For most modern homes, the air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in your full set. Not only does it keep the air in your home fresh and moving, it also brings down the temperature when it’s hot outside and brings down the humidity when otherwise you would be practically swimming through your air. Whether you rely on it more for cold or dehumidifying depends mostly on where you live and the current season but one thing is for certain, when your AC breaks, the whole family is uncomfortable. While many households will put up with a less-than-optimal AC, it’s important to know the signs of serious problems so you can call out a professional for repairs before your unit gives up the ghost.
1) Little to No Air Flow
Crank up your AC to full fan speed and stand with your hand next to the vent. If one vent doesn’t feel like there’s much flow, check several others in the home. If none of your vents are getting any air or very little air, this can be a problem with a fan or it’s possible that your compressor needs to be repaired or replaced.
2) Air Flow, But It’s Not Cold
Another very common issue with ACs on their way out is plenty of air flow but it’s not cold. Perhaps the air is the temperature outside or just barely cooled in comparison. When this happens, it can also be an issue with your compressor which is supposed to chill the air before it is pushed through the vents.
3) Uneven Distribution of Cold Between Rooms
The next problem that many residents face is finding that cold air comes out of vents in some rooms but not others. The good news is that this isn’t your AC going insane or playing favorites, it’s more likely an issue with your ducts. Consider getting your vents, air filters, and ductwork cleaned to make it easier for air to get into every room.
4) Puddles Near Your AC Unit
Anything that gets cold has a likelihood of being a little bit damp so most people are used to seeing their AC unit a little bit damp but puddles are a different story. If you see more than light moisture on or around your AC unit, this could be refrigerant which is very dangerous to kids and pets, or a problem with your drain tube which is less dangerous, but not good for the unit.
When your AC has started to act up and show signs of wear, it’s best to get it repaired quickly. Join us next time for the second half of this two-part article where we’ll cover sounds, smells, humidity, and electricity. For more professional tips on AC maintenance and repair, contact us today!