When you think “AC repair,” you might think of refrigerant leaks, busted fans, and other tell-tale signs that something is terribly wrong with your unit.
But some AC issues are much subtler. It’s not uncommon that these problems simply go unnoticed by AC owners. All the same, they will need professional attention before becoming a problem. These problems will cause your AC efficiency to suffer, and you might not realize it until you see an increase in your next energy bill.
Here are three common efficiency issues that need air conditioning repair in Riverside, CA.
Short-Cycling
Your air conditioner is meant to run through cycles, staying on or off for long periods of time. But when your AC turns on and off after only a few minutes of use, there’s a definite problem here, and it’s known as short-cycling.
If neglected, short-cycling can become a serious drain on your finances. Every time your AC starts, it uses more energy than usual, not to mention increased wear-and-tear on the parts.
There can be several causes for short-cycling, some of them easier to deal with than others. The cause of the problem can be as simple as a dirty air filter, or it could be a sign of something much more serious like a refrigerant leak.
If your AC has been short-cycling since the day it was installed, it’s likely that you have an oversized air conditioner. The best course of action would be to call a professional to have them inspect your system.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
This can be a difficult problem to detect. After all, you wouldn’t be expected to measure the temperature of the room separately from the thermostat, so who’s to say that the thermostat is wrong? It’s also easy to set the thermostat and forget about it.
In some cases, a bad thermostat can prevent your AC from working at all. This will be an obvious sign that something is wrong. In other cases, however, the malfunction could be as subtle as realizing that the room temperature never reaches the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat.
A thermostat can give off false readings due to a buildup of dirt and grime, so make sure to clean it regularly. A more frustrating cause can be simply that the thermostat is installed in a bad location, preventing it from being able to get an accurate grasp on the room temperature.
Hot Spots
Do certain rooms in your home always seem hot? Many people accept hot spots as a fact of life, something you just can’t avoid. “Rooms that face the sun will always be hot,” or, “Heat rises, so the second floor is naturally warmer.”
Trying to fix the problem by lowering the thermostat won’t help (and it’s not very efficient!). Hot spots are an indication that your AC could have a fault in the ductwork. If the ducts are disconnected or suffering from leaks, it can prevent the air from cooling the entire home equally.
Contact RKM Heating & Air Conditioning today for top AC repair services. Done Right, Priced Right.