It’s the Dog Days of Summer. Will Your AC Heel to Your Demands?
The end of July through August is known as “the dog days of summer.”
Surprisingly, it has less to do with dogs and more to do with the time of year when we can best see Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation, Canis Major, which translates into “big dog” in Latin.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Sirius’s heat would combine with that of our sun, resulting in some of the hottest days of the year. Eventually, “the days of the dog star” got shortened to “dog days” in 1500s England and has been known as the “dog days of summer” ever since.
But what it means in 2024 America is that it’s hot outside. Really hot.
And, if you’ve noticed your air conditioning running nonstop lately, you’re probably also wondering if your AC can keep up with the heat without running you into the poor house.
AC TLC
Hopefully, you heeded your HVAC tech’s warning and got your air conditioning serviced during the spring when things weren’t so hot.
But, even if you did, an AC that has to run so often may still develop problems. If you notice any of the following issues, it may be time to call your technician back in to provide service for your air conditioning unit:
- Insufficient airflow. This can mean a clogged air filter, a broken motor or even a blockage in your ductwork.
- Frequent cycles. Your AC goes through cooling cycles, no matter how hot the weather is. And, while it should turn on more frequently when the weather is hot, it shouldn’t cycle on and off constantly.
- Pooled Water: Because your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to cool your home, it will drain condensate as a result of the cooling process. But it shouldn’t be producing enough water so that it pools around your unit.
- Rattling noise. All air conditioners make a little bit of noise, but if yours is rattling or buzzing loudly, you might have a loose part. Whistling or grinding noises signal more serious issues that won’t go away on their own.
- Bad odors. If your air conditioner smells like a wet towel that’s been left to dry in a heap on the floor, you might have some microbial growth in your system. This can signal a leak, but it can also mean that your system is blowing mold all over your home.
Call in the Big Dogs
If you experience any of those issues, it may be time to call in the professionals. You don’t want to wait until your unit doesn’t work at all. Not only is it uncomfortable to be in a hot house, the heat can lead to health issues. These can be particularly bad for the elderly, children and people with other medical conditions.
Your Detroit cooling experts at C & C can be trusted to help you clear up your AC problems quickly. We’ve been keeping Detroit warm in the winter and cool in the summer since 1948. Your cooling experts at C & C are here to help. Call us at (586) 439-3319 or contact us online for all your air conditioning needs.
