If you live in a warm climate or have toasty summers, your air conditioner unit is the household appliance that is used the most. Since the units are located outside of the home, most of us do not worry about them until a problem arises. It's easy to neglect your system, and you should recognize a problem before it shuts down your unit entirely. Some obvious signs will alert you to get a professional right away.
Warm Air is Blowing
Lukewarm or hot air coming out of your vents is the most obvious sign that you have an issue. You shouldn't ignore this problem for long, since it could be a sign of a bad compressor or low freon. It also generally indicates that your system is not running efficiently, meaning that your AC is churning out more and more energy in an attempt to get your house cooled but to no effect. This drain on your energy can be costly when left unchecked.
Constantly Running
It's normal in the summer months for your AC unit to run more often, but if you're never comfortable, it's a sign of a problem. There are a lot of reasons that could cause this issue ranging from low refrigerant to a dirty evaporator coil. Again, this will result in a severe waste in energy that can cost you a lot if you don’t have it fixed.
Strange Sounds
Squealing, grinding, and grating noises could be signs that you need a new AC system installation. If you fail to contact a technician, it could result in a costlier service or complete replacement of your unit. You should hear the usual quiet hum, and be sure to look around your unit for any debris that could have been stuck inside. If you are unable to find anything, contact a technician right away.
Leakage
Puddles of water around your air conditioner could be signs of a failing unit. A refrigerant leak is dangerous, and your unit will not run properly for much longer. Leaking could also indicate a problem with the condensate line, and you'll need to fix it to prevent mold from growing.
Strange Smells
A pungent smell can be a sign of mold or mildew growing inside of the ductwork or unit. You may also have burned out wires that need to be replaced as soon as possible. Other causes of smells can include a dead critter, stagnant water, or an overheating motor.
We rely on our air conditioners to provide us with comfort through the sizzling temperatures. Air conditioning failure should not be a surprise when it happens. Take the time to remain proactive, and pay attention to any of the signs listed above. Call a handyman or other professional to complete a thorough checkup to prevent problems from snowballing out of control.
