When it comes to beating the hot and sultry summers, it is the HVAC units that come to our rescue. Especially in tropical climates, HVAC units have become more of a necessity than luxury. It goes without saying that AC maintenance should be taken seriously.
While most homeowners service their units twice a year to optimize performance, sometimes it does not suffice. That is to say, issues can keep cropping up time and again despite the bi-annual checks. Ignoring AC repair can amplify the damage, leading to costly repairs, shorter lifespans,and frequent breakdowns. Today, we will familiarize you with the common signs and symptoms that convey that it’s time to lavish some extra care and attention on your AC.
Keep reading to know more!
Unusual noises:
Have you recently noticed any squealing, grinding, grating or any other kind of strange noise from your AC unit? Then you know it’s time to get it checked by a well-trained AC technician immediately. This can be an indication of loose parts that put your HVAC unit at risk. Also keep an ear out for any kind of humming, buzzing, or clicking sounds. A humming issue usually suggests some issue with the fan motor.
On the other hand, a loud buzzing noise may imply that your compressor or wiring is malfunctioning. With timely detection, you can keep serious hazards at bay, including fire. As far as clicking sounds are concerned, these might be an early sign of a failing thermostat.
Lack of cool air:
The key purpose that your HVAC unit serves is to keep your home cool from the high temperatures outside. It goes without saying that if you notice insufficient cooling or warm air coming out of the AC, it means something is wrong with the unit which only an expert air conditioning technician can identify. There could be potential problems with the compressor or low refrigerant level. Your unit might be running low on refrigerant due to a leak. This leak in turn, might be preventing effective cooling, besides causing overheating in the motor.
Strange odors:
Is your AC vent emitting a pungent, burning, or a foul smell? Well, in all likelihood, the wire insulation of your unit has just burned out. Oftentimes, you may notice musty smells coming from the vents, indicating the presence of mold inside the unit. Get your AC checked without delay if you want to prevent the damage from worsening. Thorough AC cleaning might help to address this issue.
Humidity in the rooms:
You should immediately seek air conditioner maintenance if your unit fails to reduce the humidity of the room. This problem, if left unchecked, can take a toll on your and your family’s health, thanks to the formation of molds in the unit.
Excess moisture:
You have enough cause of worry if you notice higher humidity levels or any kind of liquid leakage anywhere around the unit, more so if the liquid is the refrigerant. Firstly, the refrigerant is toxic; secondly, if your AC runs without it, it can spell disaster for your AC. Do you see water pooling near your AC? It may signal a cracked or blocked drain tube which paves the way for mold formation.
Higher electricity bills:
Any complication with an HVAC unit almost invariably makes it work harder and longer to meet the cooling requirements. This leads to higher electricity bills. This means that keeping a close tab on your electricity bills every month can be an effective way of figuring out if it’s time for air conditioning repair. For example, debris and dust can accumulate on the air filters, thus hampering system performance. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it can hardly be energy efficient, and its functionality must have also taken a hit.
Short cycling:
Does your AC randomly kick off for a few moments and then come back right on? This again should be a wake-up call for you to find an expert air conditioning technician who can fix the problem.
If you notice any of these signs, reach out to a professional HVAC service immediately. If one fine day your AC stops functioning while the mercury starts soaring, it’ll be too late.
