As warmer weather starts to set in, it is about time to give your air conditioning unit a test run. To ensure that you enjoy the comfort of cold air during the hottest days of summer, it is essential to check if your air conditioning unit is ready for heavy use. You will typically need to hire a technician for a complete maintenance check, but before you do, watch out for the following warning signs.
Warm or hot air coming from the vents
After turning on the AC system, wait for a few minutes and see if the air will cool down to the desired temperature. If the air blowing out of the vents is warm, check the thermostat and verify that the setting is correct. Try to lower the temperature and see if this works. If not, there may be a problem with the unit’s compressor. If this is the problem, you will need the assistance of a professional air conditioning technician.
Insufficient airflow
Poor airflow is a sign that the ducts are clogged or that you may need to replace the air filters. Check the filters first and replace them if necessary. If you have a whole house cooling system, have the ducts checked by a maintenance technician. Damaged ducts may need repairs, and this is something best left to professionals.
Frequent cycling
An air conditioning system will usually undergo routine cycling. But when the weather is hot, the air conditioning unit should turn on more frequently. Constant turning on and turning off automatically is a sign that there is something wrong with the unit. It is likely that a complete tune-up, cleaning, and overall maintenance will do the trick.
Too much humidity
High outdoor humidity is typical in summer. But indoor humidity should be controlled by your HVAC system. If the cooling system is no longer capable of controlling humidity levels indoors, it may require recalibration. In some instances, technicians may recommend getting a dehumidifier to resolve the issue.
Leaks
The cooling function of an air conditioner is aided by the refrigerant. But this liquid should be contained inside the appliance and not leak anywhere near the unit. Water leaking from the air conditioner or pooling in certain areas needs to be resolved right away as it may be a sign of a more severe problem with the system.
Unpleasant smell
If the air coming from the air conditioner is unpleasant or if you smell unusual odours coming from any part of the cooling system, have a technician check it right away. If mould or bacteria is growing in the air conditioning system or ducts, you will need to clean them to avoid air contamination.
Unusual noise
Air conditioners make low-level sounds while turned on. When you notice loud banging or buzzing sounds, it could be a sign of loose components or broken parts. Do not wait for the problem to get more serious. Do a quick online search for a comparison website for air conditioning technicians in your area and contact a technician as soon as possible to have the unit diagnosed and repaired if necessary.