Do you have a hard-starting cooling system? Hard-starting is a common problem that many homeowners experience when turning their air conditioner on for the first time. Hard-starting can also become a continual problem and one that is not good for the air conditioning system. Hard-starting is when an air conditioner struggles to start a cycle and is often accompanied with a loud grinding sound. The air conditioner, once it finally starts, will usually run the rest of the cycle without too much problem. Even though the air conditioner may cool down the home, a hard-start is a major warning sign. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning would like to share more about hard-starting and what is going on with your air conditioning system.

What Does a Hard Start Mean for Your Air Conditioner?

An air conditioning system uses a number of components to bring cool air into the home. One component that is considered the heart of the HVAC system is the compressor. The compressor puts the refrigerant under high pressure that then circulates through both the coil systems. During the process the heat in the air is removed and now cool air can be circulated throughout the home. When you hear hard-starting it is the compressor that is struggling and is making all of the noise. The hard-starting from the compressor may be due to a couple of different problems.

What Causes Hard Starting?

The compressor’s capacitors may not be sending voltage to the compressor to provide it enough power for a proper start up. Hard-starting may also be due to connecting components that are worn down or needs to be cleaned and lubricated. Often when the air conditioner has been sitting still during the fall and winter season, rust, debris and dirt has accumulated. To know why the air conditioner is having a hard-start it will need to be inspected.

What to Do if My AC is Working Too Hard

When you hear the loud grinding when your air conditioner starts, turn off the cooling system. Hard-starts can be a sign of a major problem. If you are lucky, you only need to replace a capacitor or have the air conditioner tuned-up. Do not continue to run the air conditioner if you have a hard-start, or you can allow a bigger problem to develop. When an air conditioner struggles you can also expect a higher energy bill and poor performance.

Is it Necessary to Service AC Every Year?

To discover why your air conditioner system is having a hard-start you will want to contact an HVAC service. A technician will come to the home and begin an inspection to determine why the air conditioner is having the hard-start. Hard-starting is most often the result of neglect. Therefore, it is essential to properly maintain your HVAC system. Proper maintenance often includes a yearly tune-up of the air conditioner and heating system. As we are in the transitional season, now is the best time to have the air conditioner tuned-up. Most hard-starts can be prevented simply by having the air conditioner cleaned, lubricated, and undergoing other aspects of a proper tune-up.

Air Conditioning Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Enterprise, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Green Valley Ranch, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, Peccole Ranch, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada

To repair or prevent a hard-start, make sure to have your air conditioner tuned-up and prepared for the summer season. For tune-ups, repairs, and more, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today!