An air conditioner is one of the essential appliances in any household or commercial space, particularly in the summer months.
It keeps the indoor environment cool and comfortable, making it a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment.
However, air conditioners are not invincible, and they can develop problems over time. Some issues may be evident, such as strange noises or a malfunctioning unit, while others may be less noticeable.
It’s essential to recognize the signs of a broken air conditioner to prevent further damage and the need for costly repairs. Many of them won’t be apparent at first – they’re silent killers.
What should you look out for when it comes to common air conditioner problems? What are the telltale signs that AC repairs might be in your future? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
1. Airflow Is Poor
Poor airflow is one of the most common signs of a broken air conditioner.
If you notice that your air conditioner is producing less airflow than usual, it could be an indication of a problem with the unit’s compressor.
A faulty compressor can reduce the system’s cooling capacity, forcing the unit to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
This increased workload can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your air conditioning system.
2. The Air Is Too Warm
The whole reason to have your AC unit is to help keep your home environment cool. So what should you take away if the environment has felt less cool than it should?
Warm air coming from your air conditioner is another sign of a broken air conditioner.
This issue could indicate a refrigerant leak or a problem with the compressor. Refrigerant is a vital component of your air conditioning system, and a leak can cause your system to work inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and costly repairs.
A compressor failure can also cause warm air to blow out of the unit. If you notice warm air coming from your air conditioner, it’s time to consider calling in for some outside help. Something is amiss.
3. Strange Odors and Smells
Unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner can be a sign of mold or bacterial growth in the unit’s ductwork or filters.
This issue won’t just affect AC performance; it can also cause health problems for you and your family. Serious concerns including respiratory issues, allergies, and headaches could arise.
If you notice strange odors coming from your air conditioner, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to the system and ensure a healthy indoor environment.
4. Water Leakage
If you notice water leaking from your air conditioner, it could indicate a clogged or damaged drain line.
A clogged drain line can cause water to back up and leak from the unit.
Again, you’ll be facing a problem bigger than just a faulty AC unit if you let this problem persist. Leaking water can cause damage to your home’s structure and lead to mold growth.
It’s essential to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to your home. Make sure to always clean up the leaks and check frequently, as water can build up quickly.
If your AC is consistently leaking, you might need outside air conditioning care to help get it functioning properly again.
5. High Humidity Inside
If your home feels humid, even when the air conditioner is running, it could be an indication of a problem with the unit’s compressor.
A faulty compressor can’t remove moisture from the air effectively. This problem ends up leading to high humidity levels in your home.
High humidity, like the other problems we mentioned, can compromise both your health and the overall integrity of your home. If you notice high humidity levels when you step into your house, it’s essential to look into your air conditioner’s condition and see how it’s operating.
Doing so as soon as possible can help curb these problems before they develop too seriously.
6. Uneven Cooling in the Home
What if some areas of your home feel warmer than others? It could be yet another indication of a problem with your air conditioning system.
Uneven cooling can be caused by a variety of issues, including a clogged filter or a malfunctioning thermostat. In short, it means your AC isn’t doing the main job it’s designed to do very well.
These issues can cause your air conditioner to work inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and discomfort in your home. With energy bills being what they are today, the last thing you want is higher bills to do faulty equipment.
You’re already paying enough!
If you notice uneven cooling in your home, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of your air conditioning system.
7. Cycles Becoming Increasingly Short
Short cycling occurs when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently.
This issue can be caused by a faulty thermostat, a clogged filter, or a problem with the unit’s compressor. It can be annoying for you as a resident of the home, and it can prevent your conditioner unit from cooling the home properly.
That’s not the only potential problem either.
Short cycles can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the AC system, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Short cycling is an immediate red flag, and it’s one where you should get professional help on the line sooner rather than later.
This is an easy one to miss if you’re not paying attention, so make sure to keep an eye and ear out for when your AC unit is running and when it isn’t.
8. Excessive Dust on Your Air Conditioner
All our homes get dusty from time to time, and you might think nothing of a little bit of dust build-up.
However, if you notice an excessive amount of dust in your home, it could be an indication of a problem with your air conditioning system.
A clogged filter or dirty ductwork can cause dust to accumulate in your home, causing health problems and reducing the efficiency of your air conditioning system.
Dust build-up can literally stop the flow of air in its tracks, so it’s not something you’ll want to let persist. Cleaning out a dirty filter is something you should do with some regularity anyway.
Most experts recommend you take on this task at least twice a year if not more.
If the dust build-up doesn’t cease when you make this change, it could be a sign of more serious problems with your unit. Seek professional help so you can get the problem resolved.
9. Age of the Unit
If your air conditioning system is over ten years old, it could be reaching the end of its lifespan. It doesn’t matter how advanced the technology in your air conditioner is. After that many years of use, it’s not going to be functioning as effectively as it once was.
As air conditioning systems age, they become less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. This loss of efficiency means the worsening cooling ability for your home, higher bills, and the possibility of more and more repairs.
Even if you haven’t noticed any issues yet, if your air conditioning unit has surpassed a certain age, it’s something to keep a close eye on.
At this age, replacing the system outright might be a smarter investment than trying to keep repairing everything that goes wrong.
10. Unusual Noises
Yes, we said silent signs of a problem with your unit, but we’ll throw in one sonic problem for good measure, too.
Loud or unusual noises coming from your air conditioner can be a sign of a problem with the unit’s fan or compressor. These issues can cause further damage to the system and should be addressed promptly.
A faulty fan can cause rattling or clicking noises, while a faulty compressor can cause grinding or squealing noises. If you notice unusual noises coming from your air conditioner, it’s another huge sign that something is probably amiss.
Signs of a Broken Air Conditioner
Having your AC working in good condition is important as the summer and warm weather draw closer. The above are all the important signs of a broken air conditioner that you should be aware of.
Keeping an eye out for these red flags can help you catch when air conditioner care is going to be needed before the problems get too serious, or expensive.
Looking for immediate help with your air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call anytime for help.
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