AC Tune Up Time: You ‘ll Know When

When It’s Time, There are Signs
Tune up. It’s a term that makes some people cringe, but it has to be done and not just on our cars. Air conditioners need tune ups too. And like cars that don’t get theirs, AC systems will start to break down and not function properly without them.
And we don’t have to remind you how miserable a Florida summer can be without air conditioning, do we? It’s easy to forget or just plain ignore scheduling a tune-up for your air conditioning system, especially if it’s still blowing cold air.
Nevertheless, here are some signs that it’s time for an AC tune up:
Warm Air
We live in Greater Tampa Bay and you know that “it’s a cruel, cruel summer” with the heat we experience. Now imagine the one thing you rely on to stay cool during that heat blowing warm air. Put your hand over one of your air conditioning system’s register vents and feel the air coming out of it. Is it cold? Warm air coming out of the vents is a sign of an impending breakdown. If your AC is running all day and your home still feels warm, your air conditioner needs a tune up.
Weak Airflow
When you put your hand over the vent, was the air cold? If the answer is “yes” but you can barely feel the air flowing through your home, it’s a sign of … wait for it … weak airflow! (Thank you Captain Obvious!) All kidding aside, weak airflow from your vents could be something as simple as a dirty air filter or a leak in your ducts. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing weak airflow, it’s time for a tune up.
Short Cycles
Shuts on. Shuts off. Shuts on. Shuts off. Wax on. Wax off. … Sorry. In case you didn’t read the headline, we’re talking about short cycles here. If your air conditioner constantly turns on for seconds at a time before shutting off again, it’s a sign that your system is breaking down. Short cycles prevent your AC system from doing its job properly. So if this is happening … you guessed it: it’s time for an AC tune up!
Temp Variations
Some rooms may be warmer than others due to their position as it relates to sun exposure or other factors like inadequate insulation. But the difference in temperature between room to room should not be substantial with a properly functioning air conditioner. Factors such as low refrigerant or air compressor issues could also be causing the variations in temperatures. So if you notice significant temperature differences from room to room, it’s time for … come on, you’ve read this far, you know what!
Strange Sounds
If you live in a place like Greater Tampa Bay where you run your air conditioner every day during the hot summer months, you probably know what it’s supposed to sound like. Or NOT sound like! So if your air conditioner starts making noises like squeaking, scratching, squealing, crackling, whistling, flapping, clicking, clanking … you get the point: it’s time for a tune-up!
Strange Smells
You walk into your house and a musty smell hits you while the air conditioner is running. This could be a sign of mold. Or maybe you smell something toasty. This could be burnt wiring. Whatever the case, if strange odors are coming out of your air vents, it’s AC tune up time! AC tune ups include inspections, so anything that causes strange noises or odors will be inspected and remedied when you schedule one.
Rising Bills
When that dreaded monthly electric bill comes in, is it inexplicably higher than last month’s bill? If you notice a huge increase between bills from month to month or from the same time last year, some of your AC unit’s parts might be wearing out. Yes, higher bills are to be expected during the hotter months. But if the difference in amount is like comparing a Hyundai to a Jaguar, what might it be time for? …  An AC tune up, of course! (Ding ding! We have a winner!)
Skipped Maintenance
Has it been awhile since you scheduled maintenance for your air conditioning system? Let’s say, maybe a year or so? AC maintenance or tune-ups are recommended at least once a year to keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently. Air conditioning tune ups include an inspection and cleaning of dirty parts. So if you haven’t had that done in a while … alright dude, we’ve don’t have to repeat it again … Actually, we do: it’s time for a tune-up!
And if you don’t know who to get your AC tune up from (here comes our shameless plug), call Super Heat & Air at (813) 279-8213 ! Be sure to take advantage of our $29.95 AC Maintenance special for first-time customers. And check out our Specials page for more … um … uh … specials!
Like the one we’re conveniently leaving here:

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