Do you have trouble staying cool during the summer heat? If your air conditioning isn’t working as it should, it can be a stressful and uncomfortable situation.
The good news is that there are usually signs before a major breakdown that allows homeowners the chance to get their AC serviced in time for proper repairs.
Keep an eye out for any of these 7 signals that suggest your air conditioning needs professional repair from an HVAC technician! With regular maintenance and timely service, you can ensure your home stays cool through sunny days and hot summers.
High Humidity Levels
High humidity levels can be a frustrating and uncomfortable problem—and one that is made worse in hot summer months. If your air conditioning is not keeping up with the temperature and humidity, then it may be time for professional repair. Knowing the signs that an AC repair is needed can help prevent equipment from spoiling from too much moisture buildup inside the system and home. Signs of high humidity levels include musty odors, moisture on walls and windows, mold on vents, excessive dust or dirt particles in a room, water stains on ceilings or walls, frozen coils within the air conditioner, and a wet coil within the air conditioner. An experienced HVAC tech can help diagnose why your AC cannot combat these problematic conditions.
Poor Airflow
If your air conditioning is running but there’s barely any air coming out of the vents, then it might be time to consider professional repair. Poor airflow may indicate a blocked-up filter, or worse yet, could be a sign of a broken fan or motor—which can become more costly if not attended to right away. No matter the cause, lack of quality airflow never bodes well for your AC system’s health and life span. Also, a bad A/C capacitor and other electrical components might be the cause of poor airflow, so it’s best to have a certified HVAC technician inspect your system. Professional help will ensure that your cooling system is up-to-date and efficient, so take action now to avoid an expensive fix later!
Unusual Noises
Strange noises coming from your air conditioning unit are never a good sign and can often indicate that something is wrong. Unusual sounds such as rattling, whistling, clicking, or buzzing could signal any number of technical problems within the unit. If you’re hearing something out of the ordinary, it’s probably time to consider having a professional come in and perform some repair work. The sooner you address these noises, the better, thereby avoiding bigger hassles down the line. If your system is making unusual sounds, don’t ignore them–seek help from a qualified technician right away!
Uneven Temperature Distribution
When you’re trying to stay cool and comfortable during the summer months, noticing an inconsistent temperature distribution in your home can be incredibly frustrating. Warm air blowing from vents in one room and cool air coming out of vents in another indicate a problem with your AC unit. Unfortunately, this issue often requires professional repair. Make sure to check for these signs that it may be time to call in an HVAC expert: uneven temperatures, unexplained spikes in monthly energy bills, strange noises coming from the unit, lack of airflow, warm discharge air, accumulation of moisture around the unit or ducts, or growing mold/mildew on air filters. Don’t let temperature imbalances compromise your comfort – make sure to have a pro take a look at the situation if you notice any of these telltale signs.
Old Age
As a homeowner, you know that with age comes wear and tear, and your air conditioning is no exception. Not to mention having an underperforming unit can cost you dearly in utility bills. Even if your AC system is more mature than most, there are ways to tell if it’s time for professional repair. Watch out for seven common signs — from strange noises and water leaks to insufficient cooling — that may be indicators of deterioration due to old age. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get professional help – having a well-maintained air conditioning system will pay off in the long run.
Frequent Cycling On and Off
Having your air conditioning system cycling on and off frequently can not only be a source of major annoyance, but it could also mean trouble for its future. If you’re experiencing a constantly running AC unit, it could indicate that the thermostat needs to be adjusted, or it’s overworking to push cool air out to compensate for something else in the system. Whatever it is, if you find your AC unit turning on and off too often, professional help is essential – otherwise, you’ll end up costing yourself more in the long run for inefficient use and damage to components.
High Cooling Bills
Have you noticed an unexplained spike in your electricity bills? This can be a telltale sign that something’s not right with your air conditioning unit. Your system may be too old or malfunctioning, resulting in inefficient cooling and skyrocketing energy costs. To save on costly repairs down the line, it’s best to have a knowledgeable HVAC specialist come in and inspect your system. Professional help can ensure that your cooling system is up-to-date and efficient, so take action now in order to avoid an expensive fix later!
To conclude, your air conditioning system is an integral part of any home’s comfort during the hotter months. Paying attention to the signs mentioned above — high humidity levels, poor airflow, odd noises, unevenly distributed temperatures, and cycling on and off — can help you catch an issue with your AC unit before it grows worse. It is important to recognize when not only age but also performance issues are becoming a problem with your air conditioner, as this could lead to its ultimate breakdown if not attended to properly. Scheduling regular tune-ups by a professional could save you money and aggravation in the long run. Being knowledgeable of these 7 signals that your air conditioner may need repair will help ensure that you have reliable cooling throughout the year.
We hope this article was able to help you recognize when your air conditioning unit needs professional repair and how to go about getting it!