From hiking at Table Rock, to swimming in Lake Keowee, to biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail, summers in the Upstate are brimming with things to do. When your adventures are over, the last thing you want is to come home to a broken air conditioner and a sweltering house. Fortunately, your A/C will often give you signs that it needs some attention before it completely quits on you. Here are a few things you need to look out for:
1. It’s Struggling to Keep Up
If your home isn't cooling down even when the AC is running full blast, or if certain rooms are much cooler than others, that's a sign of an upcoming problem. This could be due to a variety of issues, from clogged air filters, to bad duct work, to major system issues.
2. Odd Sounds or Smells
An air conditioner should run fairly quietly and without any odd odors. If you start to notice strange sounds, like banging, clicking, or hissing, or if unpleasant smells are coming from the AC vents, these are signs that your unit might be in trouble. These symptoms can indicate mechanical problems, burnt-out wiring, or even mold within the unit itself.
3. High Humidity Levels Inside
Part of your air conditioner’s job is to pull humidity from the air inside your home. If things start feeling sticky or damp, it’s a sign that your AC isn't functioning properly. Not only is this a comfort issue, but prolonged humidity can promote mold growth in your home.
4. Rising Energy Bills
If your energy bills are noticeably higher than they were at the same time last year, and you haven’t changed the way you use your AC, the unit may be losing efficiency. As air conditioners age, they often use more energy to provide the same level of comfort, or they might be running longer to achieve the same degree of cooling.
Watching for these signs and addressing them early can save you from the sweltering heat of our South Carolina summers. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your unit and prevent many of these small issues from becoming problems. If you're having any of these issues, call (or text) Family Air today and schedule a system inspection. You deserve a comfortable summer full of carefree adventures, we can help with that!
We'll leave you with this picture our team took from the top of Table Rock:
