Everyone loves living in comfort, regardless of the weather conditions. As such, a functional air conditioning system is a must-have for most households. There are endless perks of having a reliable and efficient HVAC system – lower energy costs, consistent heating & cooling, and improved air quality. How else will you keep cool during the exceedingly balmy summer weather?
However, let’s face it: little attention is paid to the AC after installation. If left unattended, you could face a malfunctioning unit at the most inconvenient time. You don’t want to find yourself scrambling for professional servicing as a last resort and paying hefty replacement bills. As such, you’ll need to identify the more minor issues up front before they escalate.
Signs your AC needs servicing
How do you know your air conditioning system needs a little TLC? Here are four early signs to look out for:
Odd noises
Typically, an air conditioning system will make low noise when turned on and off. However, loud sudden, or unusually continuous noises may indicate an underlying problem. Such noises may come in a wide range – grinding, grating, squealing, or rattling noises, each with a different interpretation.
For instance, a squealing sound may indicate a misplaced belt, while rattling sounds signify loose unit components – visit web site to learn more about HVAC noises and solutions. If you hear a grinding sound, it may mean more serious issues such as broken bearings. In such cases, you’ll need to contact a professional for servicing or further clarification promptly.
Unusual odors
Air conditioning isn’t supposed to smell bad. If you smell any unpleasant odors coming from your AC, it may be due to the accumulation of dirt within the unit. A more pungent smell may indicate a burnt-out wire. You’ll want to deal with the situation as soon as possible because it’ll only get smellier.
If you suspect a burnt-out wire is the cause, switch off the system immediately and contact a professional HVAC technician. Fortunately, a quick diagnostic visit will determine the actual cause. The professional will then advise on the way forward – whether you need to replace a wire or simply a complete tune-up and cleaning session.
Water leaks
Your AC relies on refrigerant to cool your home. A little condensation may occur, but not enough to accumulate. Therefore, any moisture leak around the air conditioning unit is a problem. If you notice any water leaks around, promptly turn off the thermostat before any further damage occurs. In such cases, the condensation drain line is likely blocked, or the air filter is dry.
The condensate line can be cleaned using a vacuum that sucks away the dirt. Such procedures should be done by a professional technician to prevent damaging the cooling system any further. Ignoring water leaks can prove catastrophic – a simple water leak may lead to unforeseen and severe household damages.
AC isn’t blowing cool air
When you install an HVAC system in your home, you expect it to perform its heating and cooling tasks as expected. That’s why it can be frustrating when you turn on your AC on a hot day and warm air comes out of the vents. While many may chalk this up to the weather being too hot to handle, there are numerous potential problems with your unit.
Check the thermostat immediately you notice the air conditioning unit is blowing warm air. Make sure it’s set to cool mode and the temperature is lower than your home’s current temperature. If the problem persists, then there may be restricted airflow or a problem with the compressor. Contact a professional technician for prompt servicing to avoid damaging the unit.
Make life easier for your air conditioning unit
Having a functional air conditioning system makes life easier, especially during summer. It’s, therefore, crucial to ensure regular maintenance is done to avoid unexpected HVAC problems. Why wait to tackle AC repairs when it completely stops working? Keep your air conditioning unit in the best shape possible by carrying out routine professional servicing.
