These Signs Mean AC Repair Is Needed Before Summer Begins
Preparing for summer can be a blast. Planning family trips, making sure everyone has a decent bathing suit, stocking up on sunscreen, and deciding which beach to visit. But in all the hubbub of planning summer vacations, other things can get lost in the fray. Things like a malfunctioning air conditioner can steal away that money meant for a great vacation. Luckily, when AC problems are caught early, they can be addressed quickly and cost-effectively before things really get bad. So read on for signs the AC needs repair before summer.
Airflow Problems
When AC units start getting a lot of use in the springtime, after being turned off for the winter, it can be hard to spot what’s actually wrong with the unit. Homeowners often ask themselves: Did the AC take this long to cool the house last year? Was the airflow this weak all the time, or is that new? Luckily, there are a few things homeowners can check when experiencing airflow problems.
The first thing to look at is the thermostat. Check the fan setting to make sure it’s on AUTO and not ON. When the fan is set to ON, it will blow air constantly, whether the AC is running or not. This can cause warm air to flow through the vents into the house. While at the AC, it’s worth checking to make sure it’s set to COOL. Once that’s done, check to make sure the filter is fresh. An old filter can create some serious airflow problems.
Leaks
There are a few ways an AC system can leak, and not all of them are readily apparent to the untrained eye. Water leaks are usually the most easily spotted, and they can be caused by various issues. Sometimes the condensate drain line gets clogged, causing water to leak around the indoor AC unit. This is an easy fix that involves unclogging the line. Other water leaks can be caused by a corroded drain pan and, indirectly, by a dirty filter.
Refrigerant leaks are another story. Since AC units work on a closed system, the refrigerant shouldn’t ever need refilling or replacing. If it does, there’s a leak. Some leaks are tiny and develop over time, whereas others are large and impact the system quickly. No matter the size of the leak, a professional HVAC tech is required to locate and fix a refrigerant leak.
Noises
The last item on the list of signs an AC needs repair concerns noises. But not just any noises — strange ones. There’s no such thing as a completely silent air conditioner, so it’s best to look out for these strange noises, which can mean that some part of the AC is failing.
A squealing sound generally means that there’s a belt malfunction or that the motor bearings are going out. A buzzing sound generally means there’s a loose part around the fan or the compressor, causing the metal to vibrate and buzz as the unit works. A grinding sound can have various causes, none of which are good. Any strange noises homeowners hear from their AC should be checked as soon as possible by an HVAC professional to prevent more extensive and costly repairs and keep the home cool during the warm summer months.
About Befort Plumbing & Heating
The friendly professionals at Befort Plumbing & Heating have been providing AC repair service in Aurora, CO, for over 50 years. With straightforward pricing, honest recommendations, and always on-time arrival, they are the trusted name for plumbing and HVAC services!
