It’s a terrible time to ignore your air conditioner. Texas is barrelling into yet another year of extreme heat, and an AC failure could be disastrous for your household.
Don’t wait for your AC units to fail before calling a professional repair technician. By checking for these five early signs of trouble, you can make sure your house stays cool all summer long.
Strange Noises
AC units are not quiet pieces of machinery, but the monotonous drone should stay familiar if it’s in good repair. You made need AC repairs if it starts making odd sounds while operating.
Keep an ear out for these telltale sounds of a failing AC:
- Clicking from the outdoor unit
- Gurgling, trickling, or bubbling
- Knocking or banging from the outdoor unit
- High-pitched squealing or metallic scraping
- Hissing or whistling
These signs can indicate worn components that are on the cusp of failure.
Unusual Smells
Strange smells can be early signs of severe health and safety threats. Generally, odors can indicate one of two issues: electrical problems or mold.
If you smell a burning or even fishy smell coming from your AC, you likely have faulty wiring damaging the insulation. Meanwhile, a musty stench of mold is a good sign that you may need to clean your ducts.
In either case, a strange smell stems from a dangerous problem. Contact an AC unit repairer immediately if you notice an aroma when your AC is running.
Poor Airflow
If your air conditioner takes longer than usual to bring the temperature down, check the airflow coming from your vents. If you notice a slight trickle, it could be a sign of a failing AC.
Try some DIY AC troubleshooting by checking for a clogged filter and swapping it out. If you still notice poor airflow, you may have leaks or clogs in your ductwork or a bad AC motor. In either case, you should contact an AC unit repair service for an inspection.
Faulty Thermostat
If your AC is running longer than normal or not turning on and off as it should, you may have a thermostat problem. As the control center of your HVAC, thermostat performance is tied to AC performance. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it may actually be caused by the AC not working correctly.
Moisture Buildup
While a small amount isn’t uncommon, substantial moisture coming from ducts or your AC unit could be a sign of trouble. If there is an excessive amount of moisture or you notice discoloration, you may have a refrigerant or condensate leak. AC chemicals are toxic, so any leak needs to be rectified immediately by a professional.
Schedule an Inspection and Tune-Up for Your AC Units
We’re all about added value at McWilliams & Son, so here’s a bonus tip: Check your utility bills.
If your bills are higher than normal, it could be due to your AC not working properly. Problems in the ductwork, thermostat or AC unit itself will make it work harder than it should. This causes greater energy consumption and a shorter lifespan in your unit, both of which can be avoided with an annual inspection.
To keep your house comfortably cool and your bills comfortably low, schedule an inspection and tune-up for your AC units. If you live in the Livingston, Lufkin, or Nacogdoches area, contact our team to set up an appointment today!
