How to know if there’s something wrong with your ac unit guide, Building air conditioner tips, Home cooling advice

How to Know If There’s Something Wrong With Your AC Unit

19 Mar 2021

As the sunny days start to emerge becoming more and more common and temperatures start to rise, it’s clear that summer is on its way and these days it approaches fast. You’ll want to ensure that your air conditioner is prepared to keep you cool in what you know are going to be some hot days ahead of you. But what if it needs a little TLC? How can you be sure that it’s functioning to the capacity you’ll inevitably need?

There are a few things to look out for. These vary from subtle to not so subtle and if you see any of the following warning signs, it’s probably time for an air conditioner repair.

Warm Air

When you feel warm air blowing out of your home’s vents, first check the thermostat. Make sure that it is switched to cooling mode and then set it to a lower temperature than the one you currently have it set to. If your vents are still blowing warm air, restricted airflow or a compressor issue may be to blame.

Your home’s cooling system is complex and requires careful calibration. DIYing your repairs is an unwise decision as you could cause further issues.

Insufficient Airflow

Poor airflow is a common sign that your air conditioner is not working as efficiently as it should or that there is a blockage that is preventing air from moving through your ductwork. A simple clogged air filter, a broken motor, or something even more serious could be to blame.

If poor airflow is a common issue in your home or area, consider investing in an energy-recovery ventilator. It gives your air conditioner a little boost by exchanging stale air with fresh air every time your system cycles. Your AC unit may also benefit from zoning systems. These can make certain that you get the right airflow and cooling power when and where you need it most.

Bad Odors

If you are smelling unpleasant odors in your home and suspect that they are coming from your HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, you will want to deal with the issue before it becomes worse and inevitably much smellier.

Fortunately, a quick diagnostic visit from professionals will be able to tell you whether your air conditioner needs a tune-up and a complete cleaning session or if your cooling system needs a more high-tech solution. Therefore, at https://phyxter.ai/blog/the-6-common-air-conditioning-smells-and-what-they-mean you can read up about the different smells and what they mean, and how serious they are. It can only help you to at least have an idea of what could be wrong with your air conditioner before contacting someone.

Frequent Cycles

Your air conditioner should be going through routine cooling cycles, no matter what the weather is like outside. Naturally, you can expect your cooling system to turn on more frequently over the hotter days of the summer months. This does not however mean that it should cycle on and off constantly. If you have noticed frequent cycles, contact your local cooling experts. A quick AC unit tune-up may be all that you need to solve the issue of frequent cycling. It could also be a sign that you need a new air conditioner.

High Humidity

During the spring and summer months in some areas, you can expect the weather to be quite humid outdoors. But that does not mean you should be experiencing high humidity indoors. Your air conditioner should moderate the humidity indoors automatically.

If your cooling system cannot keep moisture levels within a comfortable range, you could need an air conditioner repair, or something else. It could be just a simple re-calibration or you might need to consider a whole-house dehumidifier

Water Leaks

Your air conditioner may produce condensation as it operates, as it relies on refrigerant to cool your home. Neither the condensation nor the refrigerant should accumulate or leak into your home, at any point in time.

Telltale and important signs that your cooling system is not running properly are pooled water or an active leak around your air conditioner. Leaks can very quickly damage your home and may even lead to serious structural issues, so it is important that you call a technician to look at it as soon as you notice it.

Unusual Noises

Most air conditioners make a low-level humming sound as they start up and shut off. Loud, sudden, or unusual noises can indicate severe issues with your AC unit.

Rattling or buzzing sounds can indicate a loose part inside your AC while whistling or grinding sounds can signal something more serious. These issues don’t typically go away on their own, so a professional tune-up is important.

How to Know If There’s Something Wrong With Your AC Unit Summary

Keep an eye out for any of these issues to avoid further damage to your AC, so you wouldn’t have to fork out money for a new one. Of course, keep an eye so it doesn’t damage your home, and most importantly, your health.

Comments on this guide to Something Wrong With Your AC Unit? article are welcome.