Texas homeowners are reliant on their cooling systems to help beat the summer heat and humidity. While annual preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure continuous, reliable service throughout the cooling season, issues may still occur from time to time. Continuing to run your air conditioner when problems exist can cause further damage leading to costly repairs, shortened a system lifespan, and mid-season breakdowns. Take some time to familiarize yourself with this list of common signs your air conditioner needs repair, and call BVS Home Experts for professional advice and service at the first signs of trouble before any issues become worse!
10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair
Strange Noises
Squealing, grinding, grating, clicking, or other unusual sounds emanating from your AC can signal issues ranging from a lack of lubrication, slipped belt, or broken motor bearings.
Odd Smells
A foul, pungent, or metallic odor can be a sign of an electrical issue, signaling damage to your wires and requiring immediate attention. A musty odor can mean mold growth is present within the system and should be taken care of before it can spread further.
Lack of Cool Air
If your air conditioner is blowing warm air or failing to sufficiently cool your home, there may be an issue with the compressor or refrigerant levels.
Excess Moisture
High levels of humidity, water damage, or leakage near or around your system are all bad signs, especially if the liquid is refrigerant. Pooling water adjacent to the unit could signal a cracked or blocked drain tube which can eventually lead to mold growth.
Poor Airflow
A weak airflow may be indicative of a failing compressor, dirty system components, or an accumulation of debris inside your ductwork.
Thermostat Problems
An inaccurate thermostat or one that does not respond to input typically needs to be calibrated during AC maintenance service or with professional repair.
Electrical Issues
When your AC is tripping a breaker, this means it is drawing more power than it should. This typically happens either due to incorrect installation or problems with the connections in your cooling equipment.
High Energy Costs
Almost any complication with your air conditioning system will result in the unit working longer and harder in order to keep up with your cooling needs. This will directly result in higher energy costs, so keeping an eye on your monthly utility bill can be a good gauge of whether you need AC repair.
Short-Cycling
When your air conditioner turns on and off frequently or before your home is adequately cool, this is called short-cycling. Short-cycling is often the result of an incorrectly sized cooling system, airflow issues, or electrical problems.
Age
While age is not a “sign” of required repairs, you should always be aware of the projected lifespan of your cooling system. For most systems, a unit more than 10 years old is more likely to cause energy cost spikes, experience more breakdowns, and deliver unsatisfactory performance.
Common Air Conditioning Problems
The list of reasons why your air conditioner may be malfunctioning is long and varied, but there is a much shorter list of common problems, including:
- Low refrigerant. Low levels of refrigerant are often a sign of a leak, requiring immediate attention.
- Faulty wiring. Damage due to rodents, negligence, or poor installation increases the risk of fire and may cause the system to short or lack power.
- Frozen coil. Restricted airflow due to a dirty filter, obstructions within the system, or low refrigerant levels can all cause ice to form.
- Dirty air filter. A clogged filter decreases the efficiency and effectiveness of your cooling system.
- Control issues. A faulty thermostat, or a thermostat set to warm instead of cool, can cause problems with your AC.
- Lack of maintenance. A dirty or neglected cooling system is prone to issues due to the additional wear and tear placed on system components.
Air Conditioner Repair in Katy & Houston, TX
Scheduling air conditioner repair with BVS Home Experts at the first sign of trouble is the best way to ensure continuous service throughout the summer while avoiding further damage and inflated repair costs.
Contact us online to schedule preventive AC maintenance or repair, or call BVS at 281-391-1510 today!
Author Bio:
Ronald Via
Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.
