Are you sure your AC will last all summer? If you don’t get the necessary HVAC repair services, your air conditioner may fall apart when you need it the most.
Luckily, there are a few easy ways you can tell when your AC may be close to breaking down. From weird noises to poor airflow, the following indicators mean you need to call an HVAC technician for professional help.
Recognizing Common Signs of a Broken AC
There are a few common indicators that you may need to get HVAC repairs. If the AC vibrates when you start it, it indicates a potential compressor issue. Anytime you notice the following signs, you may have a broken AC.
- Bad odors
- Higher-than-normal power bills
- Poor airflow
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Warm air
- Leaking refrigerant
- Odd noises
If you’re uncertain about whether something is normal or not, search for central air repair near me and give an HVAC company a call. A professional HVAC technician can tell you if the signs you notice are indications of a major problem.
Unusual Noises and Smells
How do I know if my AC is broken? If you want to learn how to know if an AC is broken, take a moment to smell around your AC. Then, sniff the air coming out of your AC vents.
Listen to the machine. Do you notice any unusual sounds?
Each sound and smell may indicate a different HVAC repair problem. The following list includes some of the most frequent issues.
Burning: Typically, burning smells indicate an overheated component, electrical problems, or a worn-out fan belt.
Musty Odors: Musty smells could indicate mold in your ductwork or AC unit.
Sweet Scents: If you notice a sweet smell, turn off your AC immediately. This could indicate a refrigerant leak, which can harm your health if you don’t get it fixed.
Squealing: Squealing noises may mean issues with your fan motor bearings or fan belt. It may also be due to high internal pressure.
Grinding: This noise could mean the compressor is wearing out or a part is loose.
Clicking: Repetitive clicking indicates that a fan blade may be bent or broken.
Poor Airflow and Insufficient Cooling
When you notice poor airflow and insufficient cooling, it is a sign you may have a broken AC. These issues may be due to a clogged filter, low refrigerant levels, or air leaks. Blocked ducts can also reduce the airflow and cooling capacity of your AC.
While many homeowners clean and change filters on their own, you will likely need professional help for other HVAC repairs. In particular, refrigerant must be recharged by someone who is legally certified by the federal government. Many repairs are dangerous to handle on your own, so don’t be afraid to call for professional help.
High Energy Bills and Frequent Cycles
How do I know if my AC is broken? If there aren’t obvious noises, smells, or other indicators, figuring out how to know if the AC is broken might be challenging.
A silent indicator is your electricity bill. If your AC is broken, it will be less efficient and you’ll spend more on electricity. Likewise, your AC will cycle on and off frequently if it’s having a hard time maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Water Leaks and Moisture Buildup
Water leaks and excessive moisture may indicate a broken AC. Algae, dust, and debris can clog the condensate drain line, which can lead to water leaks. When this happens, you can call a professional for HVAC repairs and get the line cleaned out.
When to Call for Emergency AC Repair
There are some scenarios where you need to look for emergency AC repair near me right away. A professional intervention can prevent risks to your family’s safety and further damage to your AC. Typically, you’ll need professional help in the following situations.
- There’s no air coming out of the vents.
- You smell refrigerant or suspect a refrigerant leak.
- The system has failed completely.
- There are loud noises coming from the AC when you try to use it.
- The temperature is unsafe outside, and your AC isn’t working properly.
- You should also call if the temperature is warm, but your household includes seniors or other vulnerable groups.
- There are sparks or smoke coming from your AC.
Finding a Reliable HVAC Repair Contractor
If you need an HVAC repair service, several options are available. By reviewing the following factors, you can find the best HVAC repair contractor in your area.
Reviews: If an HVAC contractor has a track record of satisfied clients, you are likely to have a good experience as well.
Certifications: The HVAC contractor should have the certifications and licenses required in your state or city.
Service Offerings: You should review the HVAC company’s website to ensure they have all the services and products you need.
Availability: When disaster strikes, you need help right away. Make sure the HVAC company you use has great availability.
Experience: The best companies have built a reputation over many years in the industry. Their experience level means you can feel confident in the quality of their services.
Protect Your AC From Potential Damage
An HVAC repair does more than fix a temporary problem. Because a faulty part causes extra wear and tear on other AC components, timely repairs from an HVAC repair contractor can prevent future issues. In addition, these repairs can improve the efficiency of your air conditioner, so you can spend less on your power bill each month.
