No one wants to be stuck inside their Florida home without air conditioning (AC). It’s bad enough to be sweating outside—who wants to feel hot and humid temperatures inside, too?
Below we’ll outline 10 obvious signs you may need to repair or replace your AC, and why you should turn to our top AC technicians at Air Care in Clearwater to inspect and fix your AC issues.
Sign #1: Little to No Air Flow Inside Your Home
Have you noticed your AC is not cooling your home like it should? This is one of the most obvious signs your HVAC system needs repair.
If your AC is “On” and you notice weak or no air coming out of your air vents, contact our team at Air Care today. AC circulation issues are often caused by blocked vents, leaky and damaged ducts, or a malfunction inside your air handler. Whatever the issue, one of our skilled HVAC technicians will inspect your heating and cooling equipment, locate the AC problem, and work to get it up and running again.
Sign #2: AC is Blowing Warm Air
Even in the fall and winter seasons in Florida, indoor temperatures across Tampa Bay can quickly become uncomfortable with a broken AC unit. One sign your HVAC system isn’t working properly is if the air blowing from your vents is warm, not cool.
Warm indoor air usually means there’s a problem with your air compressor, your AC evaporator coils are frozen, or your system is low on refrigerant. During an inspection with Air Care, an experienced technician will locate the AC issue and recommend the best solution for your home—helping you and your family become comfortable again.
Call us today at 727-449-2699 to schedule an appointment.
Sign #3: Humidity in Your Home
Florida is notorious for its heat and humidity. And while warm air inside your home is unpleasant, it’s ugly stepsister “humidity” can leave you feeling sticky and muggy all day long—regardless of how hard you pump your AC or how low you set the temperature.
Not only are high levels of humidity inside your home uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous if left unaddressed for too long.
When the humidity level is above 60 percent, the air is too wet and can become a breeding ground for mold, pests and rot in your home. It can also pose health risks—like a heatstroke, heat exhaustion, headaches and dehydration. On the other hand, you can also have not enough humidity in your home. When the indoor humidity level is below 30 percent, the air will feel too dry, which can lead to dry or cracked skin and even become harmful to your home’s structural integrity.
If you suspect high or low humidity levels inside your home, contact Air Care today to have a trained professional adjust your humidity settings and/or resolve any issues. Do you have a smart or programmable thermostat? You can check your humidity levels listed on the screen, too.
Sign #4: Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat in your home acts as the brain behind your HVAC system, telling all of the AC components how and when to operate.
Programmable thermostats (like our recommendation, Honeywell) allow you to preset your heating and cooling preferences and automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day, including when you’re away from your home. Non-programmable and mechanical thermostats require you to set the temperature manually.
A few common signs your thermostat may be malfunctioning include:
- Your AC repeatedly turns on and off (also known as short cycling)
- You consistently have an incorrect temperature reads
- The indoor temperature does not meet your programmed setting
First, check that the batteries in your thermostat are installed and working. If your thermostat is still not functioning like it should, it’s time to call a top AC company in Clearwater: Air Care.
Want to troubleshoot your thermostat on your own? Watch the video below on “How to tell if your home thermostat is bad.”
Sign #5: Musty Odors Coming from the AC
If you are greeted with an unpleasant smell once you step inside your home, you may have mold in or around your HVAC unit.
Mold spores grow anywhere moisture is present and thrive in warm air, a dark environment, and dust and debris. As a result, your HVAC system can become an ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew and bacteria—which is why regular AC maintenance is so important.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if you suspect that your HVAC system may be contaminated with mold, act quickly. Running your AC could blow mold spores throughout your home, contaminate your indoor air handler and ductwork, and potentially cause you or your family members to become sick.
Call our certified AC professionals at Air Care to learn how maintenance and repair can help rid your home of musty odors and mold growth. To learn more about musty odors in your home, read “Why does my house smell musty?” on our blog.
