6 Signs Your AC Needs a Repair Before the Summer

Jayson Walla -

Summer is almost here, but is your air conditioning system ready for the heat? If the answer to that question was a cautious “I don’t know,” then you might want to call your local AC repair company for an inspection.

When the summer heat arrives in full force, those rusty appliances could cost you thousands in emergency repairs and lead to miserable, sweat-filled days come July.  But how do you know when it’s time to call your local AC repair guy? Here is a short list of warning signs to watch out for in the days leading up to summer.

  • Odd Noises

While humming and rushing air are not usually a concern, any knocking, growling, squealing or rattling could indicate serious trouble with the compressor or the condenser. It is advisable that you get a professional AC repair company to assess your AC system before the heat season.

  • Unusual Odor or Smell

An air conditioner should never give off peculiar smells. If yours does, it could be a sign of mold, damaged ductwork or malfunctioning components. All these issues require immediate repair if you do not want to end up replacing the unit.

  • Decreased Airflow

The primary sign of an air conditioning system that is working well is air flow. Airflow can become restricted in several ways; either there is a problem with the duct work, the fan, or there is a blockage or leak elsewhere in the system. Air ducts that are blocked by debris can pose a health risk, especially if this debris also consists of decomposing insects or the droppings of small animals.  Polluted air flow can cause the onset of respiratory disease or worsen an existing breathing problem. The best way to prevent these issues is to get air conditioning repair before the heat of summer sets in.

  • Excessive Cycling

Does your air conditioner turn on and off in short intervals? Your AC may be short cycling. If your unit seems to cycle on and off more than typical, it could mean that your thermostat is malfunctioning. It could also mean that cold air is escaping; check your home for leaks and add some weather stripping if needed.

  • Increase in Energy Bill

A power bill that suddenly shoots up without a corresponding bump in how often you are running your air conditioner is another strong indicator that your system is in need of repair or replacement. There are multiple causes for this particular issue, including leaks in your AC’s ductwork, a broken thermostat switch, or the advanced age of the unit. Regardless of the source of the trouble, the AC will need to be repaired.

  • Leaking Water

If you notice that your air conditioning system is leaking water, you need to contact your local air conditioning repair company sooner rather than later. Not only is this a sign that the AC unit is malfunctioning, but it may also lead to damage to your home. AC systems naturally create moisture and condensation, but in a properly functioning system this moisture should be flushed out through drain lines.

In Conclusion,

These are just some of the common warning signs to look for when checking on the condition of your AC unit. If you notice these or any other issues this spring, then contact a reputable HVAC repair company before the dog days of summer finally arrive.