Does My AC Unit Need Repair?

If you aren’t experiencing any comfort problems, it can be easy for internal air conditioning issues to go unnoticed until your unit breaks down. As a homeowner, it’s important for you to make sure that your air conditioner is working properly. We know this can be tricky, so we have provided 4 of the most common signs that indicate your AC unit needs repair.

Warning Signs

Your air conditioner will likely show signs it needs repair soon, and it is up to you to be able to catch them! Below are four common signs to pay attention to before your unit breaks down.

  • Weak Airflow
  • Unusual Noises
  • Strange Odor
  • High Utility Bill

Weak Airflow Coming From Your Vents

If your thermostat settings are correct and there is still little air blowing through your vents, you likely need air conditioning repair. There could be many causes to your vents blowing little or no air, and some may be a simple fix. First, check your air filters. If your air filters are clogged, your air conditioner can not push air through resulting in weak airflow. A blocked or dirty outdoor unit could be another cause of weak airflow. Ensure your outdoor unit is free of debris to strengthen airflow. Give your Rogers technician a call if the problem doesn’t appear to be air filters or your outdoor unit to ensure your comfort remains.

You’re Noticing Unusual Noises From Your System

It is normal for most units to be silent or to produce a low and steady blowing noise. However, if your unit sounds like it’s working extra hard or is making a sudden and loud noise, this might indicate there is something wrong with it. When inspecting your unit, keep in mind that every noise can be associated with a particular issue. Some unusual noises to look out for include:

  • Buzzing can indicate a loose part
  • Hissing can be a sign of high internal pressure
  • Shrieking points out to a broken fan motor

Although this might all sound too technical, our expert technicians can inspect your unit and help you figure out what is causing this unusual sound.

There are Strange Odors Being Produced

Like your food or your car, your AC unit can produce a strange smell when something isn’t right. If there is a strange odor emanating from your unit, give your technician a call to ensure your safety. Some bad smells to look out for include:

  • Burning
  • Chemical
  • Rotten eggs
  • Gas
  • Exhaust fumes

Some of these smells can be harmful, especially the ones that indicate there is a release of toxic fumes or chemicals circulating around your home. When this happens, we strongly recommend calling one of our expert technicians to diagnose the severity of the situation and provide you with the next steps.

High Utility Bill

If your utility bill has been higher than normal, your air conditioner could be to blame. An unusually high electric bill can point out an underlying problem with your AC unit and shouldn’t be overlooked. As a South Boston resident, you’re familiar with how muggy the weather gets around this time of the year. The combination of high temperatures and rain can increase the humidity levels inside your home. When excessive humidity is present, your air conditioner has to work extra hard to remove moisture from the air. Not only can an overworked air conditioner increase your utility bills, but increase the chance of a breakdown. A fast and affordable solution would be to invest in a dehumidifier to help absorb unwanted moisture and decrease the workload for your AC system.

Contact The Pros at Rogers!

We are here to help you figure out whether your AC unit needs repair and clear any doubts you may have. Taking into consideration all of these important signs that might indicate something is wrong will save you time and money in the future. Give us a call at (434) 230-0093 for any questions or air conditioning help today!

How To Keep Your AC Healthy

Your AC system needs proper care to stay healthy, much like a checkup at the doctor and an oil change for your car. The health of your air conditioner determines many factors about your home in the summer, such as:

  • Air Quality
  • Humidity Levels
  • Cooling Bills
  • Overall Comfort
  • Repair Costs

Maintaining your unit’s health can help save you money and preserve the life of your air conditioner. In this blog, we will share a few ways to keep your AC healthy this summer to help keep your energy bills low and your home a comfortable temperature.

Healthy AC = Happy Home!

Below are five easy ways you can ensure that your air conditioner stays healthy for the rest of the summer season.

  1. Perform Regular Maintenance
  2. Increase The Temperature While Away
  3. Regularly Change Air Filters
  4. Utilize Ceiling Fans
  5. Clean Outdoor Unit

Perform Regular Maintenance

Your air conditioner needs preventative maintenance at least twice a year to ensure its health and efficiency. We recommend scheduling a maintenance appointment with your Rogers technician once in the fall and once in the spring to ensure your system is ready for the harsh temperatures summer and winter bring. When proper maintenance is neglected, the performance of your air conditioning unit will gradually deteriorate, causing energy levels and utility bills to rise. Your Rogers technician can help catch a proper before it results in a breakdown, which preserves the health of your unit. A few benefits of regular maintenance include:

  • Preventing costly breakdowns
  • Saving you money on energy bills and repairing costs
  • Extending the life of your AC

Increase The Temperature While Away

The heat summer brings causes your air conditioner to run frequently to keep up with cooling demands. If you and your family members are away for most of the day, consider increasing the thermostat’s temperature by a few degrees to give your unit a chance to rest. Altering your temperature will prevent your unit from overworking itself and help save on cooling costs.


