services team today!