October 29, 2013

These are some signs that the air conditioner you rely on to keep your home cool and comfy during those hot summer months may either need repairing or replacing.

When your air conditioner is working properly there is no need to give it a second thought. This is true about residential HVAC systems in general. They are one of the most crucial components of keeping our homes comfortable, but we rarely think about them until something goes wrong. But learning to change these habits and give a little more attention to an HVAC system will keep it functioning and avoid any emergency malfunctions that could lead to costly repairs. Preventative maintenance can make a world of difference. It can also significantly extend the life of your system. Something as easy as routinely changing filters can save you a big headache later on.

Knowing the signs to look for that may be indicative of problems with your system is something else that you should be familiar with. While preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can do for your HVAC system, there still are problems that do need to be addressed by a professional. These are some signs that the air conditioner you rely on to keep your home cool and comfy during those hot summer months may either need repair or replacement. If any of these symptoms arise you should contact a professional to come to check your system.

Unusual Sounds

Most of us are familiar with the various sounds an air conditioner can make. There are a lot of components functioning together to keep this mechanical system running effectively. You will normally be able to hear the motor and fan humming. But if you start hearing sounds like grinding, squealing, banging, or clinking, it could be indicative of problems with your machine.

Grinding can mean there is a possible problem with the fan, fan belt, or motor. Squealing is the sound of a worn-out belt. And banging or clanking can mean that the fan blade might be bent, there could be a loose connection, or there may be debris caught in the system.

Strange Smells

Normally, air conditioners produce no smells at all. So, if you suddenly begin to notice odors, including mustiness, or a foul-smelling odor, it could indicate that there is a problem.

Musty odors can be caused by standing water inside the unit, a clogged drain line, or coolant leaks. Foul smells usually mean that the air filter is dirty and needs to be changed.

Poor Performance

If suddenly you begin noticing that your air conditioning system is under-performing, it could mean problems. Under-performance may be that the unit just isn’t cooling, there may be poor airflow, or you might notice that the unit is constantly cycling and never turns off. If the unit isn’t cooling it could just mean that more coolant needs to be added (easy fix!). Poor airflow may mean that the system filter needs to be replaced. It could also mean that the air handler needs to be repaired. An endlessly cycling system could be caused by issues with the thermostat, wiring, or it could be corrosion.

St. Louis Air Conditioners

Take matters into your own hands when it comes to preventative maintenance and save a few bucks in the process. But do not hesitate to call in the professionals when you suspect there could be a problem with your air conditioner or the rest of your HVAC system.

Contact Scott-Lee Heating at (314) 200-0788 for a free estimate.