How To See if Your A/C is Wasting Your Money

Rising energy bills, poor air quality and reduced employee health are all possible signs of a malfunctioning HVAC system or

Rising energy bills, poor air quality and reduced employee health are all possible signs of a malfunctioning HVAC system or air conditioner. While your HVAC system could still – seemingly – be cooling or heating your building and managing air flow, it could be costing you a fortune; and for one in five U.S. businesses it is. 

"Americans spend more than $22 billion every year on air conditioning."
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Below are six signs that your air conditioner is being overworked:

Strange Noises

Your air conditioner should not be making strange sounds. And if it is, there’s probably something that’s not working right. For example, a grinding type sound could be a sign of a broken bearing in the A/C’s motor. A squealing noise could mean some of the metal pieces in the air conditioner need lubrication. 

Noticeable Leaks

Most air conditioners will produce some kind of condensation. But unusual leaks around your system are a sign of the A/C needing repair. Leaking refrigerants are also very bad for your health. Another cause of leaks can be a moisture build up in the A/C system; a sign of blocked tubes or that air is not properly flowing through the air conditioner, which can lead to mold growth. Noticeable leaks in your A/C require immediate attention. 

Bad Smells

Bad smells, strange or foul odors in your building are an indication that your A/C is being overworked. A musty/moldy type smell means there’s mold growing inside your A/C. A burnt smell could mean an overworked motor. Regular maintenance will help you avoid an overworked air conditioner and bad smells. 

Insufficient Cool Air

Probably one of the most obvious signs of a broken air conditioner is if it’s not cooling the building. If you notice that your air conditioner is on high, yet the building is still warm or hot, then your A/C is in need of repair or possibly replacement. Common causes of insufficient cool air can be a faulty compressor or low Freon levels. 

Air Flow Issues

Signs of insufficient airflow can be humid air inside your building, a kind of stale-air feeling, some rooms being hotter or colder than others or simply the air coming from the vents is weak or not cold. Compressor failure is the most common source of poor air flow. Old ducting that needs repair can also be a problem. In most cases repairs can fix these issues. 

Failing Thermostat

Another obvious sign of a broken air conditioner is when the thermostat isn’t working; meaning the set temperature is different then the actual temperature over a prolonged period of time (usually hours). While this could be a sign of an overworked A/C, it could also mean the thermostat isn’t working. First try to replace the thermostat batteries to see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, a technician should be able to detect the source of the problem and fix it. 

Knowing these few signs and keeping your air conditioner in working condition is a key factor in managing your energy bills and promoting a healthy and productive working environment. Energy Professionals offers a patented air conditioning and HVAC refurbishment service that brings your HVAC systems back to 90% new at one-twentieth of the costs of a new one. Contact us to get a free consultation. 

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