8 Signs That You Need AC Repair Services | The Woodlands, TX
The sweltering summers in The Woodlands, TX require a homeowner to have a functioning AC throughout the season. Having a properly functioning AC can improve the health and comfort of your house occupant. Like any other appliance, your AC undergoes mechanical wear and tear after a period of use, and when ignored, it can lead to inconvenient breakdowns. Most of the time, your AC will show signs of a problem before its breakdown. If you pay attention to your unit and seek AC repair early enough, you will prevent frustrations and gain control over your house’s comfort and safety. Watch out for the following signs.
Awful Smells
An AC shouldn’t produce any unpleasant odors; if it does, there is a problem. If you haven’t used your AC for some time and it produces a burning smell once you turn it on, it could be due to burning dust. This smell should clear off within 20 minutes. If it persists, there could be more serious issues like faulty wiring or electrical component failure. A rotten egg smell indicates a natural gas leak.
On the other hand, an exhaust fumes-like smell is a sign of a fluid leak. If your AC emits a moldy smell, you could be dealing with dirty air filters or a blocked drain pan. Call an AC repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
Unusual Noise
While some air conditioning units make low-level noise when starting and shutting down, loud continuous noises signal an underlying problem. When parts in the compressor loosen and start hitting the exterior framing, you might begin to hear some banging noise. A broken fan motor or damaged blower fan may cause a screeching sound. Never ignore hissing sounds from your AC. This could be due to a refrigerant leak which can cause health problems and affect the unit’s efficiency.
The AC produces rattling sounds when loose sticks, dirt, and leaves clog the condenser unit. A continuous clicking sound is an indication of thermostat failure. If your AC produces bubbling sounds, there could be excess moisture within the unit. Seek professional AC repair services as soon as possible to avoid multiple parts damage that calls for expensive repairs.
Humidity Issues
During humid summers in The Woodlands, TX, your AC should help reduce indoor moisture significantly. If you begin to note high moisture content in your house even when still running your unit, you might need AC repair. Sometimes, this can happen due to low refrigerant charges. If the refrigerant level is too low, the AC will struggle to draw out heat and humidity from the house. Damaged AC coils also affect the unit’s moisture removal capacity. Common high humidity signs include foggy windows, clammy air, and a mildew smell.
Water Leaks Around the AC
Your AC should remain dry at all times. If you see water around the unit, there could be a leak. One of the most common causes of AC leaks is a clogged condensate drain. The condensation from your house drains out of the AC through the condensate drain. If dirt builds up, it can clog the drain lines, causing water to back up. Low refrigerant levels may also cause water to freeze on the evaporator coils, and once the frozen water melts, it causes a leak.
Unexplainable Spike in Utility Bills
Seek AC repair services if your energy bills rise unexpectedly. If there is a refrigerant leak, your AC won’t be able to cool the house efficiently. It will have to work significantly harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in high energy use. Leaking ducts allow conditioned air to seep out. As a result, you will have to run your unit longer, resulting in increased energy bills. If the motor, capacitors, and compressor become faulty, they also reduce the AC’s efficiency.
Low Airflow
Put your hand near the air vent to determine the level of airflow. If you can feel the air blowing weekly, there could be a problem. The most common cause of low airflow is a clogged air filter. If dirt accumulates in the filters, it impedes airflow leading to uneven cooling. If you walk through your house and notice that some parts feel warm while others are extremely cold, seek AC repair services immediately. Blocked vents, leaks in the air duct, dirty coils, and oversized ducts are common causes of low airflow. When you call a professional AC repair technician, they will fix any issue and advise you on the best ways to keep all areas in your house at the perfect temperature.
The Unit Blows in Hot Air
Nothing is as inconvenient for any homeowner in The Woodlands, TX than having an AC that blows in hot air in the middle of summer. This can happen due to simple issues like a wrong thermostat setting or complex ones like clogged evaporator coils, a malfunctioning compressor, or a refrigerant leak. In other cases, the circuit breaker may trip, or a fuse may blow, cutting the power supply to the outdoor unit. The AC will struggle to remove heat from the indoor air and may blow back hot air. Call a professional to determine the cause of the problem and fix the issue.
Rapid AC Cycling
A perfectly functioning AC should cycle for about 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours. If your unit starts to cycle on and off more constantly, call a professional to inspect it. Several issues can cause your AC to short cycle, including dirty air filters, frozen evaporator coils, loose electrical connections, and oversized units. A professional will thaw the evaporator coils, repair wiring, and help you determine the right unit size for your house.
Schedule for AC Repair Today
Do not wait until your AC completely breaks down to seek emergency repairs. If you notice any of the above signs, have a professional inspect the AC and fix the issue immediately. Timely AC repair increases the unit’s efficiency, keeps your home comfortably warm, prolongs the unit’s lifespan, and prevents expensive replacements. Reach out to Mr. Reliable Heating & Air if you need assistance with your air conditioning unit.
Photo By pagadesign at istock
