When summer comes around in Anoka, MN, you expect your AC system to run without a hitch. Since you rely on your air conditioner on an ongoing basis, you’ll want to make sure your unit is ready to keep your home cool when you need it the most. In most instances, your AC will show signs of problems before they become major issues. As long as you can address these problems in a timely manner, your system should continue providing you with the best possible service for years to come. Following are common signs that you might need air conditioning repairs.
Unusual Sounds
Most AC units run rather quietly, so if you notice unusual signs coming from your unit, it may be time to contact a professional. You shouldn’t hear clicking, grinding, squealing or other sounds coming from your air conditioner. Unusual noises could be an indication of loose parts within the blower motor that simply need to be tightened. They could also be a warning sign of a failing system. If caught early on, resolving this issue could save you much time and money in the long run.
Strange Smells
If you smell musty odors coming from your AC system, it could be an indication of mold. If mold is left untreated, it can jeopardize you and your family’s health. A strong, unpleasant odor originating from the unit could be an indication of burning wire insulation. This issue should be addressed by a professional immediately to prevent the risk of fire. Strange smells coming from your AC unit could also point to clogged condensate drains, filthy cooling coils or mold growth within the ductwork.
A trained HVAC technician can clean your condenser coils and inspect your condensation lines for you. Most maintenance services also include cleaning the electrical connections and inspecting the thermostat, refrigerant levels and motors to ensure that no problems will impede your unit from functioning properly.
Poor Air Flow
Nothing’s quite as frustrating as turning your AC on only to discover that cool air isn’t coming from your ducts or registers. One of the most common signs that you’re in need of AC repair is inadequate air flow. In some cases, clogged air filters or something else minor may be the culprit. In more serious incidents, a broken motor, freon leaks, a malfunctioning compressor or shorts in the electrical connections could be the problem.
Before contacting an air conditioning specialist, first check your air filters to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. If you haven’t replaced your air filters in several months, this could very well be the source of your poor air flow. If your air filters are in good shape, consider scheduling an appointment with a technician. An experienced AC technician will be able to pinpoint the lack of air flow and recommend a course of action to fix the problem.
Frequent Cycling
Regardless of the weather, your air conditioning system should go through routine cycles. During warmer temperatures, it may turn on more frequently than it does during cooler temperatures. Your AC should never constantly cycle on and off. If you notice that your AC is cycling more frequently than normal, schedule an appointment with an air conditioning company. A simple tune-up may be all that is needed to resolve the problem.
Leaking or Freezing Pipes
A sure sign of condensation drain line blockage is evidence of leaking, freezing or puddling inside your home. Your condensation line is designed to remove moisture that builds up during the process of cooling your home. Whenever this line is leaking or blocked, moisture can freeze onto the coils, resulting in leaking or puddles on the ground. There’s also a good possibility that these issues are a sign of refrigerant leaks, which can be harmful for both humans and pets. Or, your drain pan may have been compromised by rust. Alternatively, the condensate pump could be malfunctioning.
In warm, humid weather, it’s not uncommon to see a small puddle of water under the condenser unit outside. However, in cooler weather, pooling water can actually cause your air conditioning unit to freeze up and quit working properly. You may need more refrigerant or have a blocked drain line or a broken condensate pan. If you see water forming around your air conditioning unit inside or out, don’t hesitate to contact an AC company for repairs.
Spiking Energy Bills
If you’re running your air conditioning system the same amount each day but notice a spike in your energy bills, this could be a sign that something’s not working right with your unit. In many cases, an increase in energy bills could be an indication of a failing system, either from its inability to function as normal or from malfunctioning mechanical parts that are running at such a high level for extended periods of time. While hiring an AC repair technician to address this issue may cost you initially, you’ll probably appreciate the long-term savings you’ll experience with your energy bills if you take care of the problem sooner rather than later.
High Humidity Levels
You probably expect sticky weather outside during warmer spring and summer months. However, you shouldn’t experience high humidity levels inside your home. Your AC system is designed to remove excess humidity indoors and maintain proper humidity levels automatically. If the moisture levels within your home aren’t kept within a comfortable range, you might need air conditioning repair. Your unit could need a basic recalibration, or it may be time to invest in a whole-home dehumidifier.
Warm Air Flow
If you discover that warm air is blowing out of your registers or ducts, check your thermostat. Verify that it’s set to cooling mode, and adjust the setting to a temperature that’s lower than your current temperature. If your unit continues to blow warm or hot air, the issue could be a problem with the compressor or restricted airflow. Neither issue is impossible to address, but you should definitely contact an air conditioning company for repairs before you continue running your system.
Won’t Turn Off
A dirty or clogged filter could prevent your air conditioner from cycling off when it’s supposed to. If you replace the filter but the problem still exists, you could be dealing with a stuck fan relay, a malfunctioning thermostat or a short in the thermostat’s wiring. If your system is older and it was improperly sized, your unit could be working too hard and encounter issues when trying to shut itself off.
Problem With Fan
If your air conditioning isn’t working properly, inspect the outdoor unit. If you notice that the fan isn’t spinning, your start capacitor may not be working, or the fan motor may be stuck. Before contacting a technician, first check your breaker box or fuse box. If a reset doesn’t take care of the issue, schedule an appointment with an HVAC specialist.
Since your air conditioning system is quite complex, whenever you discover a problem, it’s a good idea to leave repairs and maintenance to the pros. For reliable AC repairs in Anoka, count on the technicians at Liberty Comfort Systems. Our friendly and highly trained technicians can troubleshoot your AC unit to get it running at its prime again in no time. We specialize in performing quality heating and cooling services, including repairs, installations, maintenance plans, indoor air quality services and solar services.
