Air conditioners are the only thing that can help you live in comfort while the summer heat is raging on. However, the more you use them, the more they need regular maintenance.
And if you neglect to maintain them, you’ll notice changes in the performance. When you see the signs listed below, it’s time for AC repair.
Sign 1. The Air is Not Cool Enough
The sole purpose of air conditioners, or ACs, is to cool the air within the room. If it cannot do that, then there’s obviously something wrong. But to determine if repair is needed, you must check first if it is fixable by you or not. Here are the things that you must do:
- Compare the level of coolness based on experience (can be done within a span of a few days, set the thermostat to its usual setting)
- Check the air filters if there is no dirt-covered
- Observe if the output air gets cooler and the exhaust air gets warmer a few minutes after you turn on the AC.
- Check if there is no moisture on the tubes and casing.
- Try the manual switch to set the temperature instead of the thermostat.
If those things are good and the air is still not cool, then you need to have your AC fixed as soon as possible. Delaying the repair can trigger more problems that might deem the AC non-repairable.
Read Also:
- How to Get the Best from Your AC Unit? A Professional Guide to AC Repairs & Maintenance Essentials
- Heating and Air Conditioning Repair Tips – DIY HVAC Repair for Your Heating and Cooling Needs
- Complete Heating and Air Conditioning Helps Install ACs and Repair Heaters
- Top 5 Warning Signs You May Need HVAC Repair
Sign 2. There are Strange, Loud Noises When Operating
Air conditioners have several types, and homeowners usually prefer the window type and the split type. The difference between the window and the split-type is that the former is a whole unit.
The split-type is composed of two units wherein the exhaust fan is placed outside the room, and the blower is placed inside the room. They are connected by tubes. With that being said, the split-type is expected to be quieter compared to a window type.
So, when can you determine if an AC needs repair? It is when there is noise while being operated. This noise is a rattling sound due to the unwanted vibrations.
Assuming that this happens even if the AC is clean, there are problems with the moving parts. Turning them on might result in an electric hazard.
Sign 3. There is Water Leaking from the AC Unit
You might notice water dripping from the exhaust part of the AC. This is normal since the hot air condensates while being blown out towards the atmosphere.
However, if the liquid dripping is not on the exhaust section or where it used to flow out, then that might be a problem. Here are the usual sections wherein no liquid must be leaking:
- Condensate line
- Refrigerant line
This can be easy to repair, but the problem is that it is hard to tell if the leaking is bad or not. Most people will only notice it when the AC stops cooling. Some leaks can also happen inside, especially for split-type ACs. Do not neglect the leaks because they can put a lot of stress on the compressor.
Sign 4. The AC Has Inconsistent Cooling Cycles
Constantly running ACs, like those used in offices and leisure centers, have routine cooling cycles. In other words, there is a set schedule of when to turn on and off, and what will be the temperature level and fan speed. If something is wrong with the cycle, its performance is a problem.
Sign 5. The Airflow is Poor
The airflow of ACs used in regular homes can be detected easily. For office buildings and establishments that rely on air ducts to distribute the cool air, it can be pretty tricky to determine if the problem is on the AC.
To troubleshoot and discern whether you need to have your AC repaired or not, here are the things you should do first:
- Check for any obstructions in the ventilation
- Check the fan speed and compare it to your previous experiences (assuming that the setting is unchanged)
- Check if there is dirt in the filter
If all of them seem good, then the problem lies in the AC itself. This means that the unit has consumed energy, and only a portion of it is utilized in pushing the air outward. The longer you neglect the problem, the more inefficient your AC will become.
Sign 6. The Air Has a Foul Smell
If the AC is not maintained, the blown air will start to smell unpleasantly later. Not only because of the dirt build-up but there can also be worse.
Just like how problematic refrigerators can be if there is an unpleasant smell, odorous ACs too can become the cause of your headache. Before deciding to avail of repair services, check first the ventilation.
There might be a dead creature rotting in the ventilation for offices and establishments. It can also gas from other rooms, such as the kitchen, seeps into the ventilation and condensates, which builds mold. Those are easy fixes.
Sign 7. The AC is at Least a Decade Old
Maintenance is the only way to extend the useful lifespan of your AC. The older it gets, the more TLC (tender, loving care) is needed. However, you cannot fight deterioration.
Metals will get rusty, filters will become loose, and the compressor will gradually operate inefficiently. If your AC is 10 years old or more, then there’s a high possibility that you’ll need repair services even for a slight problem.
Sign 8. The Electric Bill Becomes Too High
Let’s say there is no problem with the coolness of the air, no noise while operating, and no odor present. If the electric bill is too high, that can be the electric company giving you a problem.
But if any of the signs mentioned above exists and the electric bill is even slightly increased, you have to get your AC fixed. It has become inefficient and will become ineffective while consuming so much energy.
Conclusion
AC repairs are important to extend their useful lifespan. Anyone can determine the signs mentioned above without technical knowledge. Therefore, it will be easy to convey that information to a repair specialist. If you need repair services, contact your local reliable HVAC company.
