Air conditioning problems tend to come up at the most inconvenient times. Often, it’s when you’ve spent a full day in the summer heat and are looking for a relaxing, comforting environment. It can stop working entirely and cause you and your family to experience a very hot night.
But before your AC unit decides to stop working, there are usually signs that your air conditioner service is overdue.
When your AC isn’t running during the cold months, it sits dormant which can create problems when it is first turned on when Spring and Summer hit. This is especially the case when air conditioner maintenance is ignored.
Knowing what to look for if your AC starts exhibiting issues is the first step to getting things back in working order.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Service Is Due
Like with any appliance, normal wear and tear will happen with your AC unit. These small problems can turn into bigger issues if they don’t get addressed quickly. It’s important to be familiar with the signs your air conditioner service is due to avoid being stuck without cool air during the summer.
The Thermostat Is Not Working
Your AC unit has a thermostat which is the command center that controls the output of cold air. The thermostat also measures the amount of cold air being put into the home or space to ensure that it is doing the job correctly. When a thermostat is not working properly it will cause the air conditioner to turn off frequently over a short period of time or it will cause the unit to stop running completely.
This is usually caused by the thermostat not being able to determine if the system is running or not. If you’re noticing that your AC unit is cycling on and off frequently, there may be a problem with your thermostat. This is an air conditioner service that should be assessed and performed by a certified HVAC technician. They will be able to determine the root of the problem and fix it for you quickly.
Loud Noises Are Coming From The Unit
While every air conditioning unit will have normal operating sounds, there are some noises that should not be coming from the unit. A rattling, scraping, squealing, or grinding noise coming from the air conditioner might be an indication of a larger problem. It’s possible that a belt has come off inside the unit or there is a hole or leak in the ductwork.
These problems are difficult to determine on your own, especially if you’re not trained to know what to look for. Contacting an M and M HVAC professional can help take the guesswork out of where the problem is coming from and get your air conditioner serviced quickly.
Problems Are Happening More Often
Noticing that problems with your air conditioner are happening more often is a big sign that it may be time to have it replaced. This is especially true when you’ve already had multiple repairs made on the unit and issues keep popping up. The best thing that you can do is contact an HVAC professional to have a look at the unit. They will know best if you need a replacement or a repair.
Less Air Is Blowing From The Vents
Have you tried to turn on your air conditioner just to notice that very little air is coming from the vents? This can make it impossible to cool down a room due to air circulation being constricted. Weak airflow can be a sign of many problems happening with your AC unit. You may have a compressor in the unit that is failing, or the issue might be caused by problems in your ductwork such as a leak or hole.
The Unit Has Strange Odors
After a period of time of an air conditioner being dormant, there might be an odd smell that occurs when it is first turned on. If the smell comes and goes quickly, it’s typically because the unit is dirty and needs cleaning. However, if your unit has a gas, burning, or mold smell coming out of it there is likely a much worse problem.
These issues can be dangerous to you and your family. They have the potential to cause a fire or put toxic materials into the air you are breathing. Getting in touch with an HVAC professional as soon as possible is important to avoid big problems.
Warm Air Is Coming From The Unit
If your air conditioner is no longer blowing cold air, it means it’s clearly not doing its job. This is a clear sign that your air conditioner service is overdue. An HVAC professional will be able to determine why your AC unit is not functioning correctly and make any recommendations for repair.
AC Is Not Removing Humidity
Your AC doesn’t just cool the air in your home. It also removes humidity in a home or space. If you notice that your home is more humid than it should be, you might need a repair or service for your air conditioner.
Water Leaks Around The Unit
Seeing leaks coming from your AC unit can be a concerning sign that it’s time for an air conditioner service. Typically, this happens when a tube that disposes condensation is broken or blocked, and the unit is not able to get rid of the condensation. It can also be caused by a refrigerant leak.
The type of refrigerant used in AC units is freon which is a toxic material. If you suspect that your unit is leaking freon, contact an HVAC technician. They will be able to safely service the AC and get it working properly.
Higher Than Normal Electric Bill
If your energy bill is starting to rise each month even though you aren’t using extra energy, it’s likely there is a problem happening with your AC unit. A leak, broken thermostat, or older unit can cause your air conditioner to use more energy than is necessary to cool down your home. You don’t want to ignore this sign because it will end up costing you more money each month. Having an air conditioner service performed will help you cut costs on your energy bill.
AC Unit Is Passed Its Lifespan
Just like with any home appliance, your air conditioner has a certain lifespan. Most units will last about 10 to 15 years. If your air conditioner is past its lifespan you might need to have a replacement unit. An HVAC tech will be able to determine if your unit needs a repair or if a replacement is the best option for your home.
Risks Of A Damaged Air Conditioner
Having a damaged air conditioner can cause many issues in your home. You can go a long time without proper cooling which has the potential to make you and your family sick. Some electrical and gas problems have the ability to start a fire at home which can result in catastrophe. Mold and mildew may enter the home and cause respiratory and other physical problems for you.
Benefits Of Air Conditioner Service
When your air conditioner service is completed by a professional, you’ll reap many benefits.
- Save money on your electrical bill.
- Avoid potential life-threatening problems.
- Increase the lifespan and warranty of your unit.
- Having better air quality and airflow.
These benefits can make a huge difference in your comfort during the summer months and allow you to rest assured that your AC is safe and functioning properly. You’ll also be able to avoid potential future problems by addressing anything that is wrong right away.
5 Things You Can Do On Your Own
While most air conditioner problems should be left to a professional to fix, there are a few simple things you might be able to do on your own to improve your cooling system.
- Clean the external unit.
- Check ductwork and make sure there are no leaks or holes present.
- Clean the internal parts of the unit if they are covered in dirt and debris.
- Change your air filters.
- Check your door and window seals to ensure you’re not losing airflow that way.
These are quick and easy things that might help improve your air conditioning unit. However, if you have any doubts about performing these tasks, contact a pro. Never try to fix an electrical or gas problem with an AC unit. This can result in injury and even be life-threatening.
Contact A Professional For Your Air Conditioner Service
Air conditioner service can be a difficult task to take on by yourself. You’ll want to make sure that this is completed by a professional to avoid mistakes happening that could make the problem worse. Serious issues should always be checked by an HVAC professional.
If you’re ready to get your air conditioner serviced, it’s time to call in the pros. M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, And Electrical are the experts in air conditioner service in the Longmont, CO area. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
