Don’t Ignore These Signs of a Broken Air Conditioner!
As the summer grows hotter, it may seem natural to expect the air conditioning to have trouble keeping up. This does not have to be the case, however. If an air conditioner does not meet the needs of a household or the homeowner have to suffer through warmer than normal temperatures, AC repair or AC replacement may be needed. Homeowners should never ignore signs that their cooling system is failing. The consequence may be having to deal with an emergency AC breakdown. There are health hazards for the whole family in this scenario.
The House Is Not Reaching Optimal Temperature
A properly functioning AC will keep the home comfortable despite the outdoor temperature. A change of a few degrees is reasonable, but if the heat is causing the house to be much warmer, there may be several reasons for air conditioning repair.
- The air filter may need to be cleaned or replaced
- The coolant may be leaking
- There may be a problem with the compressor
- Low airflow may be a result of issues with the blower
- There could be more than one issue, and air conditioning replacement must be considered
Homeowners should not have to deal with a house that is too hot. It can be dangerous to the health and well-being of the household. Professionals can get the home comfortable again.
Energy Bills Have Skyrocketed
If a homeowner notices that their electric bill is higher than in previous months or years, this is not necessarily simply due to higher energy prices. It may mean that the home’s air conditioning has lost its efficiency. Age breaks down even the best machine. Regular maintenance may fix low airflow and short cycling, but it may also be a sign that the unit is at the end of its life. If the energy bills are abnormally high, it may be time for a professional assessment.
The AC is Making Strange Noises or Smells Odd
The air from a cooling unit should be fairly quiet and smell fresh. If either of these things changes, it is worth investigating. Some of the symptoms that indicate trouble are outlined in the list below.
- Whistling Noises: If the air is whistling through the vents, this likely means there is an air leak somewhere. This can be within the air ducts or a problem with the unit itself.
- Banging Noises: This can result from something being loose inside the housing of the cooling unit or some other internal problem. If something is caught inside the unit, this can cause damage to other parts and cause further problems.
- Scratching Noises: This can indicate pests in the air ducts.
- Burning Smells: Burning smells can result from electrical problems such as arcing. These can cause house fires. These should be checked out immediately. Especially if they are new.
- Musty Smells: This can indicate a problem with mold or mildew in the air ducts. This can result from issues with the filter or the compressor.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
For nearly 25 years, Barker Heating & Cooling has been keeping the people of Livermore, CA & the Tri-Valley area comfortable in their homes. They offer on-time AC service and the latest technology. Call them today for trustworthy background-checked techs.
