Now that the summer weather is here and AC systems across the land have been working hard keeping Americans cool, perhaps you noticed that your home’s air conditioning system doesn’t quite seem to be working as well as it was last year. You may not be able put your finger on exactly what’s going on, but you know something just isn’t right and it could be time to call a service technician.

But how to do you know for sure?

Below are three signs that will tell you that an air conditioning service call is absolutely necessary.

1. Leaks: A leak anywhere in your air conditioning system is a problem that demands attention. The most common place where you’ll see a leak happen is around your home’s outdoor unit. When this happens it’s likely you have a refrigerant leak, which needs to be addressed. If you notice puddles of water around your air handling unit (located indoors) it could be signs of a frozen coil or a condensate drain issue. In either case, call a professional immediately.
2. Your home is excessively damp: One of the benefits of a good air conditioning system is its dehumidifying properties. If you begin to notice that your home is as humid inside as it is outside, it’s definitely time to call for some professional help.
3. Low flow: If you turn on your system and let it run for a while but realize that you keep checking the airflow at the registers because something doesn’t seem right, you should call a licensed HVAC contractor. This could be the sign of a falling compressor, clogged passageways or blocked vents.

These problems can usually be spotted or prevented by obtaining a maintenance contract from a highly rated air conditioning contractor. Regular system checkups go a long way to ensuring you have a comfortable, trouble-free summer.

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