When the summer weather heats up, having a home air conditioning system makes all the difference in the world. Unfortunately, from time to time, your air conditioner can experience issues that will require professional intervention. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common signs that your air conditioner needs repair service from an expert cooling service technician before the problem gets any worse.
Odd Noises
One key sign that your air conditioner needs repair service you don’t want to overlook is odd noises coming from the system. It’s very common for your air conditioner to make a clicking noise right before the blower fan kicks on to start circulating cold air. However, if you notice any other noises during operation, it’s a key sign of a problem.
The particular tone of the noise will give you some necessary insight into where the problem may be with your air conditioner. For example, if your system is making a buzzing noise, it usually indicates either a loose component or an electrical malfunction.
A banging or clanging noise usually means there’s something stuck in the fan blade, while a screeching or squealing noise means that the fan belt is worn out and in need of replacement. Some other examples of unsavory noises include hissing, repeated clicking, rattling, and whistling.
Weird Smells
Another indicator of a problem is odd smells during operation. The only time your air conditioner should be producing a smell is the first time that you turn it on for the season. It will create a burning smell that’s typically the result of dust burning off the internal components of the air conditioner. That initial smell should dissipate within a few minutes.
If you start to get another smell while your air conditioner is running, it’s a key indication that something is wrong. A musty smell usually points to mold or mildew growth inside your system. An electrical or chemical smell usually means there are overheated components or wiring issues.
Inefficient Operation
Most homeowners know roughly how much their utility bills should run during the summer. If your energy bills are starting to skyrocket, it’s likely a sign that there’s an internal problem with your air conditioner. The particular issue with your system could be one of a number of different things. Some common examples include a miscalibrated thermostat, a low refrigerant level, and dirty coils.
Insufficient Cold Air
If your air conditioner doesn’t seem like it’s cooling like it once did, it could be due to a malfunction with your system. Problems like a low refrigerant level, a dirty air filter, a thermostat malfunction, a dirty evaporator coil, and even leaky ductwork could all lead to insufficient cooling throughout the summer. It’s best to get this problem evaluated sooner rather than later to enhance your comfort.
Uneven Cooling
One of the most frustrating problems you may run into with your air conditioner is uneven cooling. This happens when some of the rooms in your home are nice and cool while others are still hot and uncomfortable. There are a few reasons why you may have unevenness throughout your home. Some of the most common include inefficient system operation, ductwork blockages, and internal air pressure issues.
High Indoor Humidity
While Montana enjoys a mostly dry climate throughout the year, when the humidity levels spike during storm season, your air conditioner should work to actively remove that excess humidity. If you notice the humidity level in your home seems to be constantly high, it’s a key indication that your air conditioner is not doing its job correctly. Keeping humidity levels in check is an absolute necessity to keep you comfortable, as high humidity levels will make it harder for your body to naturally cool itself down.
Short Cycling
One symptom of a malfunctioning air conditioner you never want to overlook is short cycling. This happens when your air conditioner turns on and off very frequently without actually completing a full cooling cycle. Short cycling excessively strains your air conditioner and will reduce its overall lifespan.
Short cycling can be the result of a few different problems with your air conditioner. You may have a low refrigerant level that’s causing your compressor to constantly shut down. You may have a thermostat that is not calibrated correctly or a dirty air filter that’s restricting airflow in your ductwork. In some cases, you may have a faulty capacitor or a frozen evaporator coil. One of our AC repair technicians can do a thorough assessment of your system and determine the root cause of the short cycling issue.
Not Starting
One clear indication your air conditioner needs help is that it won’t start for you. In some cases, the issue may simply lie with dead batteries in your thermostat or a tripped circuit breaker for the unit. In more severe cases, you could have a faulty thermostat, bad wiring, faulty electrical components, or other safety issues preventing your system from starting.
Not Shutting Off
Your home air conditioning system is specifically designed to run between two and three full cycles every hour. If your air conditioner is running constantly without ever turning off, it likely has a problem that needs professional assistance. You can start by ensuring that you have your thermostat blower fan set to auto and not on, and ensure that the air filter is clean and your outdoor condenser unit isn’t blocked full of debris. If none of these steps solve the problem, there’s likely an issue with your coils, ductwork, thermostat, or refrigerant that one of our professionals will need to repair.
Water Leak
As your air conditioning system normally functions, it removes excess moisture from the air to make your indoor environment more comfortable for you and your family. This moisture accumulates on the surface of the evaporator coil and drips down into the drain pan, where it runs out the drain.
If there’s an issue with your drain, moisture can back up inside the pan and start overflowing onto your floor. It’s best to shut your unit off and have one of our professionals repair the drain issue to prevent further water damage from happening.
A Note on Replacement
In general, most central air conditioners will last for between 15 and 20 years, while heat pumps will last about 10 to 15 years. If you’re experiencing some of the problems above and your system is getting up there in age, it may be time to think about getting a replacement. If your existing system’s warranty has expired or the cost to repair it is equal to one-half or more of the total cost of a new system installation, it’s typically best to go with an upgrade.
Reliable AC Repair Service
Central Heating & Air Conditioning offers reliable AC repair services in Billings, MT. We can also gladly assist with all your AC installation, replacement, and maintenance needs.
Just call our office today to book your next service consultation with one of our friendly and certified HVAC technicians.
