The air conditioner in your home has a big job to do. Keeping an entire home cool during the summer is a significant undertaking, and constant use can take a toll on your air conditioning system. Suppose you’re concerned that there may be a problem with your home’s heating and cooling system. In that case, this article will cover some common signs your air conditioner needs repair and recommend excellent AC repair professionals in Owasso, OK.
Reduced Effectiveness
The most common sign your air conditioner needs repair is ineffectiveness. Your heating and cooling system should always respond to your thermostat settings, so if the system is blowing warm air when the air conditioner is on, there’s a problem. Reduced effectiveness can be subtle, so monitor your air conditioner usage to ensure the system isn’t taking longer than usual to cool off the home.
Inconsistent Temperature
Another clear signal of a heating and cooling system problem is inconsistent temperature throughout the home. Hot or cold spots in certain rooms can signal air balancing issues, which clogged filters or ducts can cause. Aging motors or other components can also weaken the system’s pressure, leading to rooms further away from the unit receiving less air.
Increased Energy Bills
Air conditioning systems are massive appliances that require a significant amount of electricity. The temperature in your home is vital to your comfort, so the benefits of an air conditioner outweigh the higher energy bill. However, when something is wrong with your HVAC unit, the costs to operate the system can spike to unreasonable levels.
Higher electric bills can be a glaring sign your air conditioner needs repair. While energy costs will naturally go up during the hotter months of the year, monitor your energy usage and watch for spikes to ensure your air conditioner is continually operating at peak efficiency. Although repair and maintenance costs for AC systems can be expensive, the energy savings will benefit homeowners in the long run.
Noises Coming from Vents or AC Unit
While air conditioners generally make noise while operating, residents should monitor their AC unit for unusual noises. Scraping or banging noises can mean a component has come loose or a foreign object is in the system. Failing motors can produce different noises, but distinctive sounds are never good.
Whenever you notice an unusual noise coming from your unit, the first step is to power the system down. Continuing to operate the system can cause further damage, so the safest option is to leave the unit off until help arrives.
Unpleasant Odors
It’s crucial for the air from your air conditioning system to be clean and filtered, so any unpleasant odors coming from the vents are cause for concern. A few factors can lead to the air from your vents smelling bad, but each is a sign your air conditioner needs repair. Determining what type of smell you’re noticing can give an idea of the source of the problem.
For example, if the smell coming from your system is similar to that of mildew, it may be a sign of mold buildup. This smell is typically a sign that moisture is collecting somewhere in the system, creating an environment for mold to grow and thrive. Depending on the type, mold can be hazardous, so it’s essential to have a professional address this problem as soon as possible.
Other foul aromas from your system can signify other problems, most commonly clogged filters. The filters in your system clean the air that passes through your ducts, which can help reduce any smells that may be outside your home. However, when these filters wear and get dirty, they can start to lose effectiveness, and the air quality in your home can suffer as a result.
Electrical Issues
The heating and cooling systems in your home draw a lot of power, so it’s crucial to ensure the electrical system in your unit is well maintained. For example, if your air conditioner is regularly tripping the breaker in your home, it is likely a sign your air conditioner needs repair. However, the electrical system in your home is complicated and can be extremely hazardous to handle without proper training, so always leave electrical work to the professionals.
Signs of Smoke or a Burning Smell
One of the most serious signs your air conditioner needs repair is any sign of smoke or burning. Your air conditioner system has ducts running throughout your entire home, so smoke or fire is a serious concern. Additionally, the system uses a lot of power, so electrical fires can occur if wires wear down or fray.
Anytime you notice smoke or smell burning coming from your air conditioner, you should turn off the system and schedule an inspection immediately. If you’re still concerned about a fire, exit the premises and contact the fire department to ensure you and your family are safe. Burning smells from heaters are also a problem, so you may want to learn about the signs that your furnace is broken.
Aging Unit
While air conditioners are durable and well-crafted appliances, no piece of machinery can last forever. The average lifespan for most air conditioning units is around ten years, so homeowners should plan to replace the unit at least once per decade. If your system isn’t displaying any of the signs listed above but is older than ten years old, it still may be time for a replacement.
Choose a Reliable Repair Company
The heating and cooling systems in your home play an integral role in making it a comfortable place. However, when your air conditioner needs repair, it can be challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, causing multiple issues. With such an important appliance, it’s essential to choose an experienced and reliable company to conduct the repairs.
By reading this article, you’ve learned a lot of signs your air conditioner needs repairs. If you live in Owasso, Oklahoma, or the surrounding area, Quality Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is an excellent option for air conditioning repair services. If your AC system in Owasso, OK, displays any of the signs listed above, call Quality Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing at 918-212-0122 for prompt and affordable repair services.
