Your air conditioner works tirelessly every summer’s day, keeping your home cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, air conditioning systems can break down. What are some signs that your A/C needs some professional attention? Let’s look at five of the most common.
Five Signs Your A/C Isn’t Working Right
#1 No Cool Air Coming Out of the Vents
The most obvious sign that your A/C isn’t working properly is the lack of cold air coming out of the vents. You may be getting no airflow at all. Or you may only be getting hot air coming out.
An HVAC contractor can figure out the problem and get it fixed quickly. It could be a broken thermostat or a problem with the compressor.
#2 Weak Air Flow
You might feel cool air coming out of the vent, but the airflow is weak. It’s not enough to keep the house cool. When this happens, it’s likely a failing air compressor or a clogged duct.
An HVAC specialist can assess the problem and propose a solution to get the air flowing freely again. You may need to replace the air compressor or repair the ductwork.
#3 Strange Noises
The air conditioner is making strange noises. It might be grating, grinding, or squealing like it never has before. These noises are coming from inside the unit. And that is never a good sign.
You need to call for professional service right away. If you let the damage get worse, the entire unit could fail. Fixing a minor problem is far cheaper than needing to replace the entire unit.
#4 Smelly Air
When the air conditioner kicks on, you suddenly smell a pungent smell coming from the vents. A musty smell usually means the air is flowing over mold or mildew growth. That could be in the ducts or inside the A/C unit itself. If it smells like burnt plastic, you may have burnt wires.
Turn the A/C unit off right away and get a technician out. Mold and mildew growth need to cleared from the ducts. The spores from these microorganisms can lead to breathing problems. Burnt wires need attention immediately before an electrical fire occurs.
Get an A/C specialist out to determine the cause and remedy it.
#5 Leaks
Liquid is pooling around the base of the A/C unit inside. It may be leaking refrigerant. In that case, you need a professional to clean up the mess and fix the leak quickly. Refrigerant can pose substantial health risks for you and your family.
It could be overflowing condensate, which is the moisture that condensates on the coils and drips into a pan below. Check the condensate drain line and remove any clogs. Check the condensate pan for leaks.
If you see any of these signs of A/C trouble, it’s time to hire a reputable AC repair company. The faster you get the problem fixed, the faster you can get back to being cool and comfortable.
