6 Clear Signs You Need Home AC Repair

One of the most annoying things during the summer is hot weather. But you know what’s even more annoying than that?

Being stuck in a home house with a broken air conditioning unit.

You should have your air conditioner inspected for damages at least once a year, and the best time to do this is during the cold, winter months when you don’t need it. But sometimes you can’t wait another year to get it repaired.

Take a look at these six signs your air conditioning system needs a home AC repair.

1. The Energy Bill Keeps Getting Higher

If your energy bill comes back a little higher every month, that is a sure sign your air conditioning system needs to be repaired.

Even though it may seem like everything is working as it should, a higher bill means the air conditioning system is pushing itself harder and needs more energy to run. If that’s the case, there’s definitely something that’s not quite working right inside your unit.

It may take a few months to realize the increase in your bill, but as soon as you find it, you should call a home AC repair unit as soon as you can. The longer you wait to call, the more likely that something that’s not working inside your system will give out and break completely.

You should also consider getting your system repaired, or at least checked out by a professional, if you’ve had to spend a lot of money on it in the past. Buying new parts or paying for small fixes repeatedly probably means there’s a bigger problem in your system somewhere.

2. You Find Moisture In Places That Shouldn’t Be Wet

Finding moisture means there’s a leak somewhere, and if you don’t deal with the leak you could suddenly be growing mold in your house.

This is especially bad if the leak causes mold to grow inside the air ducts. Every time you turn on the air conditioner, the air blows mold spore through the entire house. Instead of keeping the house comfortable, the unit will spread mold from room to room, which can cause some serious health issues.

But a water leak is the best case scenario.

The moisture you find could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant is leaking, your system won’t run as well as it should, but refrigerant leaks can also be a dangerous hazard to your family and the environment.

Whenever you spot moisture, especially if you aren’t sure where it’s coming from, you should schedule a home AC repair.

3. The Air Flow Is Bad/Your AC Only Cools Some Rooms

Poor air flow can mean a few things. Either you have something wrong with your system and it’s not as powerful as it was before, or there is a buildup of dirt and other grime blocking the vents.

If your vents are blocked, the airflow will feel bad even though it’s not. Instead, it’s the blockage that keeps the right amount of air from getting through and cooling the house.

Blocked vents could also cause your air conditioning unit to cool some rooms and leave the others warm and stuffy. This means the blockage is so large it’s not letting hardly any air through at all.

Blocked vents are problematic because, not only do they keep the house from cooling off, they also spread things like dust, dirt, hair follicles, pollen, and other debris through the house.

4. You Hear Loud Sounds

You air conditioning system will always make some noise, but that noise should be quite. If you have loud screeching, grinding, or thumping sounds, you have a problem on your hands.

Something inside the system has either slipped out of place or isn’t performing the way it should. Ignoring these sounds could allow the problem to get worse. Eventually, the part or pieces of the unit that aren’t working will give out altogether, leading to some costly repairs.

Besides, sounds like these can be annoying to deal with during the long, hot season. If you run the unit at night, they may even keep you awake or give you a bad nights sleep.

5. You Smell Bad Odors Coming from Inside Your Air Conditioner

There are two main types of smells that can come from inside your system, and both are bad news.

Foul smells probably mean the wiring of your system has burned out. If this type of problem isn’t addressed immediately, it can lead to some even more expensive fixes.

A musty smell means you have mold growing in your air ducts. We’ve already talked about the dangers of running your air conditioning unit when there’s a risk of mold, so if you smell this scent, you need to call a home AC repair professional immediately.

Noticing smells is just as important as spotting leaks or hearing sounds. If left alone, these smells can get worse, meaning your entire unit could give out or your family’s health could decrease.

6. Your System Is Over 10 Years Old

You may think your system is doing okay, but if it is this old, it probably isn’t. As the unit ages, it will require more energy to run properly and keep the house cold (which may be something that leads to higher energy bills).

Remember, you don’t want your air conditioner to break down in the middle of the summer, and if your system is over 10 years old, the chances of it giving out are pretty high.

You should get your air conditioning system check at least once a year for repairs, so if you haven’t done that in several years, call a home AC repair professional while it’s still cold outside.

Stay On Top Of Your Home AC Repair

If you notice any of these warning signs, your air conditioning unit needs to be repaired. A broken unit isn’t just annoying, it can cause health hazards for you and your family.

But we can get you the help you need. If you aren’t sure where to start with your home AC repairs, give us a call. We’ll not only find your problem, we’ll make sure we repair it right.