Your air conditioner is an essential part of making your summers comfortable. It’s important to ensure it’s functioning properly during the hottest season, but it can be tricky to determine when it requires maintenance or a repair. Knowing the signs that your air conditioning needs a repair is helpful in preventing system failure or more costly repairs down the road.

If you see any of the following warning signs, it’s best to contact a professional technician for an air conditioner repair:

Output air is warm

If your system is blowing out warm air, it’s a clear sign something’s not functioning correctly. It could indicate a defective air compressor or low refrigerant levels. Make sure you contact a trained service technician to determine the root cause of the warm air to reduce the risk of further repairs.

Low airflow

If you notice little or no airflow coming out of the vents of your air conditioning system, this could indicate a blockage in the air ducts, an issue with the compressor, or a broken motor. Without proper airflow, the cool air will not circulate properly in the room.

Unusual or loud noises during use

Most air conditioners make a low-level noise as they are running. However, new and strange noises could indicate a problem with your unit. If you notice any unusual sounds coming from the air conditioner such as squealing, whistling, grinding, rattling, or buzzing, it’s time to call an HVAC professional to determine the root cause of the noise.  

Unpleasant odors 

Strange, foul smells from your HVAC unit are a clear sign your unit needs a repair. The smell could have many causes, but common ones include mold, electrical issues, or burnt insulation. Don’t wait to call an air conditioning service technician if you notice strange smells, as mold spores are harmful to your health.

Humid air

Your air conditioner should be able to moderate humidity levels in your home. If you notice sudden moisture and humidity in your home, your HVAC system is no longer functioning as it should. The humidity makes your home susceptible to mold and mildew growth, causing potential risks to your family’s health. 

The thermostat doesn’t work

The thermostat controls the HVAC unit and instructs components to function. If your air conditioning system is not responding to the commands, this is a clear sign your system needs a repair. Without a functioning thermostat, your HVAC unit is essentially useless!

High electric bill

If you notice a sudden and unexpected increase on your electric bill, your air conditioning system may be running inefficiently. It’s normal to notice a rise in utility bills during hotter months, but if you notice a spike in the costs that don’t align with the usage of your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.

 

Air conditioning systems are complex and have many components working together. When one part malfunctions, your air conditioner can lose efficiency and make your home a lot more uncomfortable to live in! Knowing these common warning signs are helpful in determining whether your AC system is in need of repair. Put your mind at ease and contact McMillin Air today for maintenance or a repair!