Air conditioning problems always seem to arise at the most inopportune times. Often, on extremely mild days, an old or faulty air conditioning system will be pushed beyond its capabilities. Having a well-functioning air conditioner is important for your family’s comfort and health, and this can be easily managed with regular air conditioning maintenance. You can avoid costly air conditioning repair services by identifying small problems early before they become big problems. In other words, familiarize yourself with these ten signs that your air conditioning unit needs repair or replacement. 

Air conditioning system blows hot air : Air conditioners have a specific function: to keep your family comfortable during the hot, humid summer months. During the hottest months of the year, you need an air conditioner that works well. However, if it doesn’t blow cold, refreshing air instead, contact an HVAC technician for help.

AC thermostat not working : Your air conditioner’s thermostat is the control center of the system. The thermostat communicates with the air conditioner, telling it how much cold air to produce. Additionally, he takes steps to ensure that he does his job. If your air conditioning unit runs briefly before turning off, or if it does not turn on completely, this may indicate that the thermostat is not accurately determining whether the system is operating or not. If you are experiencing this problem, you will also want to have it looked at by a qualified HVAC professional because of the complex electrical components involved.

Less air escapes from the vents : Similar to the hot air problem, there is the problem of low airflow. You can feel cool air when you turn on the air conditioner, but it escapes very weakly, making it unable to circulate in the room. In many cases, this indicates a damaged compressor, but it can also indicate a pipe problem. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this issue, it is best to contact an HVAC technician for adjustments. A professional has the knowledge and experience to ensure that there are no more serious problems in the future.

Loud noise inside the air conditioner unit: When turning on the air conditioner, if you hear hissing, hissing or rubbing sounds, there may be a problem with the moving belt inside the machine. Contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible to avoid costly damage to other rooms.

There is a strange smell: Air conditioners are not expected to have an unpleasant odor. If this happens then there is a problem. In this case, a strong odor could indicate a blown wire inside the unit, while a musty smell could indicate there is mold somewhere inside the unit or pipes. It is essential that a professional diagnose this problem as soon as possible, as it could make you and your family sick.

The air conditioner does not remove enough moisture: One of the jobs of an air conditioner is to reduce the humidity in your home. Even in climates with low humidity, the air retains a small amount of moisture. If you begin to notice moisture in your home while the air conditioner is running, the unit may need repair.

Air conditioner problems occur more often : If your unit needs air conditioner repair service at least three or four times in a few months, it may be time to buy a new one and forget about other repairs.

Freon or water leak around the condenser : Any moisture leaking into or around your air conditioning system is a problem. This could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. Freon is toxic, contact a specialist immediately. However, in less severe cases, this moisture can come from a broken or clogged tube that is releasing condensation. This problem can manifest itself in many ways. In some cases, you will see water leaking from the HVAC system; while other times, ice can form inside your air conditioning unit on the copper refrigerant lines located on the outside of the condenser. Either way, this is a warning sign that you need to contact an HVAC professional.

Electricity bills increase : Another sign that your air conditioning system needs to be replaced or repaired is that your energy bills are increasing rapidly without additional use. The cause of this problem could be one of many things, including a broken thermostat switch, a leak in the HVAC system’s pipes, or an old air conditioner. Whatever the cause, your device needs repair.