Signs You Need to Get Your AC Serviced
With proper maintenance, your air conditioner should keep you cool and work well for many years. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be times when you need air conditioning service. If your air conditioner stops running completely, it’s not hard to know you need repair services. Ideally, you don’t want to find yourself in this position because it means you’ll be sweating it out in your home waiting for a repair tech to show up.
The good news is that AC units rarely just stop working. Instead, they often give clues that problems are looming. Homeowners who are good at deciphering these clues have an advantage — they’re able to get repair service before the unit stops working entirely. Here are some signs you need air conditioning service.
The Air Isn’t Cool
Have you noticed warm air coming from the vents when the air conditioner is running? This happens when either the filter is dirty or the Freon levels are low. Start by checking the air filter. Is it dirty? If so, change the filter and see if that makes a difference. After changing the filter, if the air is still warm, call a technician to come out and check the coolant levels. It’s not unusual for the Freon to need recharging once in a while.
Weak Air Flow
If your home isn’t cooling well, check for air flow issues. Place your hand over the vent while the air conditioner is running. Does the air flow feel strong or weak? Weak air flow happens when the compressor unit goes bad, but it can also be an indication that there’s an issue with your ductwork. You won’t know for sure until you have the unit serviced. Don’t wait to do this because you’ll continue to experience poor performance and energy loss.
Leaky Air Conditioners
Moisture problems are common with air conditioners, especially as they get older. Sometimes the drain line to the unit becomes damaged or blocked. In a case like this, you need to unclog the drain line or have it replaced. It’s a simple repair that doesn’t take long or cost a lot.
The second reason for leaky air conditioners is a Freon issue. If the unit is leaking refrigerant, you need to have the unit serviced right away. Refrigerant is a hazardous chemical that can cause serious health problems if ingested by people or pets.
Strange Sounds
Your air conditioner will make sounds while in operation, but these sounds shouldn’t be noticeable. In fact, they should fade into the background. Noticeable and unusual sounds are the ones you need to be concerned with and include squealing, banging, or thumping. Squealing noises usually indicate an issue with a belt, whereas grinding sounds signal there’s something wrong with a bearing. Don’t wait to have these unusual noises checked out. Waiting too long could lead to a pricey repair or an unexpected need for a unit replacement.
Knowing the signs of a failing air conditioner is important because it gives you time to call for service and, hopefully, avoid expensive repairs. If you’re concerned about your home’s air conditioner, contact Cox Air, the HVAC pros in Clearwater, FL, at 727-442-6158.
Common Causes Behind AC Failures
Many people don’t give their air conditioners much thought until something goes wrong, which is why it’s quite shocking to so many when they need service. After all, shouldn’t your air conditioner last forever? As wonderful as that would be, it’s simply not the case. Air conditioners experience mechanical problems from time to time and need repairs. It’s something that people need to prepare for, so they’re not taken by surprise by a costly repair. Keep reading to learn more about the common causes of AC failure.
Tripped Fuses and Faulty Breakers
If your air conditioner stops working suddenly, don’t panic. Check your circuit breaker to see if the fuse was tripped. Sometimes this happens if there is a power surge. If the circuit has been tripped off, turn it back on. Did the air conditioner start up again? If not, call a technician to come take a look.
Frozen Coil Problems
When there are air flow problems, the coil in the unit tends to freeze. This problem is easy to identify because frost will be visible on the coil or around it. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to make sure your air filters get replaced regularly and that the ductwork is clean.
Refrigerant Issues
Have you had trouble getting cool air to flow from your vents? This is likely a refrigerant issue. There’s probably a leak in the system that may or may not be visible. Or, the refrigerant is low and needs refilling. Both of these situations require a professional HVAC technician.
Worn Parts
Older air conditioners, those that are five years or older, tend to cycle on and off more frequently. When this occurs, the unit is at risk of becoming overly stressed and parts start to break. Common parts that need replacement includes fans, blowers, contacts, and electrical connections. Homeowners can catch these types of problems early by having annual maintenance service performed on their HVAC unit. Replacing damaged parts before they break down entirely helps you avoid emergency repair services.
Faulty Thermostats
This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive air conditioning repairs. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked by people who think the worst when their air conditioner isn’t working right. However, if your thermostat is broken or not wired correctly, it can’t maintain the temperature in your home. Depending on the signs you describe to your technician, the thermostat may or may not be the first thing they check.
Don’t Neglect Annual Maintenance
Many serious HVAC problems are avoidable with regular maintenance. Some of these maintenance tasks you can do yourself, such as replacing the air filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor condenser unit. Other maintenance services, such as checking for loose parts, refilling the refrigerant, and replacing broken components, need to be done by professionals. If you suspect there’s a problem with your air conditioner, don’t wait to get a service professional out to your home to take a look.
If you’re having problems with your home’s air conditioner and need professional HVAC service, call Cox Air at 727-442-6158 today!
Helpful Tips for AC Maintenance this Summer
Are you looking for ways to keep your cooling costs lower this summer? A little bit of air conditioning maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home cooler, and lowers the chances of needing emergency air conditioning repair. Keep reading to learn some valuable AC maintenance tips for summer.
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