Air conditioners work hard to keep your home cool during the hot summer months. However, if it works too hard for too long, eventually it may stop working entirely. Performing regular air conditioning maintenance will help keep your cooling unit running its best, but there are signs you should be aware of to make sure you’re not overworking your machine. So, how can you tell if your A/C is running too hard? Here are a few of the most common signs you should give it a rest.

5 Signs your A/C is Overworked

1. Age

Like any technology or machine, air conditioner parts wear down with use and become less efficient over time. When components get worn, dirty, or otherwise compromised, your air conditioner has to work harder than it did when it was brand new to do the same job. Help your air conditioner stay stronger longer by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance.

2. Strange Noises

Air conditioning units are never completely silent, but if your A/C unit is making unfamiliar noises, you may want to have the unit checked out. A/C units make strange sounds like gurgling, sputtering, or loud choking noises when they become clogged with dirt, water, or debris. Cleaning the filter and hoses may solve the problem, but it may require expert servicing.

3. Funky Odors

Your air conditioner should be odorless. If you notice a faint tinge of refrigerant or a metallic smell in the air, but the breeze blowing from your A/C should never smell foul. Mold and mildew are common sources of nasty A/C odors. Regular air conditioner maintenance should prevent mold and mildew from forming.

4. Debris

Because air conditioners must vent air and drain water, a portion of the unit must be outside. The outer housing and vents of the A/C provide a perfect winter home for rodents, insects, and other tiny creatures. When spring comes, debris from their nests or hives can blow in through your interior vents, clogging your system and making a mess. If you notice debris blowing in through your vents, your A/C is working too hard.

5. Not Cool

If the air your air conditioning is producing is not as cold as it should be, your unit is overworked and may require professional servicing, repair, or replacement. A few reasons your A/C is not as cold as it once was may include compressor failure or depleted refrigerant levels. An HVAC professional can determine what the exact issue is and resolve the problem.

Let the professionals at Wrightsman Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Beatrice, NE, find out why your air conditioner is working too hard. From air conditioning maintenance to installation, Wrightsman has been solving A/C and HVAC problems for commercial and residential customers throughout Gage County since 1971. For reliable air conditioning maintenance, service, and installation, call (402) 228-3100 today. Visit them online for more information.