How to Know If Your AC Needs Immediate Repair
A faulty air conditioner (AC) can ruin an otherwise warm, cozy summer afternoon.
A malfunctioning AC system may cause annoying fluctuations in ambient temperature, making staying indoors uncomfortable during warmer weather. Besides, AC breakdowns might lead to certain rooms heating up while others remain unbearably cold.
Due to an air conditioner’s significant role in regulating indoor temperature, frequent inspections are necessary to ensure the unit remains in peak working condition. That entails identifying and fixing early warning signs of malfunction.
Below are the tell-tale signs that your air conditioner system requires urgent repairs.
1. AC Is Past Its Lifespan
One of the most reliable signs that your AC requires urgent repair is if the unit is well past its lifespan.
Air conditioners can last over 10 years with proper maintenance and care. Recheck your model’s user guide for its actual durability. Even if your older air conditioner unit doesn’t show visible signs of malfunction, it’s best to schedule immediate repairs or replacements.
Contact a licensed AC repair Tulsa technician in Tulsa for an extensive inspection of your air conditioner unit. The company will advise whether to repair the appliance or overhaul the entire system.
2. AC Only Blowing Warm Air
Air conditioners are primarily meant to deliver cool air to their surroundings.
If your AC unit is only blowing warm air from the vents, this could indicate issues with the thermostat. Check that the thermostat is properly set to cooling mode. If the problem persists, it might be due to blockages in the airflow, reduced refrigerant levels, or compressor issues. Contact an AC technician for proper diagnosis and repair.
3. Increased Humidity in Ambient Air
High humidity levels can trigger a host of health concerns.
According to research, high indoor humidity may cause respiratory illnesses, impact on eye symptomatology, and diminish workplace productivity. Air conditioners are generally effective at regulating ambient humidity. If indoor relative humidity exceeds 50%, that’s an indication that your AC is malfunctioning.
4. Frequent AC Cycling
Air conditioners follow a preprogrammed cycle, during which they turn on and off rhythmically.
Typically, ACs turn on and remain in that state until the desired temperature is attained. They then turn off until the ambient temperature requires reading. An AC unit that goes through the On-Off cycle more frequently may require urgent repairs.
5. Vents Blowing Little Air
Sometimes air conditioners blow little air from the vents, a sure indication of ductwork blockage.
Depending on the severity of the clogging, the equipment may blow out no air at all. Scheduling urgent inspections can help fix the problem before it renders the entire system dysfunctional.
6. Odd Noises
Air conditioners make a consistent humming sound while in operation. However, beware of noises you’ve never heard before.
Grinding or screeching sounds suggest issues with the motor bearing or other metallic components rubbing against each other. Meanwhile, banging or clanking sounds indicate loose parts, while clicking or buzzing noises point to electrical problems.
7. Strange Odors
Foul odors from air conditioners could be due to various reasons.
Musty smells typically result from mold or mildew growth within the appliance’s internal components. It’s solid proof that your AC has gone for months without thorough cleaning. If you pick up a burning odor, there’s a decent chance some electrical wires will have melted.
8. Thermostat Won’t Work
The thermostat is a critical component of an AC unit, signaling when the device should turn on and off.
Therefore, a faulty AC thermostat can have devastating consequences, especially during summer’s sweltering heat. Check that your thermostat is working smoothly. If the device won’t run at all or runs quite erratically, that’s your cue to contact a Tulsa AC repair company.
9. AC Leaking
Air conditioners come with refrigerants that constantly circulate throughout the unit. Besides, central ACs are meant to drain condensate.
Although some condensation on your AC’s exterior surface is normal, beware of water pooling around the equipment’s indoor unit.
Ignoring standing water can damage both your AC system and the adjacent wall. It’s the leading cause of mold and mildew growth, which can pose severe health hazards to your household.
10. Circuit Breakers Frequently Tripping
Tripping circuit breakers is most certainly an indication of electrical malfunctions.
It usually occurs when wires melt internally, causing their exposed conductors to connect or rub against other metallic components. Have a licensed AC technician inspect your system immediately. Without timely interventions, the problem can lead to overheating and dangerous explosions.
11. High Electric Bills
This is perhaps the only sign of a malfunctioning air conditioner that doesn’t show on the appliance itself. So, it can escape your notice long enough.
Track your monthly energy expenses for anomalous patterns. If you notice unexplained spikes in energy bills, it’s best to schedule immediate AC inspections for proper diagnosis.
An AC technician will repair your air conditioner unit and restore it to full operation, thereby minimizing your energy costs.
Optimizing Your AC’s Efficiency With Professional Maintenance
While you can undertake basic air conditioner maintenance procedures – such as cleaning the outdoor unit and checking the thermostat settings – by yourself, technical repairs are best left to the professionals.
Working with a reputable AC company in Tulsa ensures that every repair is conducted correctly and safely, optimizing the unit’s performance.
It’s also best to have a licensed air conditioner technician inspect your unit at least twice annually. By scheduling routine inspections, you can identify issues with your AC system and repair them before they escalate into major appliance breakdowns.
