Subtle Signs Your Old Air Conditioner Needs Repairs
Posted on: 4 August 2023
Being left without air conditioning in the summer isn't much fun and can even be dangerous in really hot areas. If you have an old air conditioner, you may have resigned yourself to the idea that it will quit and leave you sweating one day. But this does not necessarily have to be the case. You can instead watch out for these early signs that your old AC is about to have it fail and have it repaired before it completely quits on you.
Reduced Airflow
How powerfully is the air flowing out of your vents? You should feel that the air is coming out with some force. If you put your hand in front of the vent and can barely feel the air flowing out, that means your air conditioner's fan is likely struggling and may soon fail completely. An HVAC contractor can often repair the fan without having to touch the rest of the system.
Short Cycling
An air conditioner should run a few times per hour, at most. When it turns on, it should remain on for a significant amount of time. If your air conditioner seems to be turning on and off frequently and is only running for a few minutes at a time, this is a sign it needs repairs. The unit may be overheating or overcooling and turning off early because it is triggering a safety mechanism. An HVAC contractor may find a broken wire or safety switch that needs to be repaired. Making those simple repairs can put an end to the short-cycling.
Frost on the Coil
Even though air conditioners are meant to cool your home, the air conditioner itself should not look frosty. If you see ice, snow, or even frost buildup on the air conditioner coil, that often means you have a refrigerant leak. A contractor can plug the leak and add more coolant to the system if needed.
Loud Noises During Operation
Listen closely when your air conditioner is working. Do you hear any whistling, rumbling, or grinding noises? These noises can have a variety of causes. Rumbling, for example, may mean your AC fan has lost a blade. Grinding could mean you have some loose ball bearings. Both of these problems can be repaired by a knowledgeable HVAC contractor.
It's ideal not to have your air conditioner fail completely in the summer. If you reach out to a contractor when you start to notice the signs above, you should be able to have your AC repaired without first having to endure sweltering temperatures.
Contact a local AC repair service to learn more.
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