The hot and humid summers in Raleigh, NC, mean that an effective air conditioner is essential for your comfort and well-being. Regular maintenance prevents a lot of AC issues, but wear and tear, extreme heat and sudden part failures can lead to a breakdown. Keep in mind these five symptoms of a sick air conditioner and when you’ll need a prompt AC repair.
Vents Blow Warm Air
Warm air blowing from your home’s vents requires a prompt AC repair. Warm air could result from a refrigerant leak, dirty filter or compressor problem.
Low Airflow
During a cooling cycle, you should feel a strong, steady flow of cool air coming out of each vent. If you barely feel a trickle of air, the AC system could have a problem. Some causes include a dirty filter, frozen evaporator coil or refrigerant leak.
Constant Cycling
Even on a hot, humid day, the air conditioner should rest for several minutes between cooling cycles. If it shuts off and almost immediately turns on again, this is short-cycling. The AC system could have a capacitor, control or thermostat issue that requires professional attention.
Unusual Noises
Air conditioners usually operate quietly. It’s not normal to hear a loud or sudden sound. If you hear hissing, whistling, screeching, squealing, clanging or grinding noises, turn off the AC system and call for repairs.
Bad Odors
The cooled air from your AC system shouldn’t have an odor. If you smell a smoky odor, the motor or an electrical part could be damaged. This requires a prompt AC repair. Chemical smells, such as ether or chloroform, there could be a refrigerant leak.
It’s never a good idea to ignore the symptoms of an AC problem. The air conditioner won’t fix itself, and waiting to schedule a professional AC repair could result in more damage and a prolonged disruption of your comfort. To learn more about the signs of a malfunctioning air conditioner, contact us at Quality Comfort Services, Inc. today.
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