AC Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
Common AC Symptoms and When To Call a Professional
Central Air Conditioner problems can present many symptoms. It’s important to be aware of all potential problems, which can include unusual sounds, smells, air temperature changes and visual clues. Here are some common symptoms to keep a look out for:
1. Inadequate Cooling
One of the most obvious signs is that your AC isn’t cooling your space as effectively as it should. This could be due to several issues, including low refrigerant levels, a dirty air filter, or a malfunctioning compressor.
2. Poor Air Flow
Are you feeling little or no air coming from all the air registers throughout the home? This could be a sign that your air conditioner’s compressor is failing. Are some rooms cooler than others? This usually indicates an air delivery problem cause by an inadequate air duct system or undersized AC unit.
3. Unusual Noises
Today’s central air conditioners are designed to operate quietly. If you start to notice unusual sounds like grinding, squealing, or rattling, it’s time to call Central Heating Cooling Plumbing and Electric to have your AC unit checked.
4. Unpleasant Odors
Foul or pungent smells coming from your air conditioner can indicate that there is mold in your ductwork or AC unit. The cause could be a clogged drain line under the condensate pan.
5. High Humidity Levels
An AC unit should moderate humidity levels indoors. If it’s not maintaining comfortable humidity levels, that could be a sign of an issue.
6. Frequent Cycling On and Off
Is your AC to cycling on and off more frequently than usual? This is know as “short cycling” and can have many causes, including a dirty air filter, dirty or frozen evaporator coil and thermostat issues. Because there can be many underlying causes, it’s best to call a professional AC service to have the problem diagnosed.
7. Leaks or Moisture Around the Unit
If you notice any leaks or moisture around your AC, this could indicate a refrigerant leak, which is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. It could also indicate that the condensate drain is blocked or broken.
8. A Sudden Increase In Your Energy Bill
If your energy bills are higher than usual, but you haven’t been using your AC more often or there haven’t been drastic temperature changes, it could mean your AC is running inefficiently. Scheduling regular preventative AC maintenance can help keep your heating and cooling system operating a peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption.
If you notice any of these AC symptoms, it’s generally a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system to accurately diagnose and fix the issue. If your air conditioner is more than 10-15 years old and constantly needs repairs, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it instead of repairing it