Serving all of Brevard County, FL
Let’s face it, summer heat and seasonal hot spells can be relentless, leaving us flocking indoors to cool off under the crisp AC cooled air. Although often “out of sight out of mind”, those who have had their AC unit fail during hot weather know just how much of a difference it makes in their lives.
Although most home and business owners have integrated AC and HVAC systems they use year-round, that doesn’t make them an expert on identifying the early signs of system failure.
Yet having an AC unit doesn’t make you an expert on AC repairs, making it challenging to recognize the signs of a failing unit until it’s too late. Even with regular maintenance, aging units can fail to provide necessary relief from the heat. Not only can failing AC units cause discomfort as temperatures rise, but they can also cause dramatic increases in energy costs, and in some cases even be dangerous to the safety of you and your property.
Let’s take a look below at the top signs your air conditioning unit may require repair or replacement. If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of talented and highly trained AC experts can be on location fast, locating the issue and helping you understand the best solutions to keep you and your family cool and safe this year.
While some signs of a failing unit are apparent, others can be more elusive and harder to identify. However, if you know what signs to look for, it’s possible to catch a small problem before it becomes an expensive fix.
1. Poor or Reduced Air Flow
If you notice your unit isn’t pushing out the cold air like it used to, you could have a problem with your compressor or fan. Perhaps you realize that some rooms are getting cold while others appear to feel like the tropics. This could indicate any number of problems, one of which might have to do with the AC unit itself.
However, it is also possible that your ducts could become congested with debris, putting you and your loved ones at risk from bacterial and mold growth, or overall reduced air quality. Having the ducts cleaned will guarantee proper flow throughout your home, and that dust and allergens won’t be blown into every room. Furthermore, if your ducts are clean, we can rule them out as the reason behind your lack of cool air and move on to inspection of the unit itself.
2. Moisture, Dampness and Leaking
If you notice your unit is leaking (or there is a large amount of moisture around the base) it could be an indication of a serious problem. Leaks from the refrigerant pose a health risk to your loved ones. If there is a leak, turn the unit off and call air conditioning repair as soon as possible.
If you find pooling water around the unit, you may have a damaged drain tube. These tubes help redirect condensation away from the unit. Pooling can cause mold, mildew, and rust if ignored for too long.
3. No Cold Air While Running
This is one of the more obvious signs your system needs repair or replacement. If your unit inconsistently pushes out cold air this may signal a problem with the AC compressor. If the unit fails to push out cold air, or worse, is blowing hot air instead, have a specialist service the unit.
4. Unnatural Sounds
Sometimes a failing unit will squeal, grind, or clank. Any strange sounds coming out of the HVAC unit signal that you have a problem. Even if the noises go away after a few minutes, you need to have the unit checked out by a professional. There may be a problem with a belt or the unit just needs a little lubrication. Address the noises right away, as failure to do so could result in more damage, higher repair costs or the need for a new unit altogether.
4. Weird Smell
A strong plastic or metallic smell coming from your HVAC vents can mean the insulation around the wires has burned out. If the strange odor is musty, that can be an indication there is mold or mildew in your ductwork. Both of these problems should be dealt with right away.
5. Problems With The Thermostat
Sometimes the issues won’t be with the actual AC unit itself, but rather are due to a faulty thermostat. If the house isn’t getting as cold as you set it to, or only half the house is getting cold, check the thermostat.
Once you recognize a problem, don’t wait to get a certified repairman in to fix it. Ignoring the early signs of failure may end up costing you more in the long run. If your HVAC is displaying any of these six issues, call a repairman and have your AC unit checked today.
Our team of AC specialists is ready and eager to learn how we can help. Call today for a free estimate and to find out why so many local residents trust us to keep them cool and comfortable all year round.
