Your central air conditioner is an appliance you depend on almost every day during the summer months. Unfortunately, your air conditioner will suffer wear over time and eventually need to be repaired. Here is an overview of four signs that your air conditioner is in need of service so you can call a technician before more serious damage occurs.
1. Strange Noises While Running
No air conditioner is completely silent while it runs, but you’ve probably learned to tune out the sound of your AC by now. So strange noises that occur when you use your AC can be quite alarming. Depending on the type of new sound that your air conditioner makes, you may be able to get an idea of the cause and its severity.
The primary noises you want to look out for are the metal-on-metal variety. Sounds like grating and grinding may point to a fan or other component inside the condenser that has come loose and started to scrape against the housing. Screeching and squealing noises can result from worn bearings.
These issues will require professional repair, so keep an ear out for any changes in the way your air conditioner sounds.
2. No Cold Air From Vents
Even if you get plenty of air from your vents, your air conditioner isn’t much use if it doesn’t cool your home. Lukewarm air from your AC is a problem that has several easy potential fixes; cleaning or replacing a clogged HVAC air filter and checking that your thermostat is set correctly may be all you need to do to keep your home cool and comfortable again.
Other times, a lack of cold air may be a more serious problem. Your system may have a refrigerant leak, which would prevent your air conditioner from removing enough heat from your home’s air.
3. Short Cycling
When your air conditioner cycles on and off more frequently than it should, you have a problem known as short cycling. A short cycling AC will struggle to meet the temperature set by the thermostat, as it doesn’t run long enough to properly cool your home. Short cycling also increases your air conditioner’s energy use, as it takes a surge of electricity to start the air conditioner each time.
Wiring problems in an interior board or sensor are a prime suspect that can keep your air conditioner from reading the environmental temperature correctly. If your central air conditioner was already installed in your home, it could be too large for the house and need to be replaced.
4. Frequent Freeze Ups
Sometimes the evaporator coils above your furnace or the refrigerant lines to the outdoor condenser will ice over on even the hottest days. An air conditioner that freezes frequently likely needs a refrigerant recharge by an HVAC professional.
Low refrigerant levels throw off the balance that transfers heat from inside your home to the outside. If the system doesn’t have enough refrigerant to absorb an adequate amount of heat, the remaining refrigerant will cause your air conditioner to freeze up. If you notice that your air conditioner has frozen up, turn it off immediately to thaw and contact an HVAC technician.
Central air conditioner repair isn’t a DIY task, so your best option is to watch for the signs of problems and take a proactive approach to AC service. If your air conditioner is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call us today at Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning so we can ensure you don’t get stuck without working air conditioning this summer. Our team is experienced and ready to repair your air conditioner.