Before you tinker with a malfunctioning air conditioning unit, you have to understand that some issues need the intervention of your AC Technician or local trusted HVAC company. Understandably, you don’t want service fees when you can resolve the cooling problem on your own, but where do you draw the line?
Knowing when to make a service call and knowing what a real air conditioning emergency looks like will save you precious time and effort. It’ll make a huge difference in your safety and comfort at home too.
Here are 5 signs that you need an AC technician immediately. When you notice any of these 5 signs, forget flexing your DIY power. Go ahead and make that phone call to your AC technician.
Strange Noises
Most air conditioning systems make low-level noises once it’s “waking up” to start or winding down to shut off. These noises are tolerable and to be expected. However, loud, shrieking sounds are sure signs you need an expert to take a look at your unit.
The annoying noises may be due to loose parts, a malfunctioning or broken compressor, or a leaking refrigerant. These are issues you can’t fix on your own, providing of course you aren’t an AC expert.
When not fixed as soon as possible, the underlying cause or causes of these strange sounds will lead to more serious cooling issues. Before that happens, have a professional repair your unit.
Insufficient Air Flow
A weak stream of cool air from AC vents can put a damper on anyone’s day. It can quickly escalate to a life-threatening scenario especially during the height of summer and in a household where someone has a medical condition, like hypertension.
If your filters aren’t clogged and your vents aren’t obstructed, call an AC technician as soon as possible. A frozen evaporator coil, a malfunctioning blower, or a hard-starting compressor may be the culprit. This condition can be prevented when proper and routine AC maintenance on the equipment is performed.
Bad Smell
The most common causes of unpleasant smells from an air conditioning unit are leaking gas, burnt or burning components, leaking refrigerant, molds, and stuck dead pest or animal. Any one of these will emit an unmistakable unpleasant smell.
Removing a stuck dead animal or a rotting carcass from your AC’s duct work may be something you can fix yourself. Pest-proofing your equipment should be done after so the same disaster doesn’t happen again.
For other issues, there’s no other way out. You have to call an AC specialist. When the refrigerant leaks, it emits hazardous chemicals into the air, which are just as dangerous as the gases from malfunctioning exhaust pipes.
When the AC smells like burning plastic, turn it off right away and call an HVAC technician.
Warm Air
Warm air from your air conditioning unit may be a simple case of incorrect thermostat setting or poor air circulation due to clogged filters. However, it may also be an indication of a more serious problem that requires the attention of an HVAC professional.
A leak in the refrigerant system or a dirty condenser coil are common causes of warm air from your AC.
Frequent Water Leaks
If not taken care of immediately, leaking air conditioning equipment can cause other major problems, not just on the HVAC system but on ceilings, walls, and other parts of the house. That’s why you need an AC technician’s help. If you can’t trace the cause and fix the leak completely, don’t wait for further headaches before booking a home service appointment.
Dealing with a faulty air conditioning unit is not a pleasant experience. It can be costly and stressful, not to mention potentially hazardous to your health. Your best defense is always proper and regular AC maintenance. Fix small issues before they balloon, but when they do get out of hand, take action immediately by calling in professional AC technicians.
Always deal with a highly rated local HVAC company that is licensed -bonded-insured. That way you can ensure all their technicians will be of the highest caliber.
When you have to have a technician perform AC repairs or maintenance please make sure he is a certified pro.