An air conditioning system plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life in your home. However, it seems that when one ceases to function it’s always at the most inconvenient time. The truth is that old or faulty AC systems will break down whenever they are pushed beyond their capabilities, particularly on hot days. You already know the benefits that a fully-functioning AC offers you and your family, so you don’t want to neglect it. Rather than wait till it breaks down, do what you can to ensure it operates at peak efficiency. The following is a list of signs that your AC system needs repair.
1. Blowing Out Warm Air
Your AC system has a specific job, keeping you and your family cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. You should be able to count on it to function appropriately during that time. Therefore, if you notice the system blowing warm air from the vents, you know something is wrong. Check that your thermostat is set to cooling mode and to a temperature lower than the one currently in your home. If your thermostat settings are correct and the problem persists, a compressor issue or restricted airflow may be to blame. An insufficient refrigerant level could also be the culprit.
2. Unpleasant Odors
AC systems should not blow air with unpleasant smells. If you detect foul odors and suspect they are coming from your unit, there is a problem. You may detect a burning plastic or rotten eggs smell emanating from your equipment. This could indicate serious electrical damage.
A musty smell could indicate mold in your ductwork, dirty cooling coils, or a clogged condensate drain. If mold finds its way inside your home, it may cause various symptoms, including wheezing, irritation, and congestion. A moldy AC increases your risk of developing a respiratory disease. An HVAC technician can advise you whether your system requires repair or a more high-tech solution. You may need ultraviolet lamps, which can effectively eliminate persistent microbial growth within a system.
3. High Humidity Level Indoors
Besides keeping your home cool and comfortable, your AC system should also reduce the humidity level of your indoor area. High humidity levels are associated with high temperatures, as more humid air can hold heat more efficiently. If your AC cannot remove humidity from the indoor air, you should get it checked. Your system may need recalibration, or you may need a whole-house dehumidifier.
4. Bizarre Noises
Since air conditioners are designed to offer you comfort, they should make little to no noise when starting up and shutting down. If you hear sudden loud or strange noises, it may indicate that your system has an underlying problem. Rattling, buzzing, or hissing sounds can indicate a loose part. This type of problem does not go away on its own, and it usually keeps getting worse. The issue must be quickly identified before it leads to more significant damage.
5. Frequent Cycling on and Off
Your AC system works in cycles, a process through which it tries to achieve the optimum temperature for your home. How long these cycles last depends on your thermostat settings. Lower temperatures require longer cycles than higher settings. After every cycle, your AC will stop for a little while, then restart and continue the cooling process. Typically, a complete cycle should last between 15 and 20 minutes, after which the AC cools off for about 10 minutes. If your AC has different or frequent cycles, it might have an underlying problem that requires AC repair. A lack of enough refrigerant may cause frequent cycling.
Final Thoughts
It takes an entirely functional AC system to keep your home comfortable for you and your family during the hot summer months. A faulty AC system can lead to many problems and health risks. Being aware of the above telltale signs can enable you to recognize an issue with your AC before it becomes bigger and causes irreversible damage.
Contact the Professionals
If you experience one or more of these problems with your AC, you need to contact a technician for a professional diagnosis of your system. At Real Airflow Heating & Cooling, we have a team of experts with the necessary knowledge, and we serve residents throughout Blandon, PA and the surrounding areas. You can count on us for all your HVAC needs from repair to installation and maintenance, so give us a call today.
