4 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairs

Without a prompt repair, a minor problem with your HVAC system, could turn into an expensive, inconvenient issue. In the hot summer weather of Peachtree City, Georgia, an HVAC breakdown will get uncomfortable fast. To save money and keep your family comfortable, contact a professional if you notice any of these signs that your air conditioner needs repairs.

An Uncomfortable Home

If you and your family feel hot even when your air conditioner has been working for hours and your utility bills are rising, try changing your HVAC system’s air filter. A dirty air filter reduces air flow through your home, forcing your air conditioner to work harder and increasing wear and tear. It can spread pollutants such as pet dander, pollen, dust, and biological growth through your home, lowering your indoor air quality (IAQ).

These contaminants can make your house dustier which can lead to eye irritation, sore throats, asthma or allergy symptoms, rashes, headaches, fatigue, and other health problems. For optimal IAQ, replace your system’s air filter once per month. You should also make sure your home’s air registers aren’t covered by carpeting or furniture. If your house still feels uncomfortable, you should have your HVAC system inspected by an expert. You could have a malfunctioning thermostat, leaks or gaps in your ductwork or insulation, an undersized air conditioner, a refrigerant leak, or another issue.

Unpleasant Smells

A dirty air filter can also spread unpleasant smells. Bad scents could come from biological growth or pest droppings in your ductwork. If your air conditioner isn’t running efficiently and reducing your indoor humidity in summer, you could start to notice musty or rotting smells. Bad smells could also come from water damage or a leak in your insulation that’s letting polluted indoor air inside our home.

A professional can find the source of the odor, eliminate it, and then help you make sure that it doesn’t return. If you notice a burning smell, you could have faulty wiring. Turn off your air conditioner and have it repaired as soon as possible.

Unusual Noises

With most types of air conditioners, you can occasionally hear air moving through your ductwork or the sound of your system’s fan. You could also hear occasional rattling from a loose screw or a clicking sound when your HVAC system turns on or shuts off. However, some noises often indicate a serious problem. Screeching or grinding could mean that some parts need lubrication or replacement. A whistling noise can indicate a leak in your ductwork, and scurrying sounds may point to pests in your ducts. Contact an expert if you hear any sounds that are out of the ordinary for your HVAC system.

Ice on Your Outdoor Unit

Air conditioners and heat pumps have a compressor with a fan that blows air over a cold evaporator coil in hot weather. Any condensation that forms on this coil could freeze, reducing your system’s airflow and keeping your system from transferring heat efficiently. Ice on your outdoor unit can raise your utility bills or damage your HVAC system. Some heat pumps can go through a defrost cycle to remove small amounts of frost or ice, but too much can cause excessive wear and tear.

Low refrigerant levels, malfunctioning wiring, a dirty evaporator coil, or a dirty air filter could cause ice on your outdoor unit. If you notice ice on your air conditioner in warm weather, turn it off until you can have it inspected. Let the ice melt and do not try to scrape or chisel it away. You could damage your unit and make the issue worse.

Trinity Air Inc. Heating and Air Conditioning has more than 25 years of HVAC experience. We can help you keep your family comfortable by making sure that your air conditioner works efficiently. We’ll also help you find the best air conditioning equipment to upgrade your system and improve your indoor air quality. For excellent, friendly service and 100% satisfaction from our friendly, knowledgeable technicians, call us anytime at (770) 691-5394.

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