With proper maintenance, your air conditioner should keep you cool and work well for many years. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be times when you need air conditioning service. If your air conditioner stops running completely, it’s not hard to know you need repair services. Ideally, you don’t want to find yourself in this position because it means you’ll be sweating it out in your home waiting for a repair tech to show up.
The good news is that AC units rarely just stop working. Instead, they often give clues that problems are looming. Homeowners who are good at deciphering these clues have an advantage — they’re able to get repair service before the unit stops working entirely. Here are some signs you need air conditioning service.
The Air Isn’t Cool
Have you noticed warm air coming from the vents when the air conditioner is running? This happens when either the filter is dirty or the Freon levels are low. Start by checking the air filter. Is it dirty? If so, change the filter and see if that makes a difference. After changing the filter, if the air is still warm, call a technician to come out and check the coolant levels. It’s not unusual for the Freon to need recharging once in a while.
Weak Air Flow
If your home isn’t cooling well, check for air flow issues. Place your hand over the vent while the air conditioner is running. Does the air flow feel strong or weak? Weak air flow happens when the compressor unit goes bad, but it can also be an indication that there’s an issue with your ductwork. You won’t know for sure until you have the unit serviced. Don’t wait to do this because you’ll continue to experience poor performance and energy loss.
Leaky Air Conditioners
Moisture problems are common with air conditioners, especially as they get older. Sometimes the drain line to the unit becomes damaged or blocked. In a case like this, you need to unclog the drain line or have it replaced. It’s a simple repair that doesn’t take long or cost a lot.
The second reason for leaky air conditioners is a Freon issue. If the unit is leaking refrigerant, you need to have the unit serviced right away. Refrigerant is a hazardous chemical that can cause serious health problems if ingested by people or pets.
Strange Sounds
Your air conditioner will make sounds while in operation, but these sounds shouldn’t be noticeable. In fact, they should fade into the background. Noticeable and unusual sounds are the ones you need to be concerned with and include squealing, banging, or thumping. Squealing noises usually indicate an issue with a belt, whereas grinding sounds signal there’s something wrong with a bearing. Don’t wait to have these unusual noises checked out. Waiting too long could lead to a pricey repair or an unexpected need for a unit replacement.
Knowing the signs of a failing air conditioner is important because it gives you time to call for service and, hopefully, avoid expensive repairs. If you’re concerned about your home’s air conditioner, contact Cox Air, the HVAC pros in Clearwater, FL, at 727-442-6158.
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