A brief, slightly warm breeze or a quick clanging sound from your air conditioner might not immediately set off alarm bells in your mind. However, the truth is that seemingly small problems with an air conditioner can quickly escalate into major, even dangerous, issues. Ignoring certain signs could mean a total loss of air conditioning as well as expensive bills. Know what issues to be on the lookout for so that you can book a service appointment before the problems get worse.
Warm or Hot Spots
If you’ve noticed that a particular spot in the living room, the entire main bedroom or some other space in your house is suddenly warmer than usual, there may be an issue with the air conditioner. In some situations, there could be an obvious cause, such as sunlight streaming in from an uncovered window. In other situations, the air conditioner may require service. Warm spots in the house often indicate a malfunctioning air conditioner.
Overall Inefficient Cooling
It’s also possible that the entire house is suffering from a lack of cool air. You might notice that the thermostat is taking longer than usual to reach the desired degree, even when the temperature outside is consistent, or that you’re suddenly uncomfortably warm all of the time.
Similarly, if your AC is blowing air that’s flat-out warm, it’s another sign that you need to call a technician for maintenance.
Skyrocketing Bills
During the summer months, many homeowners do see an increase in their energy bills. Major increases, though, could mean a problem with the air conditioner. For example, the air conditioner might be malfunctioning in some way that is invisible to the naked eye. A malfunctioning air conditioner often needs to work harder to produce cool air, thereby requiring more energy and creating higher bills.
Humid Air
The air conditioner could also be producing humid air. There’s trouble if you’ve noticed that the humidity in the house increases every time the air conditioner cycles on. On the other hand, the air conditioner itself might not be creating humidity, but the unit might not be reducing the humidity in the same way that it’s supposed to. You might notice this most prevalently if your system cools your home down too quickly, unable to completely dehumidify the air it cools.
Inaccurate Thermostat
When you look at the thermostat on the wall, you might see a nice, cool temperature staring back at you. However, the house may obviously be much warmer. On the other hand, the living space might feel nice and cool while the thermostat shows a much higher temperature. Whether the thermostat is giving readings that are too high or low, this issue warrants a service appointment.
Constant Cycling
You may notice that the air conditioner is turning on and off more than usual. While the system does need to adjust as the temperature changes throughout the day, the cycling should not be constant. Instead, most ACs should run for 15-20 minutes, then rest for a while, and repeat the process until your home is at the temperature you set.
Unusual Smells
Your home’s air conditioner should not produce odors. Any smells emitting from the unit could be a sign of a leak or malfunctioning parts. An air conditioner could also leak gas, which is a dangerous situation.
Leaks
While an odor could be an indicator of a leak, not all leaks will produce a telltale smell. A leaking air conditioner is more than just a nuisance. Liquid could drip into electrical components, leading to a fire or an electrocution hazard. Furthermore, a leak could eventually produce mold, which poses a hazard to your lungs.
Mold Growth
Mold on your air conditioner is problematic. This substance can quickly spread. Additionally, the unit is blowing air around your house, which means that mold spores could be released into your living space. Mold can exacerbate or lead to health conditions. In extreme cases, mold can even have fatal effects.
Strange Sounds
While your air conditioner might make a small amount of noise as the system turns on, any unusual sounds can be indicative of a problem brewing. Speak with one of our team members to learn what sounds are standard for your home’s air conditioner.
Unidentifiable Health Issues
You might have been noticed that you, your family members or pets have been coughing more lately, or perhaps your skin has been inexplicably itchy. The air conditioner could be releasing irritants or toxins into the air. You must address any health concerns with a medical professional. After consulting with a doctor, you may learn that a dirty air conditioner could be at fault. A professional cleaning of the unit can rid your home of this problem. One of our team members can also discuss preventative steps with you.
Indications of a Fire
Any indication of a fire means that you need to call 911 first and then book an appointment for service on the air conditioner as soon as possible. Some warning signs of a fire could include the smell of smoke, constant electrical issues and singed components.
Electrical Malfunctioning
You might notice that the lights in the house blink furiously when the air conditioner turns on, or you may be unable to get power to other appliances when the unit is running. These issues could be indicative of a potentially dangerous problem. Even if the issue is minor, electrical problems shouldn’t be left to chance. Book an appointment for service now.
Frequent Problems
An air conditioner that constantly has problems needs professional repair. You should never try to repair an air conditioner by yourself. Doing so could damage the unit, and you could also end up seriously hurting yourself. If you’ve been regularly addressing issues with the unit independently, now is the time to call a professional. In the event that you’ve had regular service appointments, the time may have come for a new air conditioner.
Old, Unserviced System
Even when your air conditioner is showing signs of a specific problem, the unit’s age could be an indicator that service is necessary. Air conditioners require regular maintenance. In fact, some warranty agreements require that customers have maintenance performed on a regular schedule.
At Mend Services, we pride ourselves on providing effective and efficient air conditioning repair services to customers in Austin and the surrounding area. We offer both heating and cooling services, specifically replacement, repair, maintenance and installation. Our team members also perform electrical and plumbing work, as well as water and air quality checks. We can also install generators in your home to provide backup in the event of an electrical outage. Make sure to ask about our memberships, which include regular wellness checks for your home’s plumbing, heating and cooling systems. Don’t miss out on our specials either. Check our website or speak to a representative for more information on current deals. We’re available for emergency services 24 hours per day and seven days per week as well. You can schedule a service appointment online, or you can contact Mend Services to get your air conditioner back up and running.
