During a heat wave in Taylors, SC, you count on your air conditioner to keep you cool and comfortable. Over time, your system will inevitably experience some normal wear and tear. In some cases, you might require a service call. When you recognize early warning signs, you can address issues before they escalate into expensive repairs. Here are the 10 common signs that your AC may need repair and the preventive measures to help you avoid future problems.
1. Poor Airflow
A common problem with air conditioners is weak airflow from the vents. Sometimes, you can rectify this issue by changing the filter. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and force your air conditioner to work harder. This can usually lead to a strain on the other components in your system.
If changing the filter does not work, you might want to look at the ductwork. Over time, dust, debris, and mold can accumulate in this portion of your HVAC system. In turn, that can prevent an adequate flow of air.
Poor airflow can also be attributed to a faulty compressor. For that, you will need to have a professional technician inspect and repair the problem.
2. Unusual Noises
Most of the time, your air conditioner only makes a soft click or slight hum. There could be a mechanical issue if you hear grinding, squealing, banging, or rattling sounds. You might have a loose part, motor failure, or broken fan blade. Sometimes, the problem could be easy to fix, such as cleaning up debris around the outdoor unit. However, you may also need to have a major part replaced.
3. A Frozen Unit
If your air conditioner’s airflow is restricted, you might have issues with a frozen evaporator or coils. Clogged filters, blocked vents, or low refrigerant levels can leave a layer of frost. Blockages will prevent the coils from absorbing heat. As a result, they will freeze. If you notice ice forming on the coils or refrigerant lines, you will not want to ignore this problem. Turn off your system immediately and call an HVAC technician to prevent additional damage and costly repairs. When you continue to run a frozen system, the problem can worsen.
There are a few tips to prevent these issues. You will want to change filters and keep the vents clear of obstructions, which can help prevent your system from freezing. Along with that, a professional inspection twice a year can keep the coils clean and check refrigerant levels to avoid leaks.
4. Frequent Cycling
Your air conditioner should never cycle on and off for short periods of time. A malfunctioning thermostat, dirty filters, or low refrigerant levels are the common causes of these issues. When your unit short cycles, that can strain the system and increase wear and tear. In some cases, switching out the thermostat can fix the problem. A newer model will be able to help you regulate the temperature more efficiently, reducing unnecessary cycling.
5. Bad Odors
Your air conditioner should never emit a bad smell. If you notice foul odors from your vents, this may indicate mold growth inside the ductwork or burnt wiring within the AC unit. Sometimes, mold can develop due to excess moisture in the system. Issues with the wiring could lead to a fire in your HVAC equipment.
6. Inconsistent Temperatures
With a well-functioning air conditioner, you should have consistent temperatures throughout your home. If some rooms are colder than others, or your AC struggles to maintain a consistent temperature, this could indicate issues with the thermostat, ductwork, or the AC unit itself. Once again, the thermostat is the most likely culprit of this problem. You might need to recalibrate it to ensure it is functioning correctly. Also, leaky ducts can cause inconsistent cooling. You might want to check for any signs of poor airflow or leaks.
7. High Humidity Levels
A fully functioning AC unit will regulate humidity levels in your home. If your home feels more humid than usual, even when your air conditioner is running, this may indicate a problem with the unit’s evaporator coil or refrigerant levels. Sometimes, dirty coils can prevent proper humidity regulation. With regular cleaning, you can make sure that they work at an efficient level. However, the problem might be a low refrigerant level.
8. Water Leaks Around the Unit
You should never see water pooling around your air conditioner unit. This can be a sign that the condensate drain is clogged. You will need to have it cleaned for better water flow. If you don’t get these leaks treated, it could lead to mold growth or structural damage in your home.
9. Spike in Energy Bills
While your energy bills might fluctuate a bit, it is not normal to see huge spikes. A sudden increase in your energy bills without a corresponding rise in AC usage could indicate that your unit is working harder than it should. This is often due to dirty filters, leaky ducts, or an aging system. If your system is old, replacing it with a more energy-efficient model can help reduce your energy bills in the long run.
10. The Unit Doesn’t Turn On
When your air conditioner doesn’t turn on, you might have a moment of panic. There could be several reasons for this problem. You might have a faulty thermostat, electrical issues, or a blown fuse. You might want to start by checking out the thermostat to ensure it’s calibrated properly.
Along with that, you might want to inspect your circuit breaker. If there are tripped breakers or blown fuses, that can prevent your AC from turning on.
What to Do to Avoid AC Problems
Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to prevent future issues with your air conditioning unit. One of the easiest ways to do this is to schedule regular maintenance. With a checkup from one of our technicians twice a year, we can fix problems before they leave your system non-functional. We will perform necessary inspections, clean essential components, and identify potential issues early.
Depending on usage and air quality, you can also replace air filters every one to three months. Dirty filters reduce airflow and lead to inefficient cooling and increased wear on the system. Also, you will want to make sure to keep your outdoor condenser unit free from debris, leaves, or overgrown plants. Make it a point to inspect this outdoor equipment every so often.
If you have any AC problems in Taylors, contact the trusted team at Viper Services. We will quickly find the issues and repair your AC for you. We are here to help with your biannual maintenance visits. When it comes time to find a new system, we can assist with finding the right one that will be comfortable, efficient, and reliable for years to come. Along with your heating and cooling needs, we can also help with plumbing and electrical issues. Consider us to be your full-service in-home comfort team. Are you ready for an in-home appointment for your air conditioning? Contact us today!
