If you want to keep your home reliably cool during the hot months of the year, detecting air conditioning issues before they get worse is necessary. This also allows you to stay in charge of your home’s comfort and safety. Watch for the following signs to know when your air conditioner is in need of repairs.
Air Conditioner Blows Warm Air
When your air conditioner continuously blows warm air through the vents, it could be a sign that it is low on refrigerant and needs to be recharged. This should only be performed by an expert. Warm air can also be a sign of a malfunctioning or miscalibrated thermostat.
Airflow Is Low or Uneven in Different Vents
A dirty or blocked filter restricts airflow, translating into your air conditioner working harder to produce cool air. This puts undue stress on your AC unit, which can result in a breakdown. If you notice that your AC frequently blows warm air, especially when the air conditions in your home are already warm, schedule a visit with a qualified HVAC technician to assess your air conditioner and perform an AC repair service.
If your air conditioner is running at full speed, but you are still experiencing uncomfortable temperatures in your home, this can be a sign of insufficient airflow. This could result from dirty air filters, a clogged duct, or a malfunctioning unit. Insufficient airflow can sometimes indicate severe problems, such as a flawed compressor or a refrigerant leak. Due to the unpredictability of this problem, you should schedule a visit with a qualified technician to evaluate your air conditioner and perform the needed repairs.
Your Unit Makes Unusual Noises
Clicking, bubbling, rattling, squealing, or high-pitched hissing sounds are all signs that your air conditioner has some underlying issues. Clicking sounds may indicate a minor obstruction in the fan or a warped fan blade. This causes additional wear on your unit.
Bubbling sounds may signify that the refrigerant in your AC unit is leaking. It may also be a sign that your condensate drain line is blocked. Rattling and squealing sounds are often a result of loose parts in your air conditioner, such as the fan belt or blower wheel. These parts move at high speeds when the AC unit is operating and should be appropriately secured.
High-pitched hissed sounds are usually the result of an issue with the compressor. This is one of the most severe problems your air conditioner can experience and indicates an accumulation of high pressure in the lines and fins of your AC unit.
Foul Odors
Different odors are caused by different issues in your HVAC system. Unpleasant musty odors are often a sign that your home has a buildup of mold and mildew. This can be dangerous to your health and the life of your air conditioner. The scent of burning may be caused by a burnt-out wire in the AC unit, a leak in the air conditioner’s refrigerant lines, or dirty air filters. The smell of urine or feces is an indication that you may have pests in your vents. A quick inspection of your air conditioner by a qualified HVAC technician can pinpoint the exact cause of the foul odor, which allows for an effective, efficient repair to be performed.
Surprisingly High Electricity Bills
If your electricity bill is noticeably higher than normal, this could indicate a problem with your air conditioner. Increased electrical costs could be caused by faulty wiring, a malfunctioning thermostat, leaks in your air conditioner’s ducts, or even a problem with the refrigerant. Your air conditioner may also have an elevated age, which could mean that most of its components could be breaking down more frequently. This results in increased electricity use.
High Humidity
During the summer months, when humidity is at its highest, you may find that your air conditioner does not efficiently regulate the humidity levels inside your home. This can be a sign that the ductwork is leaking, leading to an overall drop in performance. High humidity levels can also be a sign of a malfunctioning unit or blocked filters.
Water Leaking From the Unit
Moisture or water leaking from the unit can signal a leak in the refrigerant lines. This creates a potential safety hazard and must be addressed immediately. A persistent leak can also result from damaged or worn tubing, a leak in the compressor, or worn-out seals. Your air conditioner repair service can determine the exact cause of the leak and quickly perform the necessary repairs to restore your home’s air quality and maximize your AC unit’s efficiency.
Frequent Cycles
An AC unit that frequently cycles on and off may suffer from a broken thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for continuously controlling the air temperature in your home and is used to regulate the AC unit’s internal components. A broken thermostat may signal that the unit’s refrigerant lines are leaking. In this case, your air conditioner repair service can quickly patch those lines so your compressor continues operating safely and efficiently.
Your Air Conditioner Is Overheating
An AC unit that overheats is a sure sign of underperforming or malfunctioning. It could be a sign that the compressor has failed. It may also indicate that your unit’s filters and ducts are blocked, compromising proper airflow. Sometimes, it could even be a sign that the unit is too old. Regardless of the reason, an overheating air conditioner is a safety hazard and should be corrected by a qualified HVAC professional as soon as possible.
Your AC Coil Is Frozen
When your AC coil is frozen, the refrigerant lines are likely leaking. This can cause an overall drop in performance, adversely affecting the AC unit’s ability to effectively regulate indoor temperatures throughout your home. A frozen coil also indicates that the AC unit isn’t correctly removing moisture from your home, which can lead to the growth of mildew and mold.
Your AC Won’t Start
An air conditioner that won’t start is a sign that it is experiencing mechanical failure. Mechanical failure usually results from a problem with the condenser, fan, fuse, or internal electrical component. Other causes could be blocked filters or a wiring problem inside the AC unit. Regardless of the root cause, a qualified AC repair service can quickly diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs to restore your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Rely on the Experts
At Matheson Heating Air Plumbing, a properly functioning air conditioner is crucial to providing a safe, comfortable living environment. Our team of NATE-certified technicians has the skills and expertise to diagnose and repair all AC issues. We have been serving the residents of Southeastern Michigan since 1946. Our trusted, family-owned company is built on a solid foundation of dependable, quality service. We also offer heating and plumbing services to help keep your home running smoothly all year. We offer our customers fast response time, affordable pricing, and personalized service, so you can be sure you will receive the help you need.
We are proud members of the ACCA and Rebuilding Together organizations and have won several awards over the years for our reliability and efficiency. These include the Angi Super Service Award. We also offer financing options through approved credit to help keep your HVAC equipment in shape without breaking the bank. For more information or assistance with your current HVAC concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Matheson Heating Air Plumbing today!