6 Signs You Need AC Repair
A well-functioning air conditioning system means you get to have a comfortable home in the summer. The better your air conditioning system works, the more efficient it is, which keeps your energy bills reasonable as well. If you ignore signs that your air conditioning needs to be repaired, your electric bills will go up and you may end up with more expensive repairs later. Instead, just look out for these six signs that you need air conditioning repair, and call an HVAC specialist when you notice them:
Leaks Under the Unit
Once in a while when your air conditioning is working extra hard (like on an especially hot day), it's normal to see a bit of condensation on the unit and even a small puddle underneath. If your air conditioner is leaking and puddles are forming continuously, however, you should have it checked out by a professional.
There are a variety of problems that can cause your air conditioner to leak, including a dirty and blocked filter or incorrect installation. An HVAC professional will best be able to determine and fix the actual cause of the leak.
Home is Uncomfortably Warm
If your air conditioner does its job properly, your home should be comfortably cool in the summer without having to crank up the AC an excessive amount. If you notice that you're having to use more and more air conditioning just to get things reasonably cool or your home never really cools down, you need to have your AC fixed immediately. You are basically paying for air conditioning that you aren't benefiting from.
Warm Spots Throughout Home
If your air conditioning is working well in some parts of the home but not in other areas, it's a good idea to have it inspected. Uneven cooling can be a sign that you need your ductwork cleaned or repaired by an air conditioning service professional. Before calling, however, be sure to double check that the AC vents aren't being blocked by furniture in any of the rooms that have warm spots.
Strange Noises
Loud squeaking, clicking, banging, or grinding noises that occur when your air conditioning unit is running are a definite sign you should have your AC looked at by a repair company. Loud noises can occur when an air conditioning component comes loose, breaks, or fails. By having your AC unit inspected when these noises occur, you can help ensure the offending part is fixed or replaced before it causes more serious damage.
Unpleasant Odors
If a gross odor is coming from your air vents when you run your air conditioner, it's not only unpleasant but can also be indicative of a more serious problem. Sometimes a leak somewhere inside the air conditioning system can cause mildew or mold to form, which in turn causes an unpleasant smell. Failing electrical parts can also cause a bad smell.
Fan Not Blowing as Hard
If your AC seems to be blowing less powerfully than usual, it may be time to have it inspected. First, you may want to change the air conditioner's filter since this is something you can easily do yourself. A dirty air filter can block the air flow and cause the AC to not blow as hard. If you do so and your air conditioner continues to blow more weakly than it should, this may be a sign that a fan or other part is broken and needs to be fixed.
By proactively having your AC inspected and repaired when needed, you can help ensure a comfortably cool home for your family and keep your air conditioner in good working order for years to come.