An air conditioning unit is a highly complex system. When minor issues arise, it can later result in more significant problems if you overlook them. Generally, you will face a costly repair. An air conditioner has an essential role during the summer season. Once the temperatures start to rise to uncomfortable levels, you need a functional AC unit to ensure comfort in your home. Make sure that you will perform routine maintenance on your air conditioner during spring.
Air conditioning issues seem to occur at an inconvenient time. In most cases, it is during a hot day when a defective or old AC system strains beyond its limit. With this in mind, it is vital to provide regular maintenance to your air conditioning unit to ensure years of optimum functionality. The best way to avoid expensive repair jobs is to identify minor issues before they become a bigger problem. It means that you should be familiar with the signs that your air conditioning unit requires repairing.
Let us check out some of the warning signs that your AC requires repair.
1.Skyrocketing Utility Bill
Once your utility bill is skyrocketing, the effectiveness of your HVAC system is likely deteriorating. It is typical for utility bills to rise during the summer season due to the higher temperatures. However, if there is a significant increase in your bills that does not seem to sync with more prolonged use of the AC unit, it is best to call a professional to inspect your unit. In most instances, there might be an issue with the ductwork or thermostat. Additionally, your unit might be close to its expiration date.
2.Airflow Is Limited Or Nonexistent
One of the obvious signs that your air conditioning unit requires a repair job is the lack or absence of airflow. In case you cannot feel any air moving out of the vents or the airflow is barely perceptible, the flow is not enough to circulate properly throughout the room. It is an indication that your home will not cool efficiently to a comfortable temperature range.
If you are living in an area with a warm climate, it can make your home uncomfortable. The weak airflow is often an indication of an issue with either the air ducts or compressor. In such instances, a professional should inspect your air conditioning unit to ensure proper repairs.
Aside from repairing your AC unit, you can also invest in an energy-recovery ventilator. It can provide your air conditioning unit with a boost by exchanging the stale air with a fresh one once your system cycles. Additionally, your device can also benefit from zoning systems, ensuring that you will get adequate airflow and cooling power where you need it the most.
3.Warm Air
Once the outdoor temperature rises, especially during the summer, you can count on your air conditioning unit to keep your home cool and comfortable. However, some homeowners discover that the AC unit is releasing warm air.
The warm air that moves out of your AC unit is an indication that it requires a repair job. It might be an indication of a compressor problem, or your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant. In some instances, it might be a duct issue that draws air from the outside or attic space instead of the compressor. Getting in touch with a professional service such as Modern PHE is the best move to ensure proper repairs.
4.Presence Of Unusual Odor
The primary purpose of an air conditioning unit in your home is to keep it comfortable. Sadly, there are instances where it can make your household sick instead, especially once it starts to release an unusual or undesirable odor.
Any unpleasant odor coming from your AC unit is a clear sign that it requires repair. Once this issue arises, it can be a hint of various problems, but the most frequent causes are mold formation and electrical issues.
If you detect a musty odor from your air conditioning unit, it is a clear sign of mold growth in the system and spreading the spores around your home. Once you ignore this issue, it can make your family sick. Nevertheless, once there is an evident burning smell, it is a clear indication that there is an issue with the electrical wiring or the insulation around it in the unit.
5.Malfunctioning Thermostat
It is important to note that the thermostat functions as the “brain” of your home’s HVAC system. It is responsible for instructing which components need to work and for how long. The thermostat regularly monitors these activities.
Once your AC unit does not turn on or only works for short periods before switching off, the thermostat might be the culprit. Issues with your malfunctioning thermostat will require a repair job from a professional. In most cases, it might involve replacement to ensure that your system will function optimally again.
6.Unusual Sounds
Depending on the type of AC unit you have at home, it can produce various sounds. The noises typically manifest if a component requires lubrication, a belt slips out of proper position, or damage to the motor bearings. In most cases, you need a replacement unit or a repair job. Remember, though, that you should not delay.
In most instances, the sounds might originate from the outdoor unit while running. However, if you notice any unusual sounds while the device is running, you should still call in a professional. Here are some of the sounds and what they might mean.
- Click-like noise from the outdoor unit while it is running. It is a sign of a minor obstruction in the fan of the outdoor unit. You should check the fan and remove any blockage that can strike it while it is running.
- External clicking and will not start. The clicking sound might be an indication of an electrical issue in one or several components.
- Gurgling or bubbling noise. Once you hear gurgling, the condensate drain line might be the culprit. In case this is the only issue present, it will not likely lead to any more significant problems. Nevertheless, it is also a sign of a refrigerant leakage that requires immediate repair before it will lead to more issues in the long run.
