It’s nearly October and you thought you could get your air conditioning to limp through the remaining few warm afternoons that remained. Unfortunately, what some parts of the country like to call Indian Summer has arrived, and instead of cooling off at night, the higher than normal temperatures have been heating things back up. Rather than wait any longer, you have finally decided to call an AC repair company to come look at your entire heating and cooling system.
Two-thirds of all homes in America have air conditioners, and all of these homes would benefit from regular furnace and air conditioning service. Two visits a year, once in the spring before the hot temperatures of summer arrive and again late in the fall before the colder winter temperatures arrive, can help you maintain a major investment in your home. Whether you are in the warm climate of Tampa, Florida, or the all season environment of the midwest, proper HVAC maintenance is a good idea.
In addition to regular service calls, other basic maintenance habits can help you avoid costly AC repair. For example, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by as much as 5% to 15%. Most AC repair services recommend that you change it every three months, even during colder weather. All of the air in the house passes through this filter so changing the filter is still necessary during the coldest months.
Even though many U.S. homes could also benefit from regular maintenance, studies indicate that only 42% of those using central air equipment service it annually. You need to think of the HVAC system in your home as an investment, and treat it as such. If you are noticing any of the following signs, it is likely that your AC unit needs servicing:

• Lack of cool air. Even at full blast, the air coming from the vents isn?t as cold as it used to be.
• Poor air flow. Weak or limited air flow through your AC vents can mean the unit?s compressor may be failing. If some areas or rooms in your home are getting cold air while others are not, then the trouble might be with your duct work.
• Thermostat problems. In some instances the trouble is not with the AC unit, but with the thermostat itself. One sign that your thermostat is the problem is if one part of your house is very cold while another part remains at the same temperature.
• Moisture where it shouldn?t be. Sometimes this is an indicator that coolant is leaking. Other times puddles of water can indicate a blockage in the tubing that drains water from the unit.
• Strange sounds. Squealing, grating, or grinding sounds coming from your air conditioner might be a sign that you need a replacement unit.
• Strange odors. Pungent or foul smells from AC vents can means that wire insulation has burned out. Musty smells generally indicates mold inside your unit or ductwork.