As summer approaches, Texas residents know that having a properly functioning air conditioner is a must to beat the heat. While regular maintenance can help extend the life of your AC unit and prevent significant issues, unexpected problems can still occur. As a homeowner in San Antonio, you’ll want to address any AC issues right away to avoid being stuck with a malfunctioning unit during the sweltering summer months. In this blog, we’ll discuss signs that indicate your AC needs immediate repair. If you notice any of these indicators, don’t hesitate to contact a reliable AC repair in San Antonio to fix the problem promptly.
1. Clanging Noises
If you hear metal striking on metal within your AC system, turn it off right away. Loose mechanical parts could create this sound, or the cause may be bent fan blades. No matter what the issue, it can cause significant damage should you continue to run your system. Don’t ignore this noise. Consult with a professional AC maintenance San Antonio to take a look at it and make necessary repairs.
2. Grinding/Screeching Sounds
This is another noise that should not be ignored. It may be a sign of dirt along your motor bearings or worn down bearings. Grinding noises are common with a motor is about to burn out. Regardless of the cause, grinding or screeching sounds are both signs of a problem with your air conditioner motor. You may have to call on Air condition repair San Antonio, they may recommend a replacement rather than repair if the motor is too far gone.
3. Hissing Noise
This noise can be very subtle at first. If you notice a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner though, you shouldn’t ignore it. Usually, this sound is caused by refrigerant gas escaping from a leak in the lines or a loose connection. Losing refrigerant significantly impairs your AC system, as it is unable to effectively cool. Additionally, a refrigerant leak can lead to catastrophic damage to your compressor.
4. You Notice Odd Smells When The Unit Turns On
Your air conditioner should never smell bad. When it does, it’s a sure sign that something isn’t right. A strong burning smell could indicate that the insulation on the wiring has been burned, which can lead to a higher risk of fire. If you smell a musty odor, biological growth may have infiltrated the system. This issue should be addressed as soon as possible to keep your family healthy.
5. You Notice Leaking Around The Unit
You should address any kind of moisture leaking around your system right away. It could be a sign of is a refrigerant leak, which is a major issue. Refrigerant is significantly hazardous. Therefore, a professional should handle it to protect your health and safety.
Of course, the leak could also be water. Even though the water itself isn’t dangerous, the presence of a leak could indicate that the tube responsible for removing condensation from the unit has clogged. Either way, you should contact an HVAC professional to determine where the leak is coming from and repair it.
6. Your Utility Bills Have Begun To Skyrocket
While you’re likely to see some fluctuations in your utility bills, especially when the warm weather hits, sudden spikes aren’t typical. If your utility bill skyrockets for no apparent reason, it’s likely an indication that your system is no longer running efficiently. This could be due to broken parts or leaks that need to be repaired, or it could simply be a sign that a tune-up is necessary.
7. You Feel Warm Air Coming Out Of Your Vents
The purpose of your air conditioner is to deliver cold air through your vents to get your home to a more comfortable temperature. If you notice warm air coming out of your vents, it’s likely a sign that something is wrong with your system. It could be a bad capacitor, a clogged filter or low levels of refrigerant. No matter the case, call an HVAC professional to diagnose your problem before your AC system sustains more damage.
Conclusion
You can increase the lifespan of your air conditioner by performing regular maintenance. If you notice any of these seven signs, don’t hesitate to contact a reliable company like All Service Heating and Air in San Antonio to fix the problem promptly.