One appliance that you will be sure to want to work in the summer is your air conditioner. Unfortunately, many people ignore their air conditioner until it needs to be serviced by a professional. Here are a few signs that your air conditioner needs some assistance.
Warm Air
The main warning sign that you have an air conditioner problem is the temperature of the air. An air conditioner produces air at a constant temperature, with it not being warmer or colder depending on what temperatures the thermostat is set at. If you ever notice that the air coming from your vents is warmer than usual, it's an indication that something is wrong.
The problem could be as simple as dirty coils that cannot get cold enough to make the air cold. There can also be a total system failure that requires replacing the AC.
Strange Noises
An air conditioner will make some noise when it is running. You'll hear the hum of the condenser outside your home, and the blower pushing the air through the vents. What you should not hear are new noises that suddenly start, like grinding, banging, and overall being a louder volume than normal.
These noises could be due to moving parts that are malfunctioning. Depending on how old the unit is, you may be advised to replace the entire unit depending on how old your air conditioner is. For instance, a loose blower motor belt is a simple part to replace, while a damaged compressor motor will be very expensive.
Limited Air Flow
Air flow can vary during the day depending on what mode you have on. When the air conditioner is running and blowing cold air, the force should be consistent at all times. However, the fan may be on, which just circulates the air in your home and will produce air flow that is much lower.
Learn to tell the differences between both modes so you can accurately gauge the airflow. You should only be concerned when air flow is diminished while the outdoor compressor is turned on. This means that your blower motor is damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Don't make the mistake of ignoring these problems for too long. Catching them early mean that you can easily replace the broken part, while ignoring them could lead to replacing the entire HVAC system. Reach out to a local technician for help diagnosing if your HVAC system needs repair or replacement.
