Is Your AC Sick? 9 Signs You Need AC Repair
Avoid the Heat: Know When to Call for AC Repair
Is your air conditioner functioning properly? How can you tell whether you need to repair the air conditioner? Here are some common signs that indicate repairs are in order.
1 High Humidity
When the relative humidity indoors matches the outdoor air, it indicates that the air conditioner is not removing moisture properly. Solid surfaces on furniture, flooring, and walls may feel sticky since the finishes are collecting moisture. Skin may also feel sticky, but it may not be from sweat.
2 High Temperature
Since air conditioning removes both humidity and heat from indoor spaces, whenever the indoor temperature rises, it usually indicates that the air conditioning function is failing. (If the temperature is very high, an old system may struggle to keep up without indicating failure.) Observe the thermostat setting and the actual temperature indicated to determine the depth of the problem.
3 Hot Spots
If the main spaces of the home are cool, but upper-story spaces or rooms far from the air handler cabinet are hotter than normal, it indicates the need for AC repair. This is especially true if these hot spots are a new development.
4 Low Airflow
If the amount of cool air flowing from the supply vents has declined substantially in the recent past, this indicates the need for AC repair. This low airflow may result in high humidity, high temperatures,Â
and spaces that are not receiving sufficient cool air.
5 Strange Noises
Usually, air conditioner noises are limited to those associated with a blower motor and the gentle movement of air through supply vents. However, when the blower motor or other air conditioner components begin making loud, irritating noises, such as grinding, screeching, or banging noises, it indicates that the blower motor needs to be repaired. If electrical controls emit loud buzzing or rapid clicking noises, it indicates that AC repair is necessary.
6 Obnoxious Smells
The air conditioner should be moving the available air within the home. When the air exiting the supply vents smells unhealthy, it indicates that something is wrong and needs to be repaired. Healthy indoor air is essential to keep a family safe and healthy.
7 Water or Ice
Anytime ice build-up is observed on any part of the air conditioner components, whether indoors or outdoors, it is a serious problem that requires serious repair. Ice on the coils of the outdoor condenser unit is generally easily observed. However, ice build-up indoors may happen behind the walls of the air handler cabinet. What may be observed more quickly is the water leaking from the cabinet as the ice melts. Ice on the components or water leaking from any components (except through the drain lines) indicates the need for AC repair.
8 Long Cooling Cycles
If the air conditioner cooling cycles are exceptionally long or the air conditioner does not turn off, it indicates a serious problem. Of course, cooling cycles during periods of extreme heat might be normal. However, long cooling cycles during normal heat are problematic.
9 High Energy Bills
The price of energy fluctuates a bit, but if the electricity bill continually rises over the cooling season, it bears further investigation. Do a little research to determine whether the energy required for cooling (measured in kWhs) has increased during this month compared to last year or the year prior.
Components that are failing require more energy to accomplish the required tasks. Increased energy use without the addition of other devices generally indicates the need for AC repair.
Keep Cool and Save Money: Call All Cool for AC Repair
These indicators may happen individually, or several of these indicators may happen at once. If you observe these signs, call your AllCool AC and Heating AC repair technician and schedule an appointment.
All Cool AC & Heating HVAC professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and AC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.