7 Common Problems of Central AC Systems

How to Know Your A/C Needs Service

Summer will soon be here in the Hudson Valley and if you’ve arranged for annual maintenance to be done soon on your central ac or ductless mini-split system, you should be able to keep your cool even when we get into the dog days of summer.

But if you’ve been neglecting getting your cooling system checked and serviced, your chances of experiencing problems are much higher. Here are seven signs that you should schedule a service call with us as soon as possible.

1. The A/C unit is on but blowing warm air – If the air that’s coming out of your vents is warm, it’s usually a sign that your A/C is either low on refrigerant or having a problem with its compressor.
2. The airflow is weak – If not enough air is coming out of your vents, it is often a sign that either the compressor is failing or that you have a duct leak; either way, it means less comfort and higher energy costs for you.
3. Your air conditioner is “short cycling” – If your air conditioner runs for short lengths of time and then shuts off before completing a full cooling cycle, it’s working harder than it should to keep you cool. The reasons for this vary: there may be problems with the electrical system, the refrigerant may be low, the air filter may be clogged, etc. An inspection by a Bottini Fuel service technician can provide the answer.
4. Strange sounds – Unusual sounds – including grinding, scraping and squealing – usually indicate that there is a worn or loose part somewhere in your cooling system. Serious air conditioning repairs are on the horizon if you don’t take care of this problem quickly. If you hear strange sounds, shut off your cooling system immediately to avoid further damage and call Bottini Fuel for service.
5. Unusual smells – An electrical smell often means that wire insulation has burned out somewhere in your A/C system; a musty smell could mean you have moldy ductwork.
6. Water or refrigerant leaks – Liquid around your A/C unit could indicate a serious problem – a refrigerant leak, for example, or a clogged condensate drain that causes water to back up in your home.
7. Higher electric bills – Higher than average bills can be the result of problems ranging from duct leaks to a faulty thermostat to a system whose time is up.

Should You Repair or Replace Your A/C System?

If you’ve been calling for repairs the last few years, it’s probably high time for an A/C system upgrade. You’ll eliminate annual repairs right away, reduce your energy costs and not have to worry about anything beyond routine maintenance for years to come.

Today’s air conditioning systems typically last 12 to 15 years. Towards the end of its lifecycle, your air conditioner will start to drop in efficiency, especially if it has not been properly maintained.

By investing in a new, high efficiency cooling system, you will eventually save enough to offset the cost of your equipment. In the meantime, you’ll get a home cooling system that performs better, runs more reliably, and is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.

Contact Bottini Fuel for A/C Service and Repairs in NY

Bottini Fuel installs more air conditioning equipment than just about anyone in the Hudson Valley. Our master technicians are experts at A/C installation and A/C repair for a full range of air conditioning products, including traditional central air conditioning systems and ductless heat pump systems.

We also offer an air conditioning service plan that will help prevent breakdowns, save you money on covered repairs and ensure that your central air conditioning system runs at peak efficiency.

Contact Bottini Fuel today and stay calm, cool and collected all summer long.