Spring is here and it won’t be long before the hot, steamy days of summer are back. This is always when your home’s air conditioning system seems to break leaving you needing ac repair fast.
Routine AC maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid the stress of not being able to cool your house in the upcoming summer months but meanwhile, watch for these signs that you’ll need AC repair this spring.
Your House Isn’t As Cool As It Used To Be
Your home used to be cool and refreshing, even on the hottest days, but recently you’ve noticed that your home isn’t quite as comfortable when the temperatures rise.
If your AC isn’t blowing cool air, this is a sign that it needs repair. The good news is that there are steps you can take to troubleshooting this situation.
First, check the thermostat to make sure that it is switched to “cool” and set to a comfortable temperature. This may sound like a no-brainer, but repair technicians frequently get called to homes, only to discover that the thermostat got bumped by mistake.
If the thermostat is turned on with the correct temperature setting, there might simply be a problem with the thermostat sensor which is also an easy fix. Try replacing the thermostat or changing the batteries.
Pro tip: This is a great time to upgrade to a programmable or “smart” thermostat. These high-tech gadgets can be set to turn on and off at certain times or even be adjusted from an app on your phone. This is a great way to lower your energy bill
If your thermostat is working and your home still feels hot, check to make sure all vents are open and unblocked so the cool air can flow freely into the room.
If these steps fail, it may be time to contact a professional for AC repair.
The Air Conditioner Won’t Turn on
A common question that people ask is “What does it mean if my AC won’t turn on?” The cooling system may not be responding appropriately to the thermostat, or maybe it won’t turn on at all.
First, check that the unit is turned on and that there aren’t any filters that need to be changed or other routine maintenance that need to be addressed.
Next, check your breaker box and be sure that all the switches are facing in the correct direction. An electrical fault in the system could release too much current and trip a breaker.
If everything seems to be in order there, it could be a problem with the compressor unit itself.
We recommend contacting us so our technicians can help troubleshoot further and get everything up and running again. R.E. Long Services is here 24/7 for emergency AC service calls like these!
There are Strange Sounds Coming from the AC
Your air conditioner should be making a fairly consistent humming sound. This is not noisy and it will usually blend into the background. However, if strange noises are coming from it, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong.
Strange sounds coming from the AC are not normal. They can be indicative of anything from a faulty compressor to a fan motor that has overheated.
If you hear loud groaning, creaking, grinding, or squeaking coming from your AC you may be tempted to watch a YouTube video and try to fix it yourself but air conditioners are complicated machines with various electrical, mechanical, and chemical parts. Plus, every brand looks a little different inside, so your unit may not look anything like the example you looked up online.
One wrong move while attempting a DIY repair could lead to costly repairs, the need for a whole new unit, or even physical injury to yourself. It’s always better (and safer) to call an experienced repair technician to come diagnose the problem and fix it right the first time.
Your AC is Leaking Fluid
Yikes! Your AC is leaking fluid. What should you do?
There are three main components to the AC system. They are a refrigerant, a compressor, and a condenser coil which is located in the outside unit.
The condenser coil contains a refrigerant called freon, which is used as a cooling agent in ACs and refrigerators. As the compressor blows warm air blows over the coil, the air is cooled before it it is blown into your home. During this process condensation forms, just like it would on a cold glass of water sitting on the table on a hot day. As the condensation accumulates on the coil, it drips into a pan and runs out through a drain line.
If the drain line becomes clogged by dirt, mold, or other debris, it could cause the water to back up and leak into your home. You should be able to clear the line yourself using a shop vac.
A pool of water around your AC unit can also be caused by a dirty air filter as well. As the air filter collects dirt, the air is blocked from moving across the condenser coil. Without warm airflow, the coil begins to freeze and ice crystals form. As the ice melts it drips from your unit into your home.
Unfortunately, all of the signs of a leaky AC are also signs that your coil could be leaking freon as well. Freon is a colorless, odorless gas that can slowly leak into your unnoticed until your family starts to become sick.
Freon can be toxic to humans and animals so you should never try to repair a freon leak yourself. It’s important to act swiftly and call for professional help right away if you suspect a freon leak.
There are Foul Smells Coming from the AC
A healthy AC system should never emit odd smells.
One of the most common causes of foul odors coming from air conditioners is mold. Mold blowing into your home can spread through your ductwork and trigger asthma and allergies in your family.
Other foul odors that you may detect coming from your AC system include an electrical odor or a burning smell. If you notice this, unplug your unit right away and do not plug it back in until it has been inspected by a professional.
If you notice that any strange smells are coming from the AC, make sure to contact a refrigerant repair company like R.E. Long Services.
Schedule Maintenance to Avoid AC Repair
The best way to avoid needing AC repair this spring season is to keep up with routine maintenance. A bit of preventative care can save you a bundle on AC repair later.
Some basic spring maintenance tips for your air conditioning include:
- Check the condenser coils for ice or tiny air bubbles that could indicate a leak
- Clean and lubricate any tight connections in your air conditioner for maximum efficiency
- Make sure you keep the inside of your cooling coil clean as it will ensure better performance from the system
- Don’t forget to change out old filters regularly to deter mold and allow for free airflow
- Schedule routine AC maintenance from a trusted company
Get Spring AC Repair from R.E. Long Services
Summer is coming and you’re going to want to stay cool, but if your air conditioner is acting up, you’re going to need some AC repair this spring. Luckily, we’re here to help.
If you notice any of the warning signs we’ve discussed and you suspect that you’re going to need some air conditioner repair, get the experts at R.E. Long Services on the case, and they’ll be able to help you get through the summer without any issues.
Let us help you stay cool without breaking the bank. Call us today to book an appointment. We’re on call for your comfort!