With the weather slowly warming up, when was the last time you checked your AC unit, and whether it’s summer-ready?
As far as functionality goes, air conditioning units that sit dormant for a long time might not operate as well as you remember. But what causes a broken AC and when is it time to call in the experts?
Let’s do some AC troubleshooting – read on for more.
Signs Your AC Isn’t Working
Is Your AC Constantly Running?
Air conditioners work on an intermittent basis – meaning that they should turn off periodically. This prevents important components from wearing down too quickly while keeping your energy bill in check.
If your AC unit fails to turn off periodically, there could be something amiss. Most of the time, it could relate to an issue with your compressor, thermostat, air filter, or other electrical parts.
If you can’t turn off the AC unit by shutting off the thermostat, it’s a good time to contact a professional.
Your AC Isn’t Turning On at All
This is a no-brainer, but you have an issue if your AC won’t turn on and engage at all. Even if you attempt to lower the thermostat setting and it still won’t turn on, it’s time for a consult from a professional.
Some of the possible causes include issues with your circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat, or wiring problems.
Your AC Blows Air, But It Doesn’t Cool
Your AC unit might turn on just fine and begin blowing air, but if this air doesn’t begin to cool after a few minutes, there’s an issue at play.
This is usually a simple issue that’s an easy fix. Most of the time, your AC unit could have a worn blower belt or low refrigerant levels that need topping up. You could also have a tripped circuit breaker.
Make sure to call in an AC and heating contractor to give your unit a much-needed tune-up. Regular maintenance can also keep these issues at bay.
The AC Unit Only Blows Hot Air
Is your AC system only blowing out warm or hot air? This is not ideal heading into the warmer months.
If this is the case, your unit most likely has an old or dirty air filter, an obstruction in the air ducts, or an overheating compressor. Debris or dirt build-up tends to cause overheating. Again, the refrigerant levels could also need replenishing.
It’s important to keep your AC unit well-maintained by replacing the air filters every two months or so. You should also schedule duct cleaning at the start of all new major seasons to avoid this common issue.
Your AC Unit Leaks Water or Refrigerant
While it’s reasonable to notice some condensation on the outside of your AC unit, it’s not normal if there is excessive moisture pooling around/underneath it.
This is a clear sign you have an issue with the water drainage in your unit due to blocked pipes or damaged condensate pumps. Detecting a refrigerant leak is sometimes a little trickier because it tends to happen within the coolant lines.
However, if you notice a bright stain on the floor/carpet near your AC unit, this is an obvious sign of leaking refrigerant. It’s important to turn off your AC and get in touch with a professional team as soon as possible.
An air conditioner that runs with low refrigerant levels can lead to major damage within the compressor – a costly item to replace!
The Unit Turns On and Off at Random
If you notice that your AC unit starts turning on and off at random intervals, as opposed to its regular cooling cycle, this is not normal.
Your air conditioner runs on a set cooling cycle. It should off once it’s completed a full cycle, then turn on again for a new one. When there is an issue with the compressor, this cycle becomes compromised.
Other simpler issues at play could be a clogged air filter or a miscalibrated thermostat. In other cases, your AC unit could actually be too powerful for the space it’s cooling/heating.
If you notice an unusual on/off cycle, call an AC contractor right away. They can assess the issue at play and advise whether the unit is the right fit for the space.
Having the right sized air conditioner in your home can make all the difference to your energy bill at month’s end.
The Unit Produces Strange New Smells and Sounds
There are usually two types of odors that homeowners complain about – a burning smell or a musty smell coming from the AC unit. Most of the time, these smells come directly from the AC vents.
If you’re smelling a burning odor, this could point to an issue with the AC motor and potential wiring problems. Clogged air filters can cause your AC unit to overheat which can also result in a burning smell.
If you smell a musty odor coming from your unit, this is a sign of poor drainage. Moisture build-up within your AC can lead to mold growth, hence the musty odor.
If either of these odors is an issue when you run your AC, rather turn it off and wait for an inspection from an experienced contractor. They can do a quick once-over to assess the issue and some much-needed system maintenance.
It’s normal for your air conditioner unit to make sounds when it turns on and off. But if you begin to notice any unusual or overly loud vibration, squealing, or grinding noises, this is an issue.
This is a sign of an urgent issue and must be rectified sooner rather than later. Squealing or grinding sounds point to a problem with motor bearings or a misaligned belt.
Contact Birch Heating and Cooling for AC Repair in Dyersville, IA and Surrounding Cities
Birch Heating and Cooling Fireplace and Patio is your local go-to in the Dubuque region if you’re looking to get your home summer-ready. Whether you have a broken AC unit or one that needs maintenance, or replacement, we have the experienced team to meet your needs.
We are proud to service the Asbury, Dubuque, and Dyersville areas – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule your next AC check-up before summer hits.
