Summer can be miserable if you don't have a cool home to seek comfort in. High heat and humidity can even be dangerous, so an air conditioner that isn't working could be an emergency situation. Sometimes, an AC can break down unexpectedly and suddenly. Other times, you may have subtle clues that something is wrong. Here are some signs of a problem with your air conditioner and some common AC repairs you may need to get through a hot summer.
Signs Something Could Be Wrong With Your AC
If it seems like your power bill is way too high, and you don't think you've been using more electricity, the issue could be your AC. If your air conditioner has to run longer than usual to cool your house, your power bill will go up. An AC that's dirty or low on refrigerant could have this problem.
Other signs of an air conditioner problem include odd noises and weird smells. A mildew odor could mean the condensation drain in the air handler is clogged and spilling water on the floor. Your AC might develop a bad odor if the wet evaporator coil is dirty and growing bacteria. Odd noises might come from a capacitor that's going bad, a fan that's scraping metal, or a clogged filter that air is struggling to get through.
These problems might cause your AC to break down eventually or shut down for safety reasons, