It’s getting hot outside! Like most people, you’re relying on your air conditioner to keep you cool. But what if your AC isn’t working? How can you tell if it needs repair? This blog post will discuss the signs that occur when you need to order repairs. We will also provide tips on how to get it fixed quickly and affordably!
Here Are the Warning Signs
Unless you have the professionals’ extensive experience at Expert Air, it can be hard to diagnose problems with your residential air conditioner. Yet there are some common problems that anyone can notice. Spare yourself the frustration, discomfort, and lost money on more extensive repairs. Pay attention to your AC unit. Here are the things to watch out for:
Problems With Air Flow
If you have ever had a cold, then you know that one of the most annoying things is when your nose is congested, and you can’t breathe through it. The same goes for your air conditioner. If air isn’t flowing through your unit, it isn’t going to work as well as it should. The lack of airflow could be due to a refrigerant leak, a broken air compressor, dirty air filters, or even an issue with your air ducts. If you notice a problem with your AC’s airflow, contact an Expert Air HVAC technician.
Odd Smells
Another sign that your AC unit needs repair is if it starts making strange smells. The smells could mean a buildup of mold, which can sicken you and your family if left untreated. If the smell is more akin to a burning smell, this could be a problem with the unit’s electrical wiring or insulation. Electrical issues can be a fire hazard, so it is also important to identify the problem early and have it fixed.
Odd Sounds
- If you hear banging, screeching, or hissing, these could be signs of a severe problem. Different sounds can mean different problems:
- An outdoor unit clicks as it runs. This noise could mean a foreign element has become stuck in your outdoor unit’s fan. You should inspect it if possible to remove debris.
- An outdoor unit clicks but refuses to turn on. This clicking noise likely indicates a failure in one of the unit’s electrical components.
- A bubbling or gurgling noise. This sound is probably coming from your drain line. If this is your only problem, it is not a big worry, but a certified technician should still inspect it since it could mean a refrigerant leak.
- An outdoor unit bangs or clangs. As with an outdoor unit, clicking as it runs may mean an obstruction in your unit’s fan. It’s also possible that the fan mount has come loose and is banging against the inside of your unit.
- Squealing from an indoor unit. A squealing noise typically means a problem with your fan belt. This sound may be irregular, but a damaged fan belt will break and cause your AC to stop working. As with each of these noises, it is better to have your AC inspected and repaired than to wait for it to break.
- Metal-on-metal screeching. This sound will likely come from your outdoor unit. Such sounds come from the fan motor bearings giving out, which will mean replacing the fan.
- High-pitched hissing or screaming. This noise likely originates in your compressor. This noise can signal a high-pressure buildup in the system, which can be dangerous. Your system should have a safety switch to cause an automatic shutdown in this event. If your system does not shut down, you should turn it off until a trusted HVAC technician arrives.
Leaking AC
Too much fluid or a buildup of moisture around your outdoor unit is unsuitable. By itself, excessive moisture can lead to mold growth inside your AC unit. The less serious possibility is a blocked or broken condensate drain line. This issue may appear as water leaking from the AC. Another issue is the buildup of ice inside the unit on the copper refrigerant lines outside the condenser. The more serious possibility is a Freon leak. Freon is a poisonous substance. Such a leak warrants an immediate call to trustworthy HVAC technicians -like the professionals at Expert Air.
High Humidity
If you notice high humidity in your home even when your AC is running, this is a sign that your unit needs repairs. As with leaks, this high humidity runs the risk of growing mold and mildew in your AC unit. To avoid sickening yourself and your family, turn off your AC unit and contact an HVAC repair expert.
Your Thermostat Fails
Your thermostat is what controls your AC. Should your thermostat fail, it may also cause your AC unit to fail. If your AC refuses to turn on, refuses to turn off, or only runs for short periods before turning off, this could be due to a faulty thermostat. Fixing this issue may need replacing your thermostat as well. Call a certified technician to do the complex electrical work involved.
Spikes in Utility Costs
You might still spot a problem when your electric bill comes, and the amount has spiked. Increased energy usage during the summer months is natural. If the rise in costs doesn’t match the rise in use though, your AC may not be functioning efficiently. There are many possible causes for this, including dirty air filters, faulty ducts, a malfunctioning thermostat, leaks, or age. Consult with a trained HVAC professional to see if your unit needs repairs to lower your energy bill.
What to Do?
Are you in the Lousiana area? Do you have any of these issues with your residential AC unit? Call the professionals at Expert Air! Our licensed, insured, trustworthy team of technicians can diagnose your problems. Our promise to you is to offer top-notch service at competitive prices, so we will work hard. Call today for an estimate!
