How Can I Tell If My Air Conditioner is Broken?
First, make sure the thermostat is set to cool and lower than your home's actual temperature. Then, if you find yourself with warm air coming out of your vents, it's time to call an HVAC professional.
Any rattling or hissing noises are also signs of an AC problem and should be dealt with right away.
No Cold Air
If you turn on your air conditioner and nothing happens, no humming or whirring, or no cold air blowing out of the vents, this is one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong. The first thing to check is the thermostat setting – ensure it is set to cool and has not been manually changed to heat or constant fan (if it takes batteries, double-check that they are fresh). Also, a dirty air filter can prevent the system from running properly.
Other common issues include a broken compressor (which absorbs and releases refrigerant between the inside and outside units), and a leak somewhere in the system. Leaks are dangerous to your health and property, and should be dealt with immediately by Port St Lucie air conditioning repair.
Another sign that it’s time to call Port St Lucie air conditioning repair is hearing grinding, grating or hissing sounds while the unit is operating. These are all indications of serious internal problems, and should be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid costly damage to the unit.
Strange Noises
The low hum of your AC is normal, but other strange sounds signal trouble. Screeching noises – similar to the sound you might hear in a motor vehicle when a belt or fan starts to wear out – are a sign that there’s a problem with your blower fan, which pulls air from your return ducts and then pushes it through your home before it cools down. Other potential causes of screeching are a damaged fan belt or faulty bearings in the fan motor.
A high-pitched squealing sound is another alarming AC signal, as it means the compressor’s refrigerant valve is leaking. This is dangerous, as the liquid inside your air conditioner will evaporate and cause the system to overheat. This will also lead to a lack of cooling and higher energy bills than usual.
Clicking or clicking noises from your air conditioner are also signs of trouble. The soft clicking sound you might hear when a thermostat relay switch sends power to the unit is normal, but when the sound continues during a cooling cycle, it could be an electrical problem with frayed wiring or another issue.
Banging or clanking noises are also warning signs that your AC is breaking down. They typically indicate loose hardware, which isn’t a huge problem in itself but can put your entire system at risk if left unchecked. You may also hear a dripping sound, which is usually caused by the drip pan filling up with excess condensation.
High Utility Bills
A lot of things in your home generate heat and cause your air conditioner to work harder, especially if they aren’t used much or at all. This includes appliances like your TV, refrigerator, or lamps. This can make your AC unit run a lot longer than usual, which can result in high electricity bills.
You should be checking your air filter frequently. They should be changed every 30 days or so to keep them from getting too dirty and causing your unit to work hard. Dirty air filters restrict the flow of cool air throughout your ductwork. They also reduce the efficiency of your unit and cause it to work harder to get the same results.
Depending on the weather, it can be normal to see a little puddle of water under your air conditioner during hot or humid weather. However, if you notice it regularly, this could be an indicator that your AC unit has a leak in the refrigerant line or in the drain pipe.
These leaks require immediate repair as they can damage your equipment and create mold. They can also cause your energy bill to spike as the HVAC system runs at full capacity to try and compensate for the loss of efficiency. Fortunately, you can catch these issues early on by scheduling regular maintenance with an HVAC expert. A good technician will inspect your unit, perform maintenance checks, and address any problems before they become serious.
High Humidity
If you notice high humidity in your home, it’s a sign that the air conditioner isn’t doing its job. Your AC is designed to control humidity by absorbing water vapor through its evaporator coils and condensing it into liquid, which then flows down the drain line and out of your house. If the evaporator coils become frozen, however, moisture will simply be forced back into the house, leading to high humidity.
This is typically caused by debris or a clog in the air filter. Check the filter and change it if needed. You should also inspect the drain line to ensure nothing is stuck in it. If there is, remove the clog.
Keeping your air conditioner clean is the best way to ensure it dehumidifies properly. Additionally, checking the thermostat fan setting is important. If the fan is set to ON, it will constantly run and won’t help the system reduce humidity because the evaporator coils will not be cooled enough.
If you have to change the filter frequently or hear rattling noises, it’s likely time to call in an air conditioning repair service. It’s a sign that the unit is overworking in an attempt to get rid of excess moisture, resulting in high utility bills and damaging the unit itself. In some cases, the damage is so severe that it’s better to replace the old unit rather than continuing with costly repairs.
Frequent Repair Calls
When an air conditioning system begins to have problems, it often gives you multiple warning signs before the unit actually breaks down. That's why it's important to know the early warning signs so that you can schedule a repair before the problem gets worse.
One of the first signs that your AC is broken is when it doesn't turn on at all. You'll likely hear a humming or whirring sound, but no cold air will come through your vents. This is usually caused by a tripped circuit breaker, which can occur when too many appliances are running at the same time or during a power surge. It's also possible that your thermostat isn't working properly, especially if it's old or the batteries are dead.
You can try to troubleshoot this by turning on your furnace and making sure the thermostat is set to "cool." If it still doesn't turn on, the issue is probably more complicated and requires a professional.
If you're comfortable with electrical work, it's possible to open up the panel that houses your AC compressor and observe the switches. Make sure the breaker that powers it is turned on, and then you can unscrew the cover to get a closer look at the capacitor (which looks like a cylindrical battery). If it's swollen, it's probably time for a new one. If it's ok, it's probably just a clogged drain line or the switch is bad.
Time to Replace
Air conditioning is a necessity in most homes. It cools the house, keeps it sanitary, and helps keep the family healthy. However, it can also cause a lot of problems when it breaks down or doesn’t work properly. It’s important to know the signs that it’s time to get a new AC unit.
One of the most obvious is when the AC starts blowing warm air instead of cool air. The problem may be as simple as a thermostat issue, but it could also be a larger problem, such as a refrigerant leak or restricted air flow. If you notice this problem, it is best to call an HVAC professional right away.
Another sign that your air conditioner is broken is when you have to change the filter more often than usual. It’s recommended that you change your filter every month or so to ensure that it works properly. If you have to change it more than once a month, you should probably look into getting a new one.
Other signs that your air conditioner is broken include electrical issues. Loose wires and frayed connections are dangerous and should be dealt with immediately by an HVAC professional. Also, if you notice that your AC smells musty or moldy, this is an indication that there are bacteria and fungus inside of it that can lead to serious health problems in the future.
First, make sure the thermostat is set to cool and lower than your home's actual temperature. Then, if you find yourself with warm air coming out of your vents, it's time to call an HVAC professional. Any rattling or hissing noises are also signs of an AC problem and should be dealt with right away.…