Texas is ranked as the fourth hottest state in the country, so residents know how important a functioning air conditioner is.

If you care for your HVAC system, it’ll care for you, giving you great indoor air quality and comfort. Fail to stay on top of HVAC maintenance, however, and you’ll start to notice issues that, eventually, you won’t be able to ignore.

One of the most integral aspects of AC maintenance is a simple cleaning routine. Hiring an air conditioner cleaning service to keep your unit clean will prevent parts from deteriorating, major leaks, and blockages.

In today’s post, we’ll tell you how to know when you need to clean your AC unit. It’s an easy thing to forget about, especially when it seems like your system is functioning just fine. Keep reading, however, and you’ll be attuned to what your AC unit needs.

Poor Airflow/Cooling

One of the clearest signs that you need professional HVAC cleaning is that the unit isn’t working as it should. If you’ve got poor airflow coming out of your vents or the unit isn’t cooling your home, you know something’s amiss.

Of course, this could mean that the unit itself is dealing with mechanical problems. The first order of business, however, is to have cleaned and inspected by a professional HVAC technician. 

A lot of the time, poor airflow can be attributed to frozen evaporator coils, clogged filters, or ventilation issues. Each of these issues may be solved with a good cleaning or, in the case of air filters, filter replacement. 

Air filters are crucial for blocking contaminants from entering your home, but over time, the filters become clogged and need to be replaced. Failing to do so will cause the unit to have to work harder to cool your home and take a toll on your indoor air quality. Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, so good air quality is a must.

Foul Smells

When you notice a foul smell as your AC unit kicks into action, there’s a good chance that you’ve got bacteria and/or mold growth somewhere in your system. If it’s in the system and you continue to run the air conditioning, it can spread mold spores throughout your home.

This can be extremely hazardous, especially to those with allergies. Mold in the home is responsible for a wide range of conditions, such as wheezing, itchy eyes, and asthma.

Fortunately, you can clean a few key components of your HVAC systems and the mold should dissipate. Have your cleaning service pay special attention to the evaporator coils, drain lines, and drip pan. You should notice the odors go away in due time.

More Indoor Humidity

The summertime humidity in Jasper County often sits at 100%, which is one of the reasons a working AC unit is so important. When you start to notice that humidity creeping into your home, it’s a strong indicator that you need to clean your AC unit because it’s not working as it should.

Indoor humidity is often what leads to the onset of mold, as discussed above. When the air is thick, it can also be uncomfortable and difficult to breathe. If you’ve got anyone with health issues in your home, it can be extremely detrimental.

Aside from professional cleanings, Kirbyville homeowners should take it upon themselves to clean their evaporator coils regularly during long stretches of humidity. Doing so will promise that your air conditioner functions well when you need it the most.

Disconcerting Noises

When your AC unit starts making unusual noises, you know there’s something wrong. Different noises mean different things. A whirring noise could mean that you’ve got a leak somewhere in your condensate line, while a clanging noise could mean issues with your motor or fan.

Sometimes, noises occur when you’ve got a buildup of debris that needs to be cleaned. When dust, debris, or minerals build on certain components of your air conditioner, it starts to affect their performance.

Other times, such as when your filter is clogged, your unit will start short cycling. This indicates that your AC is having to work too hard to cool your home. All of it signals the need to have your unit professionally cleaned and inspected. 

Visible Debris Buildup

Certain parts of your air conditioner should be inspected regularly. The external vents, evaporator and condenser coils, drain pan, and condensate lines – all of them are susceptible to the buildup of debris, mold, mildew, ice, and minerals.

If you can see the buildup, you know problems will soon occur, even if it seems like your unit is fine. Some of the parts you can clean on your own with a cloth, soapy water, and a vacuum. Other things need professional care, so if you’re not comfortable cleaning them, call in the pros.

Higher Electricity Bill

Many homeowners aren’t attentive to a lot of AC issues until they become obvious. One of the signals that your AC unit isn’t being properly cared for is rising energy bills.

You’re probably used to paying similar amounts throughout the year on air conditioning. By paying close attention to your energy bills, you can spot abnormalities as soon as they arise. 

An unexplained jump in energy costs tells you that you need to inspect your AC unit. There’s a good chance you’ll find something amiss when you do. Yes, a lack of cleaning can lead to a drop in efficiency, which will make your AC cost more to run.

Hire an Air Conditioner Cleaning Service ASAP

These are a few of the major signals that you need to start cleaning your AC more frequently. As mentioned above, you can take care of some cleaning on your own. For the more complicated aspects of cleaning, however, you need to hire an air conditioner cleaning service.

A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning is Kirbyville’s top option for AC inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Since 1968, we’ve been helping residents of Jasper County stay comfortable and safe in their homes, so contact us today to schedule your cleaning and keep cool this summer.