What to know about an A/C Unit
Every household should be a comfortable refuge against hot summer weather, so a well-functioning air conditioning system is crucial. However, like any machine, air conditioning systems are susceptible to specific issues and eventually require repair or replacement. AC work comes at a cost, though, so homeowners should be familiar with the signs that professional attention is necessary.
Low airflow
If the AC unit produces little to no air, it's time to contact a professional HVAC technician. Little to no airflow isn't necessarily a major concern and could be fixed by simply repairing the compressor or the air ducts on the device. Be sure to schedule professional help when this issue is detected, as it could worsen over time.
Unpleasant odors
If a musty smell starts coming from the unit, mold has likely collected within the AC unit. Moisture within the product normally causes this mold. Fortunately, a service technician can resolve this relatively easily. However, do not hesitate to contact professional help, as mold can adversely affect health and must be resolved immediately.
Warm air
If an air conditioner is blowing warm instead of cool air, it's time to call a heating and cooling technician. This type of issue indicates a problem with the AC's compressor, but it could also mean that the system doesn't have enough cooling agents to work effectively. Regardless, an HVAC expert can quickly resolve the issue and return the home to a comfortable temperature.
Unusual sounds
Any clanking, knocking, or scraping noise from the air conditioning is a sign that something is wrong. The fan belt could be clogged, or there could be an electric issue. Regardless, professional help is needed. Refrain from using the system to avoid worsening the problem; have a professional resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Increased humidity
An effective cooling system should help reduce the humidity levels in the residence. If the home feels as humid as the outside air, the AC unit is not working correctly. This doesn’t only cause discomfort for people in the home but can also damage the home itself. Increased humidity could result from several issues, so call a professional to assess and resolve the problem.
Dysfunctional regulator
If the AC system cycles frequently or unexpectedly shuts down, the regulator could be dysfunctional. A dysfunctional regulator causes the air conditioner to not work properly and waste energy, meaning the home is not as comfortable as it should be, and the electric bill is rising. Schedule professional help promptly to resolve this issue and keep the home comfortable.
Increased energy bill
If the energy bill is rising inexplicably, it could mean that the AC is working more than necessary. With numerous working parts, an inefficient air conditioner could have many causes. The average homeowner does not have the knowledge to diagnose and resolve this issue, so be sure to contact a professional HVAC technician immediately.
Water pooling around the AC
A few drops of water near the air conditioner isn’t a cause for concern, but a puddle of water indicates a significant issue. Puddling water could mean that the cooler inside of the unit is spilling. This issue only worsens with time, so be sure to have it resolved as soon as possible.
An old unit
An air conditioning unit over ten years old is likely decreasing in quality, depending on how well it has been maintained. After the ten-year mark, have a professional assess the state of the unit to see if it requires specific repairs or replacement entirely.
The unit requires R 22 Freon
R 22 Freon is being phased out, causing the price of Freon to skyrocket. If an AC unit that still uses Freon keeps needing refills, it might be more economical to replace the entire system with a newer unit that doesn’t use Freon to avoid this regular, costly refill.
Recurring repairs
If an AC unit needs expensive yearly repairs, a new unit may be more economical in the long run. While the upfront cost of a new unit is high, it pays for itself by avoiding expensive repairs every year, as an up-to-date machine that’s well-maintained is unlikely to need yearly repairs at all.
There are many signs that an AC unit needs repairs or replacement. The longer an air conditioning unit is left to run inefficiently, the more expensive it is to repair later. To avoid letting the problem worsen, look for signs of damage and call for professional assistance as soon as any issues are detected.
CMB Air is a residential heating and cooling installation, service, and repair company with 15+ years of experience serving Tampa and surrounding areas. If you need a new air conditioner, repair, maintenance or some other service, we can help! Call (813) 447-1443 today!
