5 Signs Your AC Needs Attention Before Summer

The worst time to discover your air conditioner is struggling is the first 90-degree day. Here are five signs — most of them easy to miss — that it's worth a look before summer hits Northeast Ohio.

1. It's blowing warm or weak air

Air that isn't as cold as it should be, or weak airflow from the vents, usually points to low refrigerant, a dirty coil, or a struggling compressor. None of those fix themselves.

2. Your bills crept up

If last summer's electric bills were higher than the summer before with no change in habits, your AC is working harder than it should. A tune-up often pays for itself.

3. New sounds or smells

Grinding, rattling, or a musty smell when it kicks on are early warnings — cheaper to address now than after a breakdown.

4. It runs constantly

An AC that never quite catches up and runs non-stop on a warm day is a sign something's off — airflow, refrigerant, or sizing.

5. It's been a year (or more)

If you can't remember the last spring tune-up, that's reason enough. A spring visit clears the winter's dirt and gets you ahead of the season. We'll give it a clean bill of health or tell you exactly what it needs — upfront.