New Jersey summers can be brutally hot and humid. When the heat arrives, HVAC technicians across Bergen and Hudson counties get swamped with emergency calls—many of which could have been avoided with a spring check-up. Here are five warning signs that your air conditioner needs attention before the cooling season begins.
1. Warm or Weak Airflow
If you turn on your AC and the air coming out of the vents is warm or barely moving, something is wrong. This could mean a refrigerant leak, a failing compressor, a clogged air filter, or a problem with the blower motor. Any of these issues will leave you sweating all summer if not addressed.
2. Strange Noises
Your AC should run fairly quietly. If you hear banging, rattling, squealing, or grinding noises, those sounds are telling you something is mechanically wrong. Squealing can indicate a worn belt or bearing; banging suggests a loose or broken component; grinding often means the motor bearings are failing. Don't ignore these sounds—what starts as a minor repair can quickly become a major replacement.
3. High Humidity Indoors
One of an air conditioner's key functions is dehumidifying your home as it cools it. If your home feels sticky and humid even when the AC is running, the system isn't doing its job properly. This could be a sign of a refrigerant issue, an oversized unit cycling off too quickly, or a failing evaporator coil.
4. Unusually High Electric Bills
If last summer's electric bills were higher than expected, your AC may be working harder than it should. A dirty condenser coil, low refrigerant, or an aging, inefficient system all cause your unit to run longer cycles to reach the set temperature—driving up your energy costs. An AC tune-up can often restore efficiency and lower those bills.
5. Ice on the Evaporator Coil or Refrigerant Lines
It might seem counterintuitive, but ice forming on your AC unit is a sign of a problem, not a sign it's working well. Ice on the evaporator coil is typically caused by low refrigerant or restricted airflow from a dirty filter or blocked duct. Running a frozen AC can damage the compressor—the most expensive component in the system.
Schedule Your Pre-Season Tune-Up
The best time to service your AC is in spring—before the heat hits and before technicians are booked solid. A Goldman Plumbing, Heating & Cooling tune-up includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, inspecting electrical components, testing airflow, and making sure your system is ready for the hottest days of the year. Contact us today to schedule your spring AC service in Bergen or Hudson County.