There’s usually never a good time when your air conditioner breaks down. During a long heat wave, it only takes a minor malfunction to make your house hot, stuffy and uncomfortable. You can avoid aggravating the situation by noticing the problem sooner and scheduling AC repair as soon as possible.
Why Is Summer Heat So Bad for Air Conditioners?
When it’s hot outside, your air conditioner is forced to work longer and more often. The extra strain is placed on the compressor, fans, capacitors and other vital parts of the AC. Parts that are old or weak will break when they’re pushed to their limit.
Your AC’s outdoor unit must also be able to reject heat while it is surrounded by hot air. If your condenser coils are dirty, the airflow is impeded or debris blocks the outdoor unit, the AC won’t be able to effectively get rid of heat. As a result, your AC will have to work harder to cool your home. This adds to the wear and tear, and you’ll spend more money on power bills.
Extended periods of summer heat take a heavy toll on AC units, particularly those that don’t receive regular upkeep. While all ACs eventually fail, preventative maintenance and AC repair can keep things running smoothly for as long as possible.
Signs You Need AC Repair
Air conditioners don’t necessarily fail suddenly. Many times, there are indicators that your AC needs repair well before it completely shuts down. The following are common symptoms of a failing air conditioner:
- Cool air blowing from the vents isn’t cool
- Airflow from certain vents is weak
- Your AC is turning on and off too frequently
- Your AC makes strange noises, such as buzzing, rattling, grinding or squealing
- Water or ice is accumulating near your indoor unit
- Your power bill is going up unexpectedly
- Your AC isn’t achieving the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat
- There are musty or burnt smells emanating from your AC when it’s running
Noticing these signs early and making the necessary AC repairs can save you more money and time in the long run. Continuing to run a malfunctioning AC can make a relatively minor problem worse. For example, reduced airflow can lead to the evaporator coil freezing up. Additionally, an electrical issue could cause the compressor to fail.
Why It’s Important To Get Your AC Checked Promptly
Many issues can lead to the same AC problem. Low airflow, for instance, can occur due to clogged coils, low refrigerant, a bad electrical connection or a broken compressor. Simply replacing a part without determining the real issue is a waste of time, and the original problem will likely persist.
A trained HVAC tech can perform a thorough inspection, test various parts and identify the root of the problem. The AC Repair may require fixing an electrical connection, replacing a bad capacitor, clearing a clogged condensate drain line, repairing a refrigerant leak or restoring normal airflow.
Additionally, ACs contain dangerous elements, including high-voltage electricity, moving parts and pressurized refrigerant. It’s not safe for anyone without proper training or equipment to attempt AC repair. Doing so can ruin your AC or even hurt you.
What Can I Do Before The AC Tech Arrives?
If your AC is running but not keeping your home cool, ensure your thermostat is set to “cool” mode and check your air filter to see if it’s dirty. Make sure all air supply vents are open and free of obstructions. Check around the outdoor unit to see if there is any dirt or debris and remove it. Do not remove the cabinet to get to the condenser coils.
Turn off your AC if it smells like something’s burning, sounds excessively loud or keeps tripping the circuit breaker. Switching off the AC can prevent further damage until the HVAC technician gets here. Use portable fans, close your blinds and limit your use of ovens, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers to help keep your home cooler.
Before the technician arrives, figure out when the problem started and whether it has been constant or intermittent. Make the model information for the unit and its service history available. If you know where the indoor and outdoor units are located, clear a path to them.
How to Keep Your AC Running During the Next Heat Wave
While timely repairs will keep your home comfortable, preventative maintenance can help your AC run well through the next heat wave. Clean components, clean airflow and prompt replacement of worn parts will put less unnecessary strain on your AC.
When the heat pushes your AC to its limit, taking swift action is important. You can keep your AC in good shape by looking out for the signs of a failing air conditioner and having the problem diagnosed by an experienced HVAC technician. The sooner you address the issue, the sooner you’ll have a functional air conditioner and cool air in your home.