How Do You Know If Your Air Conditioning Needs Repair?
If you’re going to have problems with your air conditioner, chances are it’s going to happen during the hottest time of the year. However, knowing what to watch for can help you take care of minor issues before they become major ones.
Your air conditioning unit is a very complex system. If you find that your system requires repairs, it’s safer to bring in a professional HVAC technician to make the repairs instead of trying to do it yourself.
With regular maintenance and repairs, you can keep your AC system in good working order to ensure that you and your family stay comfortable on the hottest days of the year. Here are eight signs that your air conditioning unit may need repairs.
#1. There is a Strange Smell
You should never smell a foul smell coming from your air conditioning unit. If there is a strong smell coming from the unit when you turn it on, it could mean there is serious trouble.
If you smell something burning or smoking, there could be a burnt out wire inside the unit. Otherwise, a musty smell could mean there is mold inside the unit or in your ductwork. It’s essential to get this taken care of ASAP to avoid causing health issues for you and your family, and to ensure that the electrical integrity of your unit is preserved.
#2. The Thermostat Isn’t Working
The thermostat is the brain of your air conditioning system. It lets your AC unit know what amount of cold air is needed, and it takes measurements to make sure the unit is cooling your house correctly.
If your AC unit runs for short periods and then shuts off or won’t turn on at all, that could mean that the thermostat is not registering if the system is operating correctly. Due to the complexity of the electrical components involved, you will want a trained HVAC technician to examine this problem and determine if the problem is electrical, mechanical, or otherwise.
#3. Not Much Air is Coming From the Vents
If the amount of air coming from the vents isn’t enough to circulate throughout the entire room, that could signify that your compressor is failing. It is also possible that there is a problem with an obstruction in your ducts. Your HVAC technician can determine if the system needs a tune-up or identify other issues that could exist.
#4. Loud Noises Coming From the System
Grinding, scraping, and squealing are noises that you don’t want to hear when you turn on your unit. These noises could be a problem with a belt that has moved out of place or a fan that has loosened on its spindle. Putting off calling an HVAC expert could cause damage to other components as well, so make sure to get someone out to take a look as soon as you start hearing the noises.
#5. The System is Blowing Warm Air
The purpose of your AC unit is to keep your family cool and comfortable in the muggy, hot summer months. If the unit is blowing out warm air, first, check your thermostat and make sure it is set to cooling mode and to a temperature that is lower than your home’s current temperature. If you are still feeling warm air through your vents, airflow could be restricted, or there may be a compressor issue.
#6. Your House is Still Humid
Removing humidity from the air is one of the main jobs of your air conditioner. So if you find that your house is humid even when your system is running, that can mean that your unit needs service or repair.
#7. You Find a Moisture Leak
When you find any moisture leaks around your AC unit, that is a sure sign of a problem. Because this could be a sign that the refrigerant is leaking, you should contact an AC technician immediately and do not attempt to touch the unit or the leaked fluid yourself. Your air conditioning refrigerant may be toxic and poses a potentially serious health risk to you and any others in your household that come in contact with it.
Less serious issues could be that the moisture is from a blocked or broken tube that disposes of condensation. You may see this moisture in a couple of different forms. Sometimes it would be water leaking from the system, and other times ice may form inside your unit on the copper refrigerant lines outside the condenser.
#8. Utility Bills Are Rising
If you notice that your utility bills are rising and you haven’t been using your system more, that can be another sign that your AC unit needs repairing. When your system is running inefficiently, it can cause it to use more power, which will raise your utility bills.
Let On Time Home Services Help Keep Your AC Running Efficiently Year Round!
Catching small issues before they become big issues can save you money and eliminate the chance of being without your air conditioning when you need it the most. And the best way to do that is to have your system maintained regularly.
That’s why On Time Home Services offers the On-Time Club. When you become part of the On-Time Club, one of our expert technicians will perform checkups on your systems three times a year—guaranteeing that your system is in good working order all year long for years to come.
Don’t wait any longer. Contact us today!
