There’s nothing worse than turning your thermostat on only for nothing to happen. When the temperatures are on the rise outside, you depend on your AC unit to work properly. There are a few signs to pay attention to so that you know when it’s time to schedule an AC repair.
Hot Air is Flowing Through the Vents
When your AC is on, you should be able to feel the cold air coming out of the vents. If you feel hot air, it is a sign that something is going on with your AC system. Whenever there is hot air flowing out of the vents, it’s going to cause the temperatures to rise – and pretty soon, it may be impossible to stay indoors.
Often, hot air is a sign that there’s a blockage around the condenser – or that your freon levels are lower than they should be.
Air Flow is Weak or Not Present at All
If you don’t feel as though your rooms are getting any colder when the AC kicks on, check to see what airflow feels like. Place a piece of paper at the vent. Is it moving?
There may be a problem with your ductwork or with the compressor. Having a technician come out will help you to identify the problem and get air flowing through every room of the house.
Your Unit Won’t Turn On
There’s nothing more alarming than trying to cool your home down only to not hear your unit kick on at all. Temperatures can rise quickly, especially in southern states like Arizona. You don’t want your home to get so hot that you cannot live inside of it.
When your system won’t turn on, there could be a power issue or a parts failure. Either way, it’s an emergency – and you’ll want to call a professional out to your home right away.
You Hear Strange Sounds
Strange sounds are never a good thing. Your AC unit should only make healthy whirring sounds. If you start to hear grinding or clunking noises, it’s likely that there’s an issue with the motor in the condenser or a belt has slipped. If the noises are outside, there may even be debris caught around the blades.
Determining the cause of the noise can be dangerous. It’s best to simply let the professionals determine where the sound is coming from and what can be done about it.
You Smell Various Odors
All sorts of different odors can come out of your indoor and outdoor units as well as from within your vents. Different smells mean different problems.
You could smell something moldy, which means that there is likely a moisture problem within your system. You could also smell something burning, which is likely an electrical issue. When you call for the repair, identify what kind of smell you’re smelling and whether you smell it in one area or all over.
Your Electric Bills are Higher
Electric bills are based on how much electricity you are using inside of your home. During the summer, you’re likely to spend more than in the winter simply because you run your AC more frequently.
If your electric bills are higher than normal, such as a year-to-year comparison, it should be cause for concern. Your AC should be running efficiently. If there are problems with various parts, it’s going to take more energy to keep your home cool. When that happens, you’ll see a spike in your electric bills.
The moment you get an AC repair, you can save money. It’s all the more reason to focus on preventative maintenance so that you can keep your electric bills in check throughout the year.
Your Thermostat is Acting Up
Your thermostat is a critical tool so that you can communicate your heating and cooling needs to your AC unit. If there are issues with the wiring or your thermostat is old and improperly calibrated, it can lead to all sorts of problems.
There are a few ways to tell if your thermostat is acting up:
- The temperature of a specific room doesn’t seem accurate
- There’s a huge discrepancy between the actual temperature and the set temperature
- The thermostat doesn’t allow you to make changes
Depending on what is going on, it may be as simple as changing out the thermostat. In other instances, it’s a sign that there’s something bigger going on.
Updating your thermostat can be beneficial. It can give you more control over the temperature, help you to create schedules so that your AC isn’t running when you’re not home, and much more. If you think your thermostat is lacking in technology, it’s worth a call to an AC company to talk about a more modern replacement.
You Notice Moisture in the Air
AC units work as dehumidifiers. If you find that there is still quite a bit of moisture in the air, there may be something going on with your unit.
Some of the ways to look for too much moisture in the air include condensation in the winter, mold growing in various parts of the home, and even peeling and cracking of paint throughout the interior.
By fixing your AC, you can help to protect your home by ensuring excess moisture is being properly eliminated.
Don’t Wait to Hire a Professional
An AC repair should be a top priority. If you allow your system to run improperly for any length of time, it can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems. Hiring a professional AC company can ensure that the issue is diagnosed properly. An HVAC contractor can talk about solutions and work to get your unit up and running quickly.
Professional companies, such as PlumbSmart in Arizona, can dispatch a contractor out to you quickly and provide you with maintenance plans throughout the year.
Once you notice a sign that there’s something going on with your AC, don’t wait. Call a professional so that the problem can be addressed quickly. Your comfort depends on it.