- Banging or rattling sound from the external unit. The noise is a sign that the fan in the external unit is striking something. It might be a significant obstruction, or the base of the fan might be loose. In such instances, the wobbling motion allows it to strike the protective cage around it.
- Squeal-like noise from the indoor unit. The squealing sound is an indication of a fan belt issue. In most cases, the sound typically comes and goes, making you assume that there is no problem. Nevertheless, if there is damage to the fan belt, it will deteriorate later, which can put your AC unit out of action. Once you notice a squealing sound, your AC unit requires a repair job.
- Screeching, metal-like noise. Once you hear this sound, it is originating from the external unit. The metal-like sound is often due to the fan motor’s bearings going out on the outdoor unit. In such cases, the repair job will involve the replacement of the fan.
- High-pitched screaming or hissing sound. These sounds might originate from the compressor. It is a sign of high-pressure buildup in the unit, which can be hazardous. The unit must have a safety shut-down switch to turn off the system if this happens automatically. Sadly, if your unit continues to function, the best move to make is to turn it off until a professional inspect your unit and carries out the proper repairs.
Once you notice any of these unusual sounds coming from your AC unit, do not delay a professional’s routine inspection to ensure that any issues will not escalate further.
7.Frequent Repairs
If you notice that you have to repair several components on your AC unit in the last few months, it might be time to replace it with a new one. Remember that if you continue to pay for repairs, it will become a costly endeavor and will only lengthen your unit’s lifespan for a short span.
Once you decide to call in a professional, your technician can advise on the overall condition of your AC unit. While it is not always possible to replace an AC system, deciding to replace it as soon as possible is a cost-effective solution in the long run.
8.High Humidity
If you live in an area with high humidity levels, an issue of concern with your HVAC system is the potential for mold and mildew growth.
Once your air conditioning unit is no longer helping minimize the humidity in your house, it is time to call a professional. Due to mold and mildew growth potential, it can result in health problems if you overlook the issue.
9.Leakage Of Moisture In Or Around The Unit
Often, the moisture that you see around your unit might only be the condensate. Nevertheless, if there is an accumulation or presence of unusual color, it is a sign that a repair job is necessary.
The spillage of refrigerant is a severe form of leakage that can happen in your AC unit. Take note that refrigerant is a poisonous substance that poses a health hazard for you and your family. If there is a condensate leakage, there might be a blockage or damage to the condensate drain line. Once you spot these issues, your AC unit requires a repair job.
10.Frozen Evaporator Coil
When you have a frozen evaporator coil, it is clear that there is something wrong with your air conditioning unit. If you feel there might be issues with your air conditioning unit, you should check if the evaporator coils are solidifying:
- Inspect for ice all over the outdoor refrigerant line
- Check around the air handler for moisture and condensation
- Inspect if the condensate drain pan is full or already overflowing
Open the air handler and check the evaporator coil for the buildup of ice or condensation. Once you discover this issue, you should switch off your unit at the breaker box. Take note that if your unit continues to function while the coil is frozen, it can cause significant damage to the system. Some of the causes of this issue include dirty evaporator coils, refrigerant leakage, airflow, and drainage issues.
11.Aging AC Unit
The age of your air conditioning unit is also an indication that it requires repair. Generally, ten years is a reasonable life expectancy for an AC unit. Once your unit is almost close to ten years, it might be time to consider getting a new one. Remember that a new replacement cost is a good investment, especially when it comes to efficiency. A brand-new AC unit that functions optimally can help save money on your utility bills and costly repairs.
12.Short Cycling
When an air conditioning unit cannot cool down your home to the right temperature, the compressor will switch itself off, which is a cycle. If you feel that your AC unit is switching on and off frequently, it is a sign that your air conditioning unit is short cycling.
If this issue arises, it can significantly affect the temperature of your home. It can make your home uncomfortable and result in skyrocketing utility bills. Take note that the frequent on and off or short cycling can place excessive strain on your unit, which leads to more problems.
Conclusion
An air conditioning unit is a complex device with various components that require regular maintenance to ensure that it functions optimally in keeping your home comfortable. Once you notice any of these unusual signs, it is clear that a replacement or repair job is necessary depending on the part or component with issues or damage. As part of routine maintenance for your home, always provide your AC unit with regular care and maintenance to keep it in good shape at all times. With a well-maintained and functional air conditioning unit in your home, it will ensure the best comfort and can help save on your utility bills for years to come.
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