May 20, 2022

Energy Efficiency Lennox HVAC Unit Ready for AC Installation in St. Louis, MO

4 Indicators Your AC is Due for Repairs

Many people rarely think of their AC units until the weather becomes unbearable and the demand for air conditioning becomes indispensable. Some homeowners will often praise the vital role of a cooling system but won’t take the necessary steps to keep them in ideal working conditions. You must understand that air conditioners run on fault-prone components that need regular care and repairs. Even if you’ve got the most luxurious, top-tier air conditioner, you still need to watch for faults and failure signs. To save you the hassle of dissembling your AC unit every few months to check for defects, the following are the top four telltale signs of an AC system that’s due for repairs.

1. Erratic Cooling

An effective air conditioning unit spreads its cooling power evenly throughout the zoned area. These units are accurately sized to the cooling demands of the target area. Therefore, it’s normal to question the performance of your air conditioner if it fails to distribute cool air throughout your home. In some instances, wrong thermostat settings may affect how air is distributed throughout the house. However, the leading cause of uneven cooling is a faulty AC unit.

When an air conditioner has clogged filters, leaking air ducts, or a short-cycling problem, you’ll discover that some rooms are stuffier and hotter than others. Similarly, when your AC unit has filthy condenser coils, broken compressors, and a defective thermostat, it won’t have the capacity to distribute cool air evenly throughout your residence. Before calling an HVAC specialist, do the following:

  • Ensure your AC thermostat is set to cool.
  • Check the air filters for clogs.
  • Check if the condensate drain line is clogged.
  • Check if the evaporator coils have ice buildup.

An AC technician can offer prompt repairs. A technician can also recommend the best ways to keep your system in check and prevent similar problems from occurring in the future.

2. Bad Odors

Terrible odors from your air conditioner signify a messy and damaged unit that needs comprehensive and professional attention. Such smells could be caused by one or several underlying issues in the system. The type of odor is primarily dependent on what’s causing it. The following are common types of AC odors and what causes them:

  • Rotten egg smell: A rotten egg smell is mainly caused by leaking gas, so call your local gas company and the fire department immediately. However, if your air conditioner runs on electricity, the rotten egg smell signifies the leaking of fluids in the unit
  • Gun powder: If your air conditioner smells like gun powder, it indicates shorting out of the fan motor or circuit board. As soon as you detect such a smell, turn off the AC unit and call an HVAC technician.
  • Mildew-like smell: This odor signifies mold and fungus growth around or inside the air conditioner. Such smells are typical cases in environments with high humidity where mildew and fungus can grow well. An HVAC technician can clean the AC unit and address other underlying issues causing the mildew-like smell.
  • Dirty-feet-like smell: If you notice that your air conditioner smells like dirty feet, it’s high time you scheduled AC repair and cleaning. The dirty-feet-like odor happens when your AC is clogged up. The smell is caused by water mixing with the debris and dirt collected in your system.

3. Strange Noises

Strange noises are a common way air conditioners cry for help. AC units have sound-dampening technology coupled with two-stage compressors. They work closely to maintain noise at inaudible levels lower than 55 decibels. Therefore, when your air conditioner makes loud, strange noises, it indicates that it needs repairs.

Banging noises often signify broken or loose crankshafts, piston pins, or connecting rods in the AC compressor. Also, they suggest an unbalanced indoor blower or a damaged compressor needing replacement. Clanking noises are often caused by loose or damaged compressors or outdoor fans and blades that are out of balance.

Buzzing noises from your unit indicate a loose fan motor, dirty outdoor/indoor unit, or loose fan blades. Buzzing noises also occur when the copper lines rub against other components or the condenser coils get dirty. As for clicking sounds, they’re caused by defective thermostats, poorly conditioned controls, and electrical issues. If your air conditioner makes squealing noise, it’s time to call a technician to check for a malfunctioning blower wheel and housing and defective blower motors.

The leading cause of humming noise is mostly loose refrigerant piping and indoor unit components. The humming sound can also be caused by electrical problems, including loose wiring, a damaged motor, and a faulty compressor. Lastly, your air conditioner rattles or chatters when the fan, bolts, and screws holding the unit’s casing are loose.

4. Increasing Energy Bills

If your energy bills keep fluctuating every month, it’s time you call an HVAC technician to do a thorough checkup and repair any underlying problems. High energy bills point out the truth your AC unit is struggling to cool your house. The most common culprit is dirty or aged air filters. When the air filters are dirty or old, the air conditioner will strain to keep your home comfortable, causing the energy bills to spike.

Also, your energy bills will increase if the air conditioning unit’s duct leaks. Leaking air ducts allow the cooled air to leak out, forcing the appliance to work harder and longer to control your home’s indoor temperature. An air conditioner with failing mechanical components such as motors and compressors will work harder and take more time to cool your house. The inefficient operation of the air conditioner will often lead to high energy bills. Scheduled maintenance and thorough system checks can prevent such problems.

If the refrigerant is low, your AC unit will also struggle to stay in shape. Before you refill the refrigerant, you should understand that it’s a toxic liquid and could cause serious health problems. When you take longer to schedule repairs and maintenance, your air conditioner will likely suffer from all of these conditions. Therefore, take the initiative to schedule regular AC repairs and maintenance. Likewise, if your system has served you for more than 15 years, it’s time you replaced it.

When your air conditioner shows any of the above signs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AC repair team at Scott-Lee Heating Company. We’re a top provider of air conditioner repair, installation, maintenance, and replacement services. We’ve focused on serving our clients in St. Louis and its surrounding area for the last 40 years.

We provide an extensive range of heating and air conditioning services, including but not limited to heat pump installations, AC repairs, furnace services, and ductless maintenance and repair. At Scott-Lee Heating Company, we have the right team to provide services that satisfy the unique home cooling needs of our customers. Our commitment to customer service and satisfaction has enabled us to win the Dave Lennox Award 26 times. Our factory-trained and certified HVAC technicians are good at handling any size commercial or residential AC repair or replacement project. In addition to our high-quality HVAC services, we offer free quotes, service guarantees, and financing on approved credit for air conditioning purchases and installations. Call us today for a free quote!