Your air conditioner is the unsung hero that keeps your home cool, but like any superhero, it needs a little TLC to perform at its best. Watch out for these five signs. It’s time to call in an expert!
Moisture around your AC system can be a sign of a simple problem, such as something blocking the drain tube, or it could indicate a more severe issue, like a refrigerant leak. Either way, it’s a surefire sign it’s time for an AC repair!
Your AC isn’t blowing cold air.
Nobody buys an air conditioner for it to sit around and do nothing. It has a particular job during the sweltering summer months, and if your AC isn’t doing that, it needs to be repaired by a professional.
Warm air coming through your vents could indicate a problem with the compressor or low refrigerant. It could also be a sign of dirty or clogged filters needing replacement.
Hearing odd sounds like grinding, squealing, or scraping is another surefire sign that your AC unit needs immediate repair. Musty smells are even more alarming as they indicate mold or fungus inside the system that can spread to your home and potentially make you or your family sick. This can be a costly and dangerous issue to ignore.
You’re hearing strange noises.
Air conditioners should run quietly; any strange noises usually indicate that you must call Arvada HVAC professionals. Any clunking, rattling, or clanging sounds indicate that loose parts are shaking and must be tightened up. Hissing and squealing sounds could indicate the compressor is overheating or has a refrigerant leak.
Metallic grinding noises are always a bad sign and can be caused by anything from a broken compressor to a loose fan belt. If you notice any musty smells coming from your vents, it’s likely a sign that the wire insulation inside of your AC unit has burned out. This can cause health problems for your family and needs to be replaced immediately. This can be expensive and requires a professional to fix.
You’re noticing moisture or leaks.
Your air conditioner dehumidifies and cools your home, and moisture is a natural byproduct. However, if you notice dark stains on your ceiling or walls or musty smells throughout the house, it may be time to call an AC repair company for an inspection.
Moisture leaking around your AC unit typically results from a drainage line problem. This line funnels condensation from the evaporator coil to the drip pan, but the excess water may leak back into your home when it becomes clogged.
This is particularly dangerous for your home because it can lead to mold or a potential electrical fire. Additionally, if the leak is due to a refrigerant problem (most likely Freon), it could release poisonous fumes.
Your utility bills are shooting through the roof.
When you open your electric bill and see it rising every month, there are many reasons why this could happen. Perhaps the visiting in-laws used more electricity than usual, or maybe you’ve got a bunch of “energy vampires” plugged in like old laptop chargers and gaming systems.
However, if your bills are increasing for no apparent reason, it’s probably time to call an AC repair company. This is because a malfunctioning air conditioner can use more energy than it should, leading to high electrical bills. A professional can inspect your unit and fix the problem before it worsens. Keeping your HVAC in good condition will also save you money and stress. Consider a commercial HVAC service and repair company, to ideally keep the HVAC system in good condition
Your AC is over ten years old.
While ACs can last a very long time if they’re well-maintained, all units eventually wear out. If your air conditioner has passed its tenth birthday, it’s likely time to consider replacing it.
Over a decade of regular use can cause your air conditioner to lose efficiency, leading to problems like leaks and the inability to cool effectively. In addition to those issues, old ACs can contaminate your home’s air with mold, mildew, and other contaminants.
Modern ACs offer many benefits, including improved energy efficiency and air quality. If you have to choose between repairing your old unit and investing in a new one, it’s usually more cost-effective to go with the latter option.
