4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Call For A/C Repair Service

If you have air conditioner repair questions, our customer service team is always available with answers. But if your AC is acting funny, there are questions you can ask yourself before giving us a call. Sometimes the problem is something you can fix, and sometimes it’s something better left to the experts.

Frequently Asked Air Conditioner Repair Questions

If you’re having any of these issues, follow the steps provided to determine if you need AC repair.

Why Doesn’t My House Feel Cool?

Many times when a home starts to feel too warm, customers assume they need an air conditioner repair. But here are some things to check first:

• Is your thermostat working? Your thermostat is responsible for transmitting your desired temperature to the air conditioner, so if you see a blank screen, your house will heat up quickly. Check the battery and see if there are any loose electrical wires, and then check the fuse box.
• Is the AC running? If it sounds like your AC is on but the house is still warm, check the air filter since debris buildup can prevent efficient airflow. Next, make sure your thermostat’s fan setting is set to “Auto” instead of “On.”

If none of these measures help, call Crystal. You could have a broken fan, an evaporator coil problem, or a refrigerant leak.

Why Are Some Rooms Warmer Than Others?

In many homes (and it’s more common in 2-story homes), one or two rooms can't seem to get the same airflow as other rooms. It could have something to do with the room location, such as over an uninsulated garage or on the side of the house that gets the most sunlight, or it could be a ductwork problem. Before calling for air conditioner troubleshooting, try these:

• Make sure the vents are open and not obstructed.
• If it’s in a spot that gets a lot of sun, hang insulated curtains over windows.
• Leave the door open to allow for return airflow.

If none of these help to cool your room, we may need to adjust your dampers so more cool air can get through, or check your ductwork for clogs or leaks that could be affecting airflow. We may also check your insulation levels around the room to determine if additional insulation could make it more comfortable.

Why Did My Energy Bill Go Up?

If your last electric bill changed dramatically from the previous one (or even from last summer’s), there’s something going on with your AC’s efficiency. Before wondering if you need an air conditioner repair, you can:

• Change your air filter. A clogged filter inhibits airflow, which makes your AC work harder.
• Check to see if weather stripping and caulk around doors and windows has deteriorated. Cool air could be leaking out, and your AC will keep running to keep up.
• Make sure vents are open. If vents are blocked or closed, cool air is not flowing as it should into those rooms, so the AC will work continuously to cool them.
• Check to see when your last Crystal maintenance visit was. During a routine HVAC maintenance appointment, our technician cleans and checks condenser coils, checks the thermostat to see that it’s working, and inspects all components of the AC. A dirty system that hasn’t been maintained will run much less efficiently. Don’t worry -- if you’re a member of our Care Club, we reminded you to schedule a visit!

If you do all of these things and your bills continue to be high, it’s probably time to call us.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

This is probably the question St. Louis homeowners ask most. Since a new AC is more costly than an air conditioner repair, the hope is always that it can be fixed. But if your answers to the following questions point to a new purchase, it’s probably time to call us.

• Is your system older than 10 years? In general, air conditioners last 10-15 years, so if yours is close to that, you’ll probably start paying for AC repairs more often. If you’re not sure of the age of your AC, you can usually find it on an inspection sticker on the unit. The first 4 digits of the serial number indicate the year and week or vice-versa.
• How efficient is your air conditioner? This correlates with its age. Older units have lower SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings so they must work much harder than newer models with higher SEER rating. You could save hundreds of dollars per year and increase the value of your home by updating your air conditioner.
• How much have you spent on repairs? If you keep forking out $600 here and there for AC repairs, it makes sense to buy a new one. You’ll also get the peace of mind that comes with a new warranty.

Crystal Heating and Cooling is Always Happy to Answer Your Air Conditioner Repair Questions

If you’re not sure whether you need a home AC repair, just call us. Our customer service team is here to listen to your concerns and schedule an appointment with our highly skilled HVAC technicians. You may just be due for an AC maintenance appointment, or it may be time for a whole new air conditioner (if it is, we have very competitive pricing!). So don’t hesitate to reach out any time you need us!