Spring is almost officially over and summer temps are well on their way. This means that soon enough, you’ll be using your air conditioner on a consistent basis. The last thing you need when this time comes is to have a sudden breakdown and a sudden repair or replacement need when temperatures are at their highest.
The good news here is that most cooling system repair issues give out signs and symptoms well before they force the system to shut down. And while you shouldn’t ever attempt to formally diagnose or repair a malfunctioning air conditioner on your own, you can still spot the signs that you do need AC repair, and take the appropriate steps to mitigate the problem. This means giving our pros a call!
Of course, you have to know that your air conditioner has a repair need in order to call for repairs, right? Well fortunately, there are some telltale signs you can watch out for. We’ve listed a few below:
Low Airflow
Air that isn’t moving through the vents with the speed you expect can understandably be an issue. If often means that cold air is trapped in the system, which can cause the coils to freeze over—ironically, ice is never normal on an air conditioner.
Even if this doesn’t happen, the reduced airflow will cause the compressor to run longer to try to meet your desired temperature, which increases strain on the system and raises your energy bills.
Reduced Cooling Power
So perhaps the airflow is strong enough, but the air doesn’t feel cool. This is, of course, a problem, and can be caused by any number of factors, including a refrigerant leak, overheating components, and breaches in the system’s ductwork.
Check your vents, is the air coming out of them lukewarm? If it’s happening from only one vent, it’s a sign that you have torn ductwork that needs repair or replacement. If it’s coming from all the vents, then it’s a sign of something much more serious.
Short-Cycling
Short-cycling is the name given to the process where an air conditioner shuts off and turns back on in rapid succession instead of going through regular cooling cycles. AC systems use more energy turning on and turning off than they do simply running, which is why you want yours to run for at least 15 minutes at a time. Otherwise, it’s typically a sign that something is amiss.
Weird Noises
What do we mean by this? Honestly, a weird noise coming from your air conditioner is any sound coming from the system you aren’t used to hearing. This might include humming, moaning, buzzing, clanging, or even the above mentioned short-cycling.
Air conditioners wear down naturally, and sometimes components simply need repair or replacement, but the longer you wait to address the problem the more likely it is you’ll experience a full on air conditioner breakdown.
When your AC system is out of sorts, you need quality air conditioning repair in Colorado Springs. Don’t let the weather get you down, call Brown’s Heating & Cooling today!