During the hot summer months, one of the most important things in your home will be your HVAC system and air conditioning systems. However, if your air conditioner is making strange noises, not cooling well, or leaking water, you may be in for an uncomfortable summer. But, you can often save your system before it gets worse. You can often catch signs before your system starts to fail, so here are seven ways to know instantly if your AC needs repairs or just a little TLC.
Your system makes strange noises.
Your AC unit might be making unusual noises. If you hear a fan running, it could mean that your air conditioner is functioning properly and the unit is cooling your home to the right temperature. However, if you hear an engine running or a compressor turning on and off again, this means that something may be wrong with your AC system.
If you hear strange sounds from your HVAC system, consider having it tested by a professional to determine whether repairs are necessary or if other issues may be at play.
Your system isn’t cooling well.
If your AC is blowing hot air, it’s likely because the thermostat is off. If your system is running but not cooling well, it could be a problem with the blower motor or air filter, which may need to be replaced. Fortunately, you can get blower motors and A/C filters online if you know where to look and have the expertise to make the repairs.
If you’re using a new-style digital thermostat (one that uses batteries), check to see if its power source has been depleted. Some people find that their house batteries are responsible for this problem. If so, simply replace them and try again.
Your system is blowing hot air.
You should also know that a problem with the compressor is not always an easy diagnosis. If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, it could indicate that your AC needs repairs. The evaporator coil could be dirty or cracked, preventing cold air from entering the home and causing hot air to blow out of the vents instead.
It’s also possible that something has happened to the refrigerant lines in your system—this can lead to leakage, causing warm air to be blown through your vents.
Your system compressor is making strange noises.
The compressor is the heart of your AC system. It pumps refrigerant through a series of coils that cool the air before returning it to your home. So, if you hear strange noises from your compressor, it could signify impending failure. If this happens, turn off the unit and call an HVAC technician to investigate further.
Your system is leaking water.
When your air conditioner leaks water, it’s a sign that the unit needs repair. If your AC leaks water, it is most likely because of a clogged drain line or a faulty compressor. Call a professional AC repairman to check out the unit if this happens to you. They will be able to tell you what’s wrong with it and how much it will cost to fix. If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking water, don’t ignore it.
The longer you wait to have it checked out and repaired, the greater the chance of damage to other parts of your home or even flooding. You will most likely notice the leak when you start to see water around your unit. These leaks could lead to serious damage, so it’s essential that you take care of it quickly. Call a professional as soon as possible so they can stop the leak and repair any damage that has already been done.
Your electric bill is through the roof.
If your electric bill is through the roof, it could indicate something’s wrong with your air conditioning. If you’ve been using more energy than usual and have noticed increased costs, this may be because of a faulty thermostat or another issue with the system itself.
The first thing to check is whether or not it’s working as well as it should. Check the area around where the unit is located; if it’s unusually warm or cool, this could mean that there’s a problem with your system.
If you notice that your AC seems to be cooling less than usual, there may be an issue with either its efficiency or its ability to distribute cool air.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it’s always best to call a professional. The longer you wait, the more likely your AC will become permanently damaged. If you don’t have the money to spend on repairs right now, consider conserving energy by opening windows or turning off lights when you aren’t in a room.