More than 90% of American families rely on air conditioners for indoor comfort. Heating and cooling systems function optimally when new and serviced regularly. However, like other machines, their effectiveness declines over time due to the normal wear and tear. In most cases, your air conditioner will send signs of arising problems before it completely breaks down.
If addressed early with the help of Buckeye heating & cooling experts, these problems won’t progress. Below are signs your system needs air conditioning service.
1. Weak Air Flow
You should start thinking of servicing your unit if you notice high indoor temperatures even when the HVAC unit is on. As a test, you can feel the nature of the air coming out from the vents. You shouldn’t worry if the vent produces cold air. However, you should sense an issue if there is no air coming from the vent.
Functional air conditioners should release a steady stream of air from the vents. The airflow should be strong enough and can be felt up to 12 inches from the vent. If the air coming from the unit’s vent is weaker, your air conditioner isn’t functioning well.
In most cases, the culprit is a dirty air filter, which should be replaced. A dirty filter limits the amount of air passing through the cooling system. A malfunctioning blower system, a faulty fan control board, and many other problems can also cause this issue.
2. Leakage or Excessive Moisture
Air conditioners naturally create moisture when turned on. However, they should channel the accumulating moisture out of the system to avoid increasing indoor humidity levels and possible mold and mildew growth. However, it isn’t uncommon for air conditioners to start leaking the collected moisture from the condensate drain.
A blocked or broken condensate drain can leak water from the AC unit into the walls or floor. Pooling water or active leaks around the air conditioner is a clear sign of malfunctioning. Leaks can lead to severe structural problems in your home.
3. Increased Cooling Costs
Heating and cooling systems, especially modern units, are energy efficient. However, if you notice a steady increase in cooling costs, chances are your system isn’t energy efficient. You should address the AC problem instead of coping with energy bills which may involve checking and potentially replacing worn-out chiller parts.
4. Odd Smells
As you walk around your air conditioner, remember to whiff the air surrounding the unit for strange smells. Ideally, optimally functional systems shouldn’t produce odd smells. Therefore, the presence of odd smells indicates a problem.
Odd smells resulting from malfunctioning air conditioners occur due to several reasons. For instance, mold growth due to water leakage close may lead to a musty smell in the utility closet or basement. You can also get a burning smell if one of the insulated electrical wirings burns out. You shouldn’t risk the safety of the unit and your house if you notice any smell.
Endnote
Poor indoor air quality, strange sounds, and frequent cycles are other confirmative signs that the heating and cooling system is due for maintenance. However, if you are experiencing significant problems, such as thermostat issues and the need for recurrent repairs for the unit to function normally, you should consider a complete replacement.