Your AC unit is one of the most important parts of your home. It keeps the house cool in the summertime and regulates the temperature overall. However, your AC doesn’t last forever and is susceptible to damage over time. Eventually, you’ll need to seek out repair service when the unit begins to malfunction. Here’s a look at how to tell if your AC needs repair work.
1. Random Noises
Random noises are never a good sign for an AC unit, as it means that there’s a loose part in the interior. When a nut or bolt is bouncing around the inside, it’s causing further damage or harm. Eventually, the section that relies on this part will come loose and cause the unit to stop functioning altogether. Even if the air conditioner is still working, it’s likely on the verge of failure. Noises can also stem from a disrupted airflow as the air exits the machine. Here, the AC could be consuming extra power in order to maintain its normal functionality. You might not notice a difference in practice, but your electricity bill with definitely take a hit. In either case, you’ll want to repair the system right away.
2. Room Temperature Air
If the air that comes out of the AC unit is at room temperature, the machine isn’t doing much work. Your house isn’t being chilled, and you could have to suffer through unbearable temperatures for the whole summer. Feel the air that’s blowing from the unit. Do you notice a difference between this air and the air in another room? If you want to be precise, take out a thermometer and measure the temperature in the two locations. At the very least, the air from the air conditioner should be within a few degrees of what you prescribed. You can even take multiple measurements at different prescribed temperatures. If you can bring all this information to an engineer, he or she will be able to quickly use the data to repair your unit.
3. Unresponsive to Commands
In some cases, the air conditioner is definitely cooling the house, but your inputs on the control panel don’t have any effect. If you want the fan to blow stronger, it doesn’t react. If you want to change the direction of the vents, it stays still as a rock. This means that something is wrong with the interface, and repair is necessary to get it back to normal. One action that you want to avoid is manually moving the AC. When the vents don’t move, you might be tempted to move them by hand. This is highly unadvised since it can cause permanent damage. Repair is a much safer option.
4. Foul Smells
As mold and mildew accumulate inside of the unit, you might notice foul smells coming from your AC. At first glance, mold doesn’t seem like a big deal. The air conditioner should maintain all of its functionality, right? While this is true, the mold can often eat away at the interior of your AC unit. Damage is being dealt that you can’t even notice. Once the mold forms a thick coating, the metal will deteriorate, and you’ll need a new cooling system altogether. Fortunately, foul odors can alert you to these occurrences. In particular, when your AC is set to high, you’ll notice a blatant odor coming from the vents. From here, you’ll either want to investigate or simply call for help right away.
5. End of Lifespan
Even if your AC unit is working decently well, it could still be time to look into repairs. No matter the quality of your air conditioner, these machines don’t last forever. They naturally undergo wear and tear over time, and you’ll need to repair them eventually. After a decade of use, it’s not a bad idea to proactively pursue AC repair. You’ll be able to touch up your cooling system before it fully breaks down and you’re left with a dysfunctional unit.
Air Conditioning Repair
In the case that you need air conditioning repair, don’t hesitate to reach out to IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. in Arlington Heights, IL, for a consultation. We’ll be able to assess your AC unit and determine the best course of action. Our team of professionals has the experience necessary to repair your air conditioner and give you full control over the temperature of your home. Call us today for more information. We can also handle heater installation, repair, and maintenance.