Sign #6: Moisture In and Around AC Unit
It’s pretty common for your AC to have condensation around the system, especially in the warm and muggy weather across Tampa Bay. However, if you notice excess water in or around your HVAC unit or condensate drain pan, you may have a leak.
Leaks can happen over time or become noticeable all at once. The important thing is to address it immediately, as a condensation or refrigerant leak could cause damage to your HVAC system, home or health—and lead to those musty odors we mentioned above.
Contact Air Care to schedule an inspection today.
Sign #7: Unusual Sounds Coming from Your AC
While never completely quiet, new AC units make little noise when operating, especially our top brand pick: Rheem. If you hear strange, unfamiliar sounds coming from your HVAC equipment, that’s usually a sign it’s time to repair or replace your AC.
Below are common AC noises you shouldn’t ignore:
- Banging
- Rattling
- Screeching
- Clicking
- Buzzing
- Humming
- Hissing
- Bubbling
- Whistling
These unusual AC sounds can mean a number of things, so it’s important to contact a certified and experienced HVAC technician to inspect and fix the issue—especially since many AC problems involve electrical components, which can pose a danger to your safety.
Contact Air Care to schedule an appointment. To learn more about DIY AC fixes to avoid, read “Don’t Try This at Home: 4 AC Repairs You Shouldn’t Fix On Your Own” on our blog.
Sign #8: Frequent AC Repairs
Do you find yourself searching “AC repair” on Google or calling your local AC company often to fix your system? Then it may be time to replace your HVAC equipment.
Regular AC maintenance helps keep your HVAC system run efficiently and effectively, which is why our team at Air Care recommends Florida homeowners schedule an AC system tune-up twice a year. However, more frequent maintenance and repairs usually point to a greater need: a new AC system.
If you are getting your AC repaired every few months, this will only extend the life of your system for a short period of time. Contact Air Care to see if a new HVAC system is the right fit for you and your home.
Sign #9: Rising Utility Costs
If you live in the Clearwater area, your cooling costs will likely be high compared to homeowners living in milder climates. But if you notice a sudden spike in your utility bills—especially outside of the summer months—it’s time to call our licensed and trained AC technicians at Air Care to have a look at your HVAC system.
You may simply need AC maintenance or repair, depending on the condition of your equipment. Even small adjustments—like window treatments, shaded trees and ceiling fans—can make a big difference on your rising utility bills.
Want to learn more tips on lowering cooling costs? Read “Top 10 Ways to Cool Your Home and Keep AC Costs Down” on our blog, and visit the Duke Energy Florida website to discover details on a free home energy check.
Contact Air Care today to schedule an AC appointment.
Sign #10: Age of Your HVAC System
The life span of your HVAC system depends on several factors, including its make, model and maintenance schedule.
On average, a well-maintained AC in Florida has a life expectancy of about 10-15 years, while a system with infrequent maintenance and repairs won’t last nearly as long. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of bi-annual system tune-ups and AC repairs.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your HVAC system serviced, call Air Care today to schedule a maintenance appointment and inspective. We’ll advise you on the best approach to a cool and comfortable home.
A Clearwater Company with AC Repair and Replacement Experience
With more than 30 years in the heating and cooling business, we know what it takes to keep your HVAC system running all year long.
If and when your air conditioning stops working the way it should, call our team at Air Care is to service, repair or replace your AC system. Our Clearwater AC company proudly serves Pinellas county, western Hillsborough county and southern Pasco county, and we service all HVAC makes and models. (For new installs, we recommend Rheem products as a proud Rheem Pro Partner.)
“The nicest and most helpful people, honestly!! They just installed a new system for us, and they took the time to make sure everything was perfect!! We are just so thankful and incredibly happy that we got to experience such amazing service and genuinely kind people!!” – Candi of Tampa, Florida
APPENDIX
HGTV.com: Maintain Indoor Relative Humidity
How to tell if your thermostat is bad
Duke Energy Florida: Home Energy Check
