As your air conditioner ages, subtle changes might start to occur in the way it runs. Maybe the airflow is not as strong. You could notice a few strange sounds or some foul odors, puddles of water around the unit, or perhaps it’s running a little longer than it used to.
These are all reasons to reach out for AC repair New Albany OH. Service techs have expert training, giving them the knowledge and skills to diagnose issues and make the necessary corrections swiftly to avoid further damage and greater expense. Uncovering the problem early is critical, and it falls to you as the homeowner.
Usually, when an AC unit starts having problems, you will sense an issue either through sight, hearing, or smell. Problems won’t typically start and stop; once they start, they continue to worsen. We’ll look at some of the most common and what leads to them.
Red Flags Your AC Needs Repairs
With summer looming over Ohio, residents must prepare to turn their air conditioners on for the long, hot days. As homeowners, you’ll notice immediately if the system is “off.” You might sense some odors, hear some strange sounds, or maybe the system is cycling too long when you test it.
Usually, when a subtle change happens, it’s the beginning of a problem that needs to be checked out by a New Albany repair tech. When caught early, a slight issue can be diagnosed and corrected before it grows worse.
Go to https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/save-money-and-stay-cool-efficient-well-maintained-air-conditioner and learn how to stay cool with well-maintained AC equipment. Here are some common problems homeowners face as the system advances in age.
Utility bills are higher
Utility costs rise when the AC is losing efficiency. Inefficiency can result from various factors, including a clogged air filter, worn or broken parts, failed ductwork, and on. Sometimes, the utility bill is the only hint that there’s a problem within the system.
Monitoring the invoices from one month to the next or even the previous year can give you an idea of whether the equipment is losing efficiency and needs repair work. If you have an incredible spike in your costs, reach out to your AC repair tech.
Odd sounds are coming from the AC
You would be surprised how a clogged filter can cause a whole host of problems with an AC unit, including strange noises coming from the system. But that’s not the only reason the equipment makes odd sounds.
These could result from problems with the contractor, the compressor, or the blower motor.
Also, if there’s a hole in the ductwork, it can result in a whistling. If It’s not the filter, a repair contractor can narrow down the issue and make the necessary repairs.
The house is muggy
An air conditioner removes hot air from the home, but it’s also responsible for relieving the humidity in the environment. If the system has an issue, the humidity inside the house could rise above comfortability.
Some thermostats measure the relative humidity. It’s wise to keep watch of this if the air is starting to feel heavy. A “hygrometer” is a small investment but will readily measure the house’s humidity.
The AC has an ice buildup
If the refrigerant drops below freezing, ice can develop on the AC, or this can be caused by a dirty coil or faulty wiring. When this happens, the system will perform poorly, or it could result in an overall failure of the equipment. You want to avoid scraping the ice away, which could create a bigger problem.
The ice needs to defrost, and then an AC repair professional needs to correct the underlying issue. Read here for guidance on the lifespan of AC units.
Pooling water around the furnace
When you see water pooling around the furnace in the summer months, the evaporator coil seal is likely compromised. This is the interior component of the heat pump or AC. With some HVAC equipment, this is situated on top of the furnace cabinet.
It produces moisture. This is why there’s a drain with the AC. But if the evaporator coil isn’t sealed adequately, it leaks on the equipment and along the floor. You could even see the ducts collecting condensation on the exterior.
Foul odors come from the vents
Mold and bacteria build up on the AC, usually within the unit’s evaporator coil. Many indoor AC units are situated in the dark, damp, and cool basement, the ideal scene for bacteria and mold growth. Parts of the AC unit can become grimy and dirty, such as the drain pan.
When combined with moisture, it leads to bacteria and mold, which results in foul smells. You can handle this or let the professionals ensure it’s clean using the greatest precautionary measure.
