Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in Crawford, CO

No. HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, includes all of the systems that work together to regulate a building’s temperature and humidity levels. In comparison, air conditioners only provide cooling. You can have an air conditioner as part of your HVAC system, but not all HVAC systems include air conditioners.

There are several AC unit problems to troubleshoot, but luckily you can identify them by keeping a close eye on your system. Look out for the following signs that your AC needs repair:

• Unusual noises during operation

• AC unit blows warm air

• AC unit doesn’t come on or turn off with temperature changes

• Strange odors come through the vents

• AC unit cycles on and off rapidly

• Indoor air is more humid or less comfortable than usual

• AC unit keeps tripping your breaker

• Fan in the outdoor compressor doesn’t operate when the AC is on

While it is possible to add Freon to your AC unit yourself, it is not recommended. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibits the handling of Freon without a license. Freon is a dangerous gas that can cause irreversible damage to your AC or yourself if not installed correctly. It is worthwhile to hire a professional to add Freon to your AC.

If both your furnace and AC unit are more than a decade old, it may be a good idea to replace both of them. However, your furnace can last up to three decades, and your air conditioner can typically last up to 15 years, so consulting with a pro before deciding to replace both of them is best. If it’s before that time limit for each, you can fix many problems with repairs or just replace one.