Remember what the comical Sgt. Schultz used to say on the old TV show “Hogan’s Heroes?” He was famous for saying, “I see nothing…I hear nothing” as the prison camp hijinks went on around him. What’s the point I’m trying to make other than I love really old TV shows? The air conditioner in your Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home will give you signs it needs servicing, but unlike Sgt. Schultz, you can’t just ignore what’s going on around you. You have to pay attention by looking and listening.

Maintenance is Key

Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing hopes you have been practicing regular air conditioner maintenance, but even then problems can crop up. The odds of a problem increase if you have been guilty of ignoring air conditioner service. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common warning signs:

Warm Air:

If the air coming out of your vents is warm, first make sure your thermostat is set correctly to the cool position and the temperature is where you want it. If the air is still warm there could be a problem in the ductwork, with the compressor, or your thermostat needs calibrating. All problems that require the services of an HVAC technician.

Short Cycling:

If you are listening to your air conditioner and hear it cycle on and off constantly, you are experiencing what’s called short cycling. It is not normal and can lead to higher electric bills, not to mention expensive repairs. Call for air conditioning service immediately.

Not Enough Airflow:

If the air coming out of the vent is cold, but there’s not very much of it, there could be:

• A problem in the ductwork restricting airflow
• A dirty or clogged air filter
• A problem with the fan or fan motor

None of these problems are going to correct themselves and you need to call and schedule air conditioning service to prevent further damage.

Be Sensitive to Changes in Humidity:

We all know Michigan summers can be sticky with high humidity. But, if that humid feeling starts creeping into the house, it means your AC is not working correctly and you need air conditioner maintenance.

Pay Attention to Noises:

Make a habit of listening to your air conditioner when it’s running. Sounds like rattling, buzzing, whistling, and grinding are not normal. Whatever is causing the noise isn’t going to fix itself. Waiting will only make the problem worse and quite possibly more expensive to repair.

Know When to Say When

Any of these problems can also be an indication air conditioner maintenance is no longer enough. There will come a time when a system replacement is the only choice, or is the smart choice, instead of another expensive repair that will only delay the inevitable. When that time arrives, Kotz will talk with you about what choice works best for your Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home and budget. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great HVAC information.