An air conditioner that runs well will help you stay comfortable at home all summer long. Ignoring repair needs, however, could interfere with its ability to accomplish that goal. The more you know about the signs of a malfunctioning AC system, the quicker you will be able to mitigate problems when they arise. When you notice any of these 10 air conditioner problems, it’s time to call a professional for help.
1. The System Won’t Turn On
A system that fails to operate is a clear sign that repairs are necessary. Before you schedule an appointment, make sure that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped and the thermostat isn’t set too high. If the system fails to pass both of those checks, schedule a professional repair so that you can have a working AC again as soon as possible. In some cases, an air conditioning replacement may be in order. In others, there may be a simple fix that can get you up and running again in no time. One small part may require repair or replacement. Your technician may discover a clogged line or a loose wire, which is easy to remedy.
2. Only Warm Air Comes Out
When you hold your hand over the vent and discover that the air is warm, you definitely have a problem. This can result from a dirty filter or a blockage elsewhere in the system. Warm AC air is also associated with compressor problems. Another possibility is that there is a refrigerant leak.
3. Not Much Air Flows Through the Vents
To fully cool your home, the air conditioner needs to blow a steady supply of climate-controlled air into all the rooms. If there’s not much air output, you may be disappointed with the results. Your cooling professional might diagnose a problem with the blower motor. It’s also possible that a refrigerant leak has caused your evaporator coils to freeze. If the system is dirty, your best bet may be to change the filter or schedule a professional cleaning.
4. The Unit Keeps Cycling
Your air conditioner is designed to run intermittently, as it shuts off once your desired temperature is achieved. There should be a significant break between each cycle. If the system keeps turning right back on — or never stops running at all — you have a problem on your hands. There are a wide variety of issues that could cause this scenario, so you’ll want to have a professional come check out the situation. Possible reasons include frozen coils, corroded electrical wires, a malfunctioning thermostat or a blocked air filter.
5. Your House Stays Too Hot
When the weather outside is sweltering, you want to be able to escape to the refreshing sanctuary of a cool home. If something is wrong with your AC, that might not be a possibility. The whole house may be warmer than you’d like, or some areas may stay hotter than others. Even if it seems to you that everything is operational and there’s decent airflow, you don’t have to settle for poor results. Instead of settling for inferior performance, call a professional for AC repairs. An experienced technician will have the know-how to identify what’s going on and suggest an effective solution to your cooling woes.
6. The Indoor Air Is Humid
In addition to cooling your house, your air conditioner also helps regulate the indoor humidity. In a humid home, you may feel warm and sticky, even if the thermostat’s reading seems to be right where you want it. In many cases, AC repairs can get rid of excess humidity. If you find that the air in your home is still too humid after repairs have been made, you may want to opt for a whole-home dehumidifier. This type of unit will connect to your HVAC system, and it will dehumidify the air throughout your entire home.
7. There Are Unpleasant Smells
Bad odors from your air conditioner or vents can really ruin your comfort at home. But relaxing isn’t the only reason to fix this problem quickly. Those unpleasant smells might be a sign of a bigger issue with your cooling system. For instance, persistent smoky or burning smells can indicate an electrical problem that needs immediate attention for safety reasons. Meanwhile, a musty odor might mean there’s mold growing inside your AC unit. A technician can clean the area and address the root cause of the mold to prevent it from coming back, circulating and causing a host of health problems for you and your family.
8. You Hear Loud Noises
It’s normal to notice the sound of your air conditioner running. You may hear it kick on at the beginning of a cycle and enjoy the pleasant hum of air flowing through the vents. Those sounds should be relatively quiet, however. If the noises coming from your system increase in volume — or they simply seem out of the ordinary — you may have a problem. A refrigerant leak could cause the unit to hiss or whistle. A loose component may produce a buzzing or rattling noise. Bubbling sounds may indicate that there is a problem with how well the unit is draining. Screeches often point to a problematic compressor or fan motor. Clicks and pops commonly suggest that there’s something wrong with the electrical system.
9. You Spot Puddles
The air conditioner includes both an indoor and an outdoor unit. If you see puddles of water near either unit, it’s a good idea to schedule repair services. The culprit might be a worn seal, a clogged drain line, a damaged condensate pump or a broken drain pan. An outdoor unit that sits at an angle can also be prone to leakage. Improper installation or a shift in the ground underneath might be responsible for that problem. No matter the cause, it’s important to address AC leaks before the water leads to property damage.
10. Your Energy Bills Are Expensive
If the cost of electricity has stayed steady but your energy bills keep increasing, then your power consumption may have increased recently. The air conditioner could be to blame. It costs more to run inefficient air conditioners than it does to operate those that are in top shape. Cooling systems lose efficiency when they are dirty or broken. Having a technician professionally clean your air conditioner will improve airflow so that your system doesn’t have to work as hard. Addressing AC repair needs, such as a refrigerant leak, a gap in the ductwork or a worn-out fan motor, could also vastly increase the efficiency of your system.
Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. is your experienced air conditioner and furnace company in the Hillsboro area. Give us a call for heating and cooling repairs, replacements and tune-ups. We specialize in heat pumps and ductless systems in addition to furnaces and air conditioners. Our NATE-certified technicians are also ready to help with your thermostat, indoor air quality, gas piping and water heater needs. When top-notch care is important to you, turn to our team. We belong to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and have earned repeated recognition from Nextdoor’s Neighborhood Favorite program.
Make a call to Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. today to schedule repairs or other services for your Hillsboro-area heating and cooling system.