Summer is in full swing, and the heat is on! You’re probably eager to start enjoying the outdoors, but you may have noticed that the air doesn’t feel as comfortable as you remember it. Everyone tries to keep the house cool and comfortable in the summer, but if your air conditioner isn’t working right, it can be one of the most uncomfortable seasons of the year.
Over time, central air conditioners may get damaged through regular use or weather damage, which can result in higher energy bills, a dip in your home’s indoor air quality, or worse, the system failing altogether.
Air conditioning has helped us to beat the heat and humidity in our homes for decades. When it stops working, it can ruin your comfort level. If you don’t know how to spot the signs of a failing air conditioning system, you might not realize you need service until a problem arises.
Here are 10 signs that you may need an AC repair.
1. Poor Air Flow
AC units are responsible for making your home a more comfortable place to live. Still, it could be working against you if it has poor airflow. For example, minor issues with your air conditioner’s airflow can lead to significant problems, like mold, mildew, allergies, and a whole host of other health problems.
In most cases, low airflow is very obvious, and many people can detect a change in their home’s HVAC airflow within a few hours of a system breakdown.
One of the most obvious signs of reduced airflow is a lack of airflow behind the panel unit. It’s important to note that airflow is normal on the intake side of the unit (the inside of the home) but is significantly reduced on the exhaust side, the outside of the unit, or the outside of the home.
So, if you have a wall-mounted unit, the return air grill should be blowing out, and if there’s no airflow, the unit has a problem, and you should seek the help of an HVAC repair technician. The air conditioning unit should be inspected regularly to detect poor airflow.
2. Increased Energy Costs.
With air conditioning systems, you need to know what to watch to determine how well they are working and how much energy they are consuming. Air conditioners that are not operating correctly can increase utility bills far beyond the cost of repair.
During summer, it’s pretty natural to have your AC running at an extra length because of higher temperatures. However, you may notice that your energy bills are higher than they were last year. If that’s the case, it may be time to call an HVAC professional to have your air conditioner checked.
The most common reasons your air conditioner may be operating inefficiently are Faulty Thermostats, Ageing of the air conditioner system, Leaks in the HVAC ductwork, etc.
3. Strange smell During Use
If your air conditioner has a strange smell during use, this may mean a problem with the air conditioner and needs to be repaired. During use, an odd smell is one of the first signs that there is a problem with your air conditioner, so you should have your air conditioner checked by an HVAC technician ASAP.
There are many different reasons why a home’s HVAC unit may start to smell bad, and the source of the smell isn’t always easy to determine. In some cases, the odor is caused by a buildup of bacteria or mold, which may signal that your system needs to be professionally cleaned.
In other cases, the smell could be the result of an overgrowth of mildew or algae in your outdoor unit, though more often, this type of problem is caused by a faulty internal component, such as a failed fan or a dirty air filter.
4. Refrigerant Leaks
Most of the time, when your air conditioning has a refrigerant leak, you may be able to smell the leak before you can see it. Refrigerant from an AC unit is a sweet-smelling gas, and if it leaks inside your house, you can smell it as a sweet, musty smell that is very strong.
The smell will usually be stronger when you are near your air conditioner. You may also have to look for other signs that there is a leak, such as a stain on the ceiling or an outside wall from the AC unit.
It can, however, be hard to tell where exactly the problem lies. The leak could be coming from your air handler or even your evaporator coil. To determine where the problem lies, you will need an AC repair expert to examine your air conditioner for refrigerant leaks.
5. The outside of the ac unit is very loud with Odd Noises
Why is my ac unit is very loud with Odd Noises? This is a common question asked by many individuals in The Woodlands, Texas.
A properly working AC should not produce any odd sound, neither should it be deafening. So If you hear any odd noises from your AC, such as the high-pitched squealing or grinding noise, or the buzzing, rattling, whistling, or clicking noises coming from your unit. It could be indicating some sort of problem with the AC, and It is best to contact an expert HVAC technician.
The good news is that a licensed ac repair technician can help identify the noise’s specific cause and fix it.
6. Thermostat malfunctioning (You are having problems with your thermostat)
One of the most common complaints we get in the warm weather is from AC thermostat issues. Most of the time, your thermostat will need a simple calibration, but sometimes you need to have a professional look.
The thermostat is one of the most important components of your HVAC system. It is a device that senses the temperature in the house and turns the air conditioner on and off, which is why it is important to have it repaired as soon as it malfunctions.
If you are experiencing problems with your thermostat, do not hesitate to contact an HVAC company for air conditioner repair service. Usually, if the settings on your thermostat aren’t matching the temperature in the room, this means the sensor is off, and you might need an AC repair technician to fix it.
Trained and certified AC repair professionals can help you determine whether to repair or replace your thermostat and fix any existing problems so that you can enjoy fresh, healthy air in your home once again.
7. Humid Air
Running an air conditioner means paying constant attention to temperature. That’s because the weather can get hot in the Woodlands, Texas, which means you’re going to want to get the temperature inside your home as cool as possible. But, there is another issue that often goes hand in hand with air conditioners, high humidity.
Most people don’t think about humidity until it’s too late. You don’t know that mold could be growing in your air ducts until you start sneezing. You don’t notice that the air feels muggy until you begin to feel hot and sticky. You don’t realize how much your allergies act up until your nose is running like a faucet. You don’t know until you start feeling sick.
Your air conditioner can cause high humidity when there is a unit malfunction or improperly used air conditioner. Whenever you feel high humidity in your home, you should get in touch with your HVAC technician for inspection and repairs.
8. Evaporator Coil is Frozen
A frozen evaporator coil is the most common cause of air conditioner breakdowns. The water line freezes and ruptures the coil. The refrigerant leaks out, and the coil usually needs replacement.
If you see water on the coil or hear any hissing sound, you should call your air conditioning technician to check to see the issue and recommend fixes because there is a high possibility the coil has frozen.
9. Aging Air Conditioner Unit
Your HVAC unit, like any other machine, has a lifespan. Aging air conditioners are most likely to fail during summers, and most times, there isn’t much you can do to improve the situation once it reaches the end of its lifespan.
However, it’s a sign that you should either continue to have technicians come to your house for repairs, or you can consider replacing your HVAC unit with an energy-efficient model rated for your home and climate.
10. Water leaks from your AC unit
If you have water leaks from your air conditioning unit, you should immediately contact your local HVAC contractor. Several different things could be causing the leak, and it is important to identify the problem as quickly as possible.
If you leave leaks unattended, you could have mold and mildew buildup in your home, leading to allergic reactions and other health concerns. Some of the things that may cause water leaks could include faulty or damaged condensate drain lines, a damaged evaporator coil, improper installation, or faulty or damaged air conditioning parts.
In Need of an AC repair company?
It is vital to keep your air conditioning unit in good working order at all times. Neglecting your air conditioning system can lead to several issues with your HVAC unit and your home. Simultaneously, proper maintenance and repair can keep your air conditioning system working smoothly and efficiently.
AC Heating Service of The Woodlands understands how essential it is to keep your air conditioner working properly. We aim to provide our clients with the best air conditioning repair services in Woodlands, Texas.
Get in touch with us for affordable AC repair services, and we can help you get your AC running like new again.