In modern times, our everyday chores and comfort largely depend on several electrical appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, furnaces, and air conditioners. All these appliances are complex machines with electrical components that could go bad. One such appliance that has a lot of moving parts and electrical components is the air conditioner. The air conditioning system plays a significant role in keeping your indoor environment comfortable during the summer. With annual maintenance, this system keeps running smoothly. But often issues occur and even if one small part gets damaged, the performance of the entire system is affected.
When you come back home after a tiring day at work, the last thing you would want is an AC blowing warm air. When the unit gets too old or not maintained properly, it fails to maintain desired indoor temperature. People often ignore small issues and push their air conditioners beyond their capabilities until they eventually break down.
When It’s Time to Repair the AC?
Most electrical units including AC shows some warning signs before it stops functioning. Identifying these small signs and fixing them on time can help you cost costly repairs or even replacements. So, let’s check out some common signs of a malfunctioning AC to take action on time and prevent costly repairs.
- Blowing Warm Air
A clear sign that shows something is wrong is AC blowing warm air. This problem usually occurs when the compressor is broken or there’s a leak. Your cooling system is supposed to blow conditioned cool air. But when it fails to do that, it’s possible to fix the problem. Most of the time, this issue can be resolved by an HVAC repair service. Whether there’s a leak or frozen AC coils are blocking conditioned air, a licensed technician can fix the problem.
- Poor Airflow
On a hot day, little or no airflow can be a major issue. If you feel hot, place your hand near one of the vents of the AC to test the airflow. If you notice less or no air coming out of the vents, it could be due to a broken or malfunctioning blower. There could also be a blockage somewhere in the system preventing proper airflow. To know the exact cause, you need the assistance of a professional. Several issues such as a dirty air filter, a bad blower motor, or a faulty fan control board can cause this problem.
- Strange Odors or Sounds
Don’t ignore loud noises or a foul odor coming from the vents when your air conditioner is running! An odd sound from your air conditioner indicates that it is in desperate need of repair. While the motor will make a noise, you should not hear any grinding, squealing, grating, or other loud sounds. Similarly, any odor coming from your air conditioning system is a sign of mold and mildew in the ductwork. It could also mean that the wire insulation in the system has burned and must be replaced. The sooner you address these noises and odors, the better your system will be.
- Moisture or High Humidity
Some level of condensation is normal but if there’s a pool of water around your AC, there’s a problem. Too much moisture often means a refrigerant leak or drain tube blockage. Another issue that indicates an AC malfunctioning is the high humidity level. Besides cooling your space, your air conditioner is also supposed to eliminate humidity from the indoor air. If your home has become uncomfortably humid, get your AC checked. Most issues can be fixed if the right steps are taken on time.