Related Article: Does My AC Unit Need Repair?


Regularly Change Air Filters

To ensure you are regularly changing your air filter, we recommend switching them every 90 days or 3 months. A dirty air filter harms airflow and reduces the efficiency of your system. If you have indoor animals, consider replacing your filters sooner due to pet dandruff. If your AC unit can not push air through your air filter due to dust and debris, it will work harder and is at risk of a breakdown. At Roger’s, we specialize in various long lasting HVAC accessories, including air filters that supply homeowners with the highest quality available.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Did you know your ceiling fan has a certain setting for the summer? Ensure that it is rotating counter clockwise to help air circulate more efficiently. Your ceiling fan helps rooms feel cooler due to the cool breeze it blows on your skin. To help your air conditioner’s work load, turn on ceiling fans when you are in the room. This will allow you to turn up your thermostat setting without feeling the difference. Ceiling fans can help lower utility bills, and your air conditioner will thank you for the cooling break!

Clean The Outdoor Unit

The cleanliness of your outdoor unit can affect airflow and production. If your outside unit is surrounded by trash and plants, it won’t function as effectively. Spending time each week clearing out any dirt and debris obstructing your condenser’s path will ensure it is running to its full capacity. We recommend clearing leaves and trimming overgrown plants to improve efficiency and allow proper circulation around the unit.

Contact The Pros at Rogers!

We are here to make sure your AC has a long life ahead and answer any questions you may have. Reviewing all of these quick tips to give your AC a healthy and long-lasting life will save you trouble and money in the future. Give us a call at (434) 230-0093 for any questions or air conditioning help today!

How To Pick The Right AC For Your Home

Whether you’re in the process of building a new home or simply looking to replace your old AC unit, choosing the right system can be stressful because there is no one size fits all. With so many different options out on the market, we understand that picking out the right air conditioner takes lots of careful planning. Below are factors you should consider when shopping for the ideal air conditioning unit.

  • Calculate Your Budget
  • Determine The Function
  • Requirements
  • Consider Energy Efficiency

1. Calculate Your Budget

The first step in picking the right AC unit is to clearly define your budget. Deciding how much money you’re willing to spend will help you narrow down your options. Keep in mind that purchasing an air conditioner for your home is an investment, because it supplies the air you breathe and the level of comfort you and your family experience.

2. Determine The Function

When shopping for a new air conditioning unit, most homeowners are looking to buy one that provides a whole-house solution. This is known as a central air Conditioning system. This system replaces warm air with cool air, which effectively cools down the temperature of the entire home. On the other hand, if you’re wanting to focus on a particular room such as your work office, studio, or bedroom, a smaller unit would be your go-to option. Here are two very common options:

Window Air Conditioners

Window Air Conditioners are suitable for this situation, because they are designed to cool down a single room. This type of AC unit uses two air cycles. To cool the living space, a fan blows air over the evaporator on the inside of the device. A second fan located on the outside of the window unit blows outside air over it, aiming to keep it cool. Window air conditioners are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. All you need is a window!

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems include both an indoor and outdoor unit. These units are connected through refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. The indoor unit is mounted on a wall and directly delivers heating and cooling into your living space. This system has many benefits such as high energy efficiency, an easy installation process, and room flexibility.

3. Requirements

Although some AC units simply need a window to be installed, some can be quite complex. If you are currently renting a house or apartment, or are thinking about selling your home in the future, you should review the HVAC requirements per your local building code. Doing so can save you from legal trouble and it will ensure that you’re up to date with building code standards. If this is something you’re not familiar with, the technicians at Rogers can help you figure it out.

4. Consider Energy Efficiency

When considering energy efficiency, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a great resource as it standardizes star-rated energy efficiency ratings (EER). Before you buy an air conditioner, check to see whether it has an energy efficiency star rating. Higher numbers of stars indicate greater efficiency. So, why is energy efficiency so important? An air conditioner with better energy efficiency consumes less energy and helps you save money on your energy bills. Lower energy costs equate to cost savings, therefore an energy efficient unit is the way to go!

Contact The Pros at Rogers!

We are here to walk you through this exciting purchase and clear any doubts you may have.
Taking into consideration all of these important factors before making a decision will help you get started on the right path. Give us a call at (434) 230-0093 for any questions or air conditioning help today!

Rogers Heating and Cooling in South Boston

Rogers Heating & Cooling © 2022
602 Seymour Drive, South Boston, VA. 24592
(434) 230-0093