Three Common Signs Your AC Needs To Be Repaired

Air conditioners are no strangers to the ravages of time. Every minute of operation brings debris and dust with it. Filters become clogged, fins are bent out of place, and electrical connections become loose. Without routine maintenance, your system will break down, but the signs are often subtle.

An efficient air conditioner operates invisibly, emitting no unusual noises or odors. You might have a blockage or electrical fault if you’ve noticed unexpected scents or overheating. Air conditioners are equally prone to overheating, which can quickly destroy expensive components. The cause is often as simple as an old filter or refrigerant leak, but you might need a new fan or capacitor. Let’s take a closer look.

It’s Blowing Hot Air

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air on a scorching day, you’re at risk of a more substantial breakdown. Always treat excess heat as a serious problem. If you’re lucky, you might have an easily repaired blockage or refrigerant leak, but if you’ve experienced a tripped breaker, your outdoor condenser might have powered off. If you experience another trip, leave it off and call for a repair.

Your air conditioner produces water as a byproduct that’s eliminated via a drainage system. If this line becomes clogged or develops a leak, you might need a technician’s assistance. Before you call your trusty Rick’s technician, check that your thermostat is correctly set and the batteries are still functional.

It’s Making Strange Noises

Air conditioner maintenance is imperative to a healthy, durable system. Without an annual service, your unit might become noisy, but not all sounds are serious. You might hear:

Banging

A faulty compressor usually causes this. Components may have worked themselves loose, causing detached parts to hit your compressor’s frame.

Screeching

A faulty fan motor usually causes this sound. Damaged bearings or a broken fan belt might also be the culprits.

Humming

Faulty contactor relay switches tend to make a humming sound. The problem could involve your electrical components, so it’s best to turn your system off until your AC unit repair team arrives.

Buzzing

Buzzing can indicate a hazardous breakdown. Your fan blades might be unbalanced, but you may also have a refrigerant leak. This often leads to overheating, which could destroy an important component.

Clicking

Your system should click when you turn it on, but your thermostat might be faulty if you notice a continuous noise. Rattling is often caused by debris intrusion.

It’s Emitting Unpleasant Smells

Your air conditioner vent should be completely odorless, so if you notice a new scent, assume it’s time to call your AC maintenance team. Every odor has its potential cause.

Mildew

A musty scent could indicate a flaw with your drainage line. A moist unit can quickly develop a mold infestation, so treat this as urgent.

Stagnant Water

The scent of stagnant water is often easily repaired with a quick clean, but if this doesn’t remedy the problem, your drainage system might be clogged.

Rotting

A rotting scent could indicate an injured animal has died in your ductwork. This problem is more unpleasant than it is hazardous.

Burning

Always treat burning as urgent. It could indicate an electrical fault that can quickly become a fire hazard.

Exhaust Fumes

This is another urgent symptom that could indicate a hazardous fluid leakage.

Why Choose Rick’s Heating and Cooling for Your Air Conditioning Repairs?

At Rick’s Heating and Cooling, we know that repairs come with budgetary constraints, so we offer free estimates upfront. Busy days can be repair days because we give our clients a two-hour scheduling time frame. Our 24/7 urgent repair service will soon restore your comfort if your system breaks down amid a heat wave. We’re a BBB-accredited company with 30 years of industry experience. Our clients are our family, so we’ll treat you with integrity and care. Whether you need a simple central air repair or a comprehensive installation, Rick’s Heating and Cooling offers quality you can trust.

Cool down with an AC repair from Rick’s Heating & Cooling. Schedule your next service online today.