Your air conditioner is a critical component of your home and should inform you when repairs or replacements are required.
Signs of problems such as low airflow from vents or strange sounds from compressor units should be investigated, along with whether your ductwork has become blocked.
If you want to hire a professional for your HVAC system concerns, contact the team of experts at Hurliman.
1. Unusual noises
Air conditioning systems tend to be quiet, so any unusual sounds should serve as a warning sign. Rattling sounds could indicate loose components are jostling against each other or that dust has found its way into your unit from outside sources.
Loud clanking or grinding noises could indicate damaged fan blades or broken compressor fans, while squealing sounds indicate that more lubrication may be required in your system. A high-pitched squeal, only audible when starting up, could indicate dangerously high internal pressure in your compressor system.
No matter the sound, always consult a professional AC technician. A quick diagnosis could save both money and discomfort this summer; early intervention could prevent more expensive repair bills later. Understanding why certain sounds come from your air conditioning is also critical so that action can be taken before things get out of hand.
2. Bad odor
An unpleasant musty odor could indicate mold or mildew has taken root on the AC drip lines or pan. This issue needs immediate attention as this infection could spread throughout your house.
An offensive smell could indicate that rodents, lizards or birds have taken refuge in your air conditioning ducts and died there, decomposing into foul odors when your air conditioner runs.
If the smell is more of a burning one, that could indicate that something in your air conditioning system is at risk of melting or burning – from loose fan belts to overheated plastic parts – so be sure to shut off and call in professional help immediately.
If the smell reminds you of nail polish remover, this could indicate that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioning unit containing dangerous and potentially poisonous chemicals that could endanger your health if inhaled into your respiratory system.
3. Hot air
Your air conditioning should help to increase indoor air quality by pulling in fresh, cool air while expelling hot, stale air from your house. However, when your AC stops functioning effectively, you may require professional repairs – clicking sounds, squealing noises, rumbling, and banging are indicators that something is amiss with the AC unit and needs repair immediately.
Another sure sign that your AC may soon fail is when warm air starts coming through the vents. This could indicate either that its compressor has failed or that its ducts are blocked up, both requiring professional repair.
Poor airflow may also indicate that your compressor is beginning to fail or that Freon levels (the chemical that cools the air) have dropped below what they should be; your professional can remedy this by adding more Freon into your system.
4. High electricity bill
AC failure often results in higher energy bills due to having to work harder to keep the house cool, consuming more electricity. If your utility bill suddenly increases without any apparent cause, something might be amiss with your system that needs immediate attention.
Reducing airflow through your vents is one of the earliest warnings that your AC could be malfunctioning, signaling low refrigerant levels, clogged expansion tube, frozen evaporator coil, or blower motor problems – or it could mean needing new filters or having blocked ductwork.
By regularly inspecting and scheduling AC maintenance with a professional, it should be possible to detect these problems early and avoid expensive repairs over the summer season. By doing this, you can stay cool without breaking the bank!
