We are often so used to the household appliances providing us with the services and comforts we need, that we forget about the fact that they can, after all, break down. If you happen to live in Florida, Louisiana, Texas or any of the other hot states, then finding that the AC isn’t emitting the jet of cool air that you are expecting after a hot day outside can be quite a nightmare! Avoid such situations by noticing signs that the air conditioner needs attention and calling in maintenance immediately after.
Weak Airflow
At some point or the other, the airflow from your AC will begin to weaken, but that’s just a sign that the ducts and/or air filters are clogged. In worse case scenarios, it could also indicate that the compressor might be failing, but that’s usually not anything you have to worry about unless it’s more than five years old.
Either way, if you notice weakened airflow, book an air conditioner repair appointment as soon as possible. For residents of San Diego, Bill Howe Heating & Air is a good service to consider, given how long they have been repairing ACs from all manufacturers in the city.
The Airflow is Alright, But the Cooling Seems Off
The ability of the air conditioner to provide cooling inside depends on multiple factors such as the manufacturer, the model, the coil material, the system used>, the weather, the room’s internal temperature, and the room’s insulation. Then, of course, there is the question of tonnage or the power of the compressor in relation to space it’s supposed to cool.
Having said all that, after the first year of warranty is over, users are already accustomed to what they can expect from the particular unit. Therefore, if the air conditioner seems to take significantly longer than usual to cool the same room, or if the airflow doesn’t seem to be as cool as before, you need to call a repairman immediately.
Every unit comes with coolant inside, which might need to be refilled every few years, or if there’s a leak somewhere in the system and the cooling gas is escaping from that leak. When that happens, the cooling will first feel insufficient, and the AC will soon start to only spurt out hot air!
Other Common Signs
Aside from the two major signs we already discussed, also be on the lookout for bad smells, strange, rattling sounds and the AC stopping unexpectedly for a few seconds at a time. Bad smells could indicate mold growth or water damage, while broken, chipped or blocked rotator blades can cause strange noises. If the unit stops unexpectedly at times, it could be a voltage stabilization issue.
Remember that the signs are there to notify us about the upcoming breakdown, so call the repair person before it actually breaks down! Once it has broken down, it would make the repairs much more costly than it would have been otherwise.