Telltale Signs Your Air Conditioning Unit May Be In Trouble
Many homeowners are unable to identify troubling signs of a faulty air conditioning unit. If signs are not quickly identified and corrected, you may be in store for an unpleasant surprise when you receive your monthly utility bill. It is also important that you address signs of disrepair promptly so that you can avoid expensive repair bills. Here are some telltale signs your air conditioning unit may be in trouble and how an HVAC services technician can help:
Warm Air Coming Out Of The Vents
If warm air comes out of your air vents instead of cold air when your air conditioner goes on, it's time to call in an HVAC contractor. This is one of the most common signs that something is amiss with your unit, and needs to be addressed right away.
If left unaddressed, your compressor may need to be replaced, instead of repaired. Another reason why warm air may be blowing out of your vents instead of cool air is that your refrigerant, or cooling agent, level may be low. When the cooling agent is low, you may have a leak in your system. After the leak has been repaired, the cooling agent can be replenished, restoring proper airflow and temperature.
Unusual Noises
Abnormal sounds coming from your air conditioning unit, such as grinding, grating, or humming, may indicate the need for repairs or even replacement of the entire unit. An HVAC services technician will need to identify the sounds and determine where they are coming from.
The most common causes of unusual sounds in your heating and cooling system are worn or broken belts or broken bearings. If one or both of these problems is the culprit, it will be an easy and cost-effective fix. If you hear buzzing sounds coming from your outside air conditioning unit, it may mean that the blades of the fan are loose, the fan is broken, the condenser coil is dirty, or you have a bad blower.
Bad Smells
Unpleasant odors coming from your air vents are never a good sign. It can mean that your air ducts are clogged with animal fur, pet dander, or even infested with mildew and black mold spores. An HVAC contractor can locate and identify the odor, and if the smell is thought to be related to pet hair or dander, the vents can be cleaned easily. Conversely, if mold and mildew growth is present, you may need to contact a mold specialist for further evaluation and mitigation.
If mold spores escape into the air in your home, it can have dangerous health effects on those with breathing problems, allergies, asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Although a minor mold infestation can be cleaned so that it does not pose a significant health danger, severe infestations or infestations that occupy multiple locations in your ventilation system may necessitate the replacement of the entire ductwork system in your home.
If moisture gets into your ductwork as a result of a leak, mold may quickly develop. If your HVAC technician tells you that you have a mold problem, contact a roofing specialist, who can check your shingles and chimney flashing to determine if you have a leak. If you do, the appropriate repairs will prevent further leakage and moisture buildup inside your ventilation system.
Contact an HVAC services company like Apollo Heating & Air as soon as possible if you notice any of the above signs. When repairs are made early on, you might avoid high electric bills and unexpected costly repairs. You may also enjoy better air quality and comfort, and the life of your heating and cooling system may be extended.