When a sudden hissing or banging noise comes from your AC during a hot summer day, it’s enough to inspire panic. Air conditioner maintenance is important for keeping your system functioning throughout the summer. By learning how to recognize common signs of AC problems, you can avoid costly air conditioner repairs and more serious issues.
Unusual Noises
Unusual noises are one of the first signs you need to call an AC contractor. Depending on the noise, there may be another problem in your air conditioning system.
Banging or Clanging: These noises may indicate loose or broken parts.
Clicking: Clicking noises are often due to electrical issues or a failing thermostat.
Hissing: A refrigerant leak or internal valve leak can often lead to hissing sounds.
Buzzing: You may hear a buzzing noise if there are electrical issues or loose components.
Whistling: Whistling sounds are often caused by low airflow, which may be due to a clogged air filter, damaged seals, or a blocked air vent.
Screeching: This kind of noise frequently indicates an issue with your blower motor or compressor.
Poor Airflow
When it comes to your AC efficiency, proper airflow is important. Other than reducing the air conditioner’s cooling efficiency, poor airflow can also lead to a frozen AC.
There are a few common causes of poor airflow.
Clogged Air Filters: Dirty or clogged air filters are the most common cause of poor airflow. These filters should be replaced or cleaned every 30 to 90 days, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Ductwork Issues: Inspect your ductwork for blockages or leaks, which could prevent air from reaching your rooms. Sealing the leaks and removing blockages can eliminate ductwork problems.
Failing Motor or Fan: If the airflow has decreased significantly, the motor or fan could be failing. When these problems happen, you need to call for professional air conditioning repair services because these aren’t HVAC issues that can be fixed on your own.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Inconsistent temperatures mean your system has underlying AC problems. Below are the most common reasons for fluctuating temperatures.
Thermostat Problems: When your system has calibration or sensor issues, it won’t sense the air temperature correctly. This can lead to fluctuating temperatures. To troubleshoot this issue, use a reliable thermometer to double-check the thermostat’s reading. Then, clean the sensor and try resetting the thermostat. If these steps don’t help, you may need to call a professional HVAC technician.
Refrigerant Leaks: Refrigerant leaks can lead to uneven cooling, among other potential issues. If you think you have a refrigerant leak, turn off your unit and call for a professional AC service right away.
Aging System: Sometimes, an aging system will struggle to maintain the temperature appropriately. In this situation, you can have an HVAC technician perform a maintenance check. Eventually, you may need to have your AC replaced.
Strange Odors
Strange odors are generally not a good sign. If you notice musty, burning, or chemical scents, schedule a professional AC service as soon as possible.
Musty Smells: Mold and mildew scents are typically due to mold and mildew in your AC system or the ducts. You may need to have these systems professionally cleaned.
Burning Smell: Anytime there is a burning scent, it indicates a problem with electrical systems or overheated components. These issues can potentially start a fire, so it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible.
Chemical Odors: A chemical odor or a sweet scent may mean there is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerants can be hazardous to breathe, so turn your AC off and arrange for an AC contractor to check out your system right away.
High Humidity Levels
The air conditioner is responsible for regulating your humidity levels, so high humidity levels indicate a problem. High indoor humidity can be caused by the following HVAC issues.
Improper System Size: When the AC is the wrong size, it may struggle to effectively dehumidify your home.
Refrigerant Issues: Refrigerant normally causes humidity to condense on the evaporator coil. Then, the AC collects and drains this water through the condensate drain line. If the refrigerant levels are incorrect, it can impact your humidity levels.
Maintenance Needed: Regular maintenance is important for achieving optimal performance. Some issues, like a clogged condensate drain line, can directly impact humidity levels in your home.
Frequent Cycling
If your AC is turning on and off frequently, it indicates a problem. Short cycling can also cause added wear and tear, which can lead to additional air conditioning repair costs in the future.
Thermostat Settings: When your thermostat is calibrated incorrectly or placed in the wrong location, it can lead to short cycling.
Refrigerant Leaks: Frequent cycling may occur with refrigerant leaks because the system has to struggle to maintain the appropriate temperature.
Electrical Issues: If there are electrical issues, it can cause short cycling. Typically, this happens if there’s a problem with the wiring or control boards.
Dirty Air Filters: When the AC struggles to push air through a dirty air filter, it can lead to frequency cycling. A new air filter should fix the issue.
Rising Energy Bills
When your energy bills increase, it means there are AC problems reducing your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Aging System: As an air conditioner ages, it becomes less efficient. Eventually, you will need a new one installed.
Lack of Maintenance: Improper maintenance reduces the energy efficiency of your AC.
Component Failures: If the motor, compressor, or other important components fail, it can decrease your AC’s energy efficiency.
Get Support for Your AC Issues
Whether you’re dealing with frequent cycling or unusual noises, it’s important to go to a professional AC Contractor for help. An experienced HVAC technician can diagnose the issue and perform air conditioning repair services. For the best results, it’s important to choose a reliable AC company that has a track record of positive testimonials.
