Bill Howe

The most common issues that indicate the need for air conditioning repair include refrigerant leaks, corrosion of wires and electronic components, water leaks, and dirty filters. These problems can cause issues like intermittent functioning, temperature fluctuations, a unit that refuses to turn on, an unresponsive thermostat, a system that takes a long time to heat or cool your home, and high energy bills. Most of these problems are preventable with routine maintenance and repair.

If your system runs but doesn't heat or cool well. You notice rattling, grinding or loud humming noises, air ducts and vents are noticeably dirty, your unit emits an odor, you see leaks or water puddles near the unit, or you notice a change in airflow or indoor humidity. These are all signs that you should call for air conditioner repair.

In general, an HVAC system should last between 15 and 25 years. However, it depends on the type of system you have and its maintenance history. A heating and air conditioning system that gets annual inspections and regular filter replacements will have less wear and tear on the components, which means it should last longer. How often the system runs also impacts its lifespan. For instance, if you like to keep it cold in your home during the summer with the AC running most of the time, the unit will wear out faster than if you set the thermostat several degrees warmer. Regular maintenance and inspections, along with performing AC repair when necessary, will keep your unit functioning at peak efficiency until it's time to replace it.