How to Check if Your Air Conditioner is Running Efficiently in Simple Tips | Kitchener ON

In the midst of the summer and scorching temperatures (which are soon to come), there is nothing better than having an air conditioner unit that works as efficiently as it possibly can. To make sure that your air conditioning is working up to standards, all you have to do is take a couple of minutes out of your day to look at the most important components in your unit. We provide some simple tips to help you determine the working state of your air conditioning unit!

Observe How Your Air Conditioner Unit Usually Runs  

One of the first and simplest ways to indicate whether your air conditioning unit is up to par is to look at how often it is running. In most homes, an air conditioning unit will run for a while until the home reaches the thermostat’s temperature. If you find that your air conditioning unit is running all the time, this could be a sign of systemic problems within the equipment. 

Pay Attention to Fluctuations in Temperature 

An efficient and good air conditioner should cool the interior evenly throughout a building. Some problems homeowners or property owners may experience with their air conditioning is hot and cold spots. Air conditioning units are responsible for pushing and allocating conditioned air. If there are fluctuations, there could be blockages in airflow and ducts. Make sure that your vents are completely open to ensure air is being distributed as it should throughout every part of your home. 

Familiarize Yourself with Different Sounds Your Unit Makes 

All air conditioning units make noise, but there are specific noises that signal a malfunction with your system. A component may be loose if you hear banging or loud sounds when you turn your air conditioner on. Loose parts can lead to damage within your system and cause fire hazards. Something could be lodged inside your air conditioner if you hear clicking noises. If this is the case, you should check if your thermostat is working. 

Place a Thermometer on the Supply Register 

Supply registers are responsible for supplying cool air in every room of your home. Another way to check that your air conditioning is operating as it should is by placing a thermostat on the supply registers that are closest to your cooling unit. Leave the thermostat on each of these registers for five minutes and place a thermometer on the return vent. The air that is coming out should be at least fifteen degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the air that is coming in. 

Check for Clogged Filters 

Dirty or clogged filters are only of the main culprits that can cause an air conditioning unit to not function properly. It is recommended to have dirty filters replaced every three months. Even if your filters are not dirty or clogged, you should still have them replaced as regularly as possible. If your filters have not been replaced in several months, do not wait and have them replaced immediately. 

Check Outdoor Units 

Those with outdoor units or blowers need to check how these components are working as they can signal problems with your air conditioning if any. Outdoor units should make a faint noise, and you should be able to see the fan blowing. So, if you notice anything off or hear louder noises with your outdoor unit, this is something to have assessed by a professional right away. 

Look at Your Home’s Insulation 

Poor insulation could be causing cool air to escape your home. Even if your air conditioning is in good shape, poor insulation can easily be compromised. Without adequate insulation, your air conditioning could be fighting to keep your home as cool and comfortable as possible. Ultimately, poor insulation leads to leakage, an overworked air conditioning unit, and high utility bills. Have a professional HVAC contractor come into your home to inspect your insulation. 

Assess Your Evaporator Coils 

The evaporator coil in your air conditioning unit is the component responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home. Over time, this component can overwork itself. However, this usually happens when dust builds up, which compromises the condition of your air conditioner and all its components. You clean out the coils or even have a professional come in and do the dirty work for you. Either way, these components must be clean to ensure your air conditioner works at its best. 

Get Air Conditioner Maintenance and Repairs with Our Professionals! 

Should you have any concerns with your heating and cooling, never hesitate to reach out to a professional to get the maintenance you need for your HVAC unit. You can contact us at Scott Heating and Cooling and learn more about what our services can do for you!