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Is My AC Unit Overworked?
Posted On: May 31, 2024
If you're concerned that your AC unit might be overworked, there are several signs and factors you can consider to determine if it’s operating beyond its capacity or needs maintenance. Here’s a detailed guide to help you assess the situation:
Signs Your AC Unit May Be Overworked
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Constant Running:
- If your AC unit runs continuously without cycling off, it could be a sign that it’s struggling to maintain the set temperature.
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Inadequate Cooling:
- If your home isn’t cooling to the set temperature or if there are hot spots in certain areas, your AC might be overworked.
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High Energy Bills:
- A sudden spike in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage can indicate that your AC is working harder than usual.
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Frequent Breakdowns:
- If your AC unit requires frequent repairs or if parts are consistently wearing out, it might be overworking.
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Strange Noises:
- Unusual sounds such as grinding, squealing, or rattling can indicate that the AC unit is under strain.
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Ice Buildup:
- Ice on the evaporator coils or refrigerant lines can be a sign that the unit is overworking and not operating efficiently.
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Excessive Humidity:
- An overworked AC might not dehumidify the air effectively, leading to higher indoor humidity levels.
Potential Causes of Overworking
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Incorrect Sizing:
- An AC unit that is too small for the space it’s cooling will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
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Dirty Filters:
- Clogged filters reduce airflow, making the unit work harder to push air through the system.
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Blocked Vents:
- Blocked or closed vents can restrict airflow and force the AC to work harder.
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Dirty Coils:
- Dirt and debris on the evaporator or condenser coils can reduce efficiency and cause the unit to overwork.
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Low Refrigerant Levels:
- Insufficient refrigerant can reduce cooling efficiency, causing the unit to run longer.
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Poor Insulation:
- Homes with poor insulation lose cool air quickly, making the AC unit work harder to maintain the set temperature.
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Thermostat Issues:
- A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the AC unit to run excessively.
Steps to Address an Overworked AC Unit
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Regular Maintenance:
- Schedule annual maintenance to ensure the unit is clean and functioning properly.
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Clean or Replace Filters:
- Check and replace filters regularly, typically every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type.
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Inspect and Clean Coils:
- Clean the evaporator and condenser coils to improve efficiency.
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Check Refrigerant Levels:
- Have a professional check and refill refrigerant if necessary.
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Unblock Vents:
- Ensure all vents are open and unblocked by furniture or other objects.
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Improve Home Insulation:
- Improve insulation in your home to reduce the workload on your AC unit.
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Upgrade Thermostat:
- Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control over cooling cycles.
Professional Help
If after these checks and adjustments your AC unit still seems overworked, it’s advisable to consult a professional HVAC technician. They can perform a thorough inspection, identify any underlying issues, and provide solutions to prevent your AC unit from overworking.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Aug 10, 2019
Professionally done and took care to cover all entry floors to the house for the installers to remove the old furnace and install a new furnace.
I also made recommendations of the tankless water heater that we had installed and items to address. We did not know they also installed tankless water heaters.
Jul 21, 2019
Price was not the cheapest nor the most expensive of my quotes. It's the quality of the installation that makes for a good AC system. The twins' knowledge & professionalism was evident in the small details:
Very clean work. Greg made sure that the refrigerant level & temperature were correct. They reinstall the insulation & vapor barrier around the wall. The outside electrical cords were secured to the wall. Proud to support this local company. Thank you.
Jun 11, 2019
Great team of guys came to do the work. Very professional. Arrived on time worked very efficiently and were very clean. They answered any questions we had without hesitation. The air conditioner works great and is so quiet. I highly recommend them and they don't try to up-sell anything right from the start.
May 10, 2019
The service was prompt, professional and very courteous. Competitive price. Would highly recommend this company.
Jul 20, 2019
Excellent workmanship, and quick response. Would recommend Twintech to anyone.
Nov 11, 2019
My existing 15-yr old A/C went down on me during the first major heatwave of the season. Researched my options, as well as a few different installers, and decided on Twintech.
They gave me confidence right from the beginning. Extremely knowledgeable. Their communication was excellent - always responded to questions quickly. Given we were in a heatwave, they were fully booked. However, within days they were able to fit me in due to a cancellation. Upon learning that the Amana unit I was getting installed was on backorder, TwinTech went to bat for me with the manufacturer and was able to get me the next model up within a day, for the same price - Amazing!
As far as the installation was concerned, I couldnt be more impressed. These guys were clearly very experienced and did a fantastic job. Very clean, polite, timely & informative. They even thoroughly sealed all the exposed gaps in my ductwork. Ive had plenty of heating and cooling work done in the past and have never used the same contractor twice because Ive never been very impressed. However, from now on, Ill always be contacting Twintech first!
Jun 19, 2019
They were very friendly and took care of everything. The install looks great (and works great), they were very knowledgeable. Installed our a/c efficiently despite the difficult install location both inside and outside and they made it work.
Jun 12, 2019
Phenomenal service, so glad I found these guys a few years back after being "hosed" badly by 3 other companies. I've recommended them to so many, and they all are so thankful.
May 1, 2019
This company is fantastic. Dave came out and gave me a very honest and reasonable quote, unlike a quote received from another company. I had a bunch of questions that were easily answered and when I had questions regarding heating/cooling a previously unheated room above the Garage, Dave arranged for Greg to come out for an assessment of this new space and gave me his recommendation along with his professional thoughts on all of my options.
These guys have been nothing but Professional, honest and helpful along the way. I can't recall the two other guys doing the install, but they were great as well. Good workmanship, everything was cleaned up and everything functions as promised. I could go on and on about my experience, but it's all positive so what more could you want?
Give them a call, see for yourself. If I had to buy another furnace/AC or heat pump, they'd be my first call.
Apr 16, 2019
I hired twin tech to convert my townhouse heating from electric to gas and install a furnace and a/c unit. I had talked with many other vendors, and received several quotes, but chose them, and very happy I did. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. They were realistic about the timeline for the work, when they could start and how long it would take. (They said upfront, it was their busy season and would need to get back to me in 3 weeks, which they did):
2. They had a quote with options for me. They were clear about the entertainment of what they would and would not do (theyd build duct work, id need another contractor to box in ductwork). This allowed me to plan as I was my own general contractor for my renovations).
3. They spoke to me in a language I understood, neither too technical nor too simple. They answered all my questions as I had them. Everyone is so lovely to work with, the sales team and the contractors who are worked in my home.
4. Its been 4 m since the work was complete. They still answer my emails and my furnace is working very well!
I unabashedly recommend! Price, customer care and quality workmanship were all amazing!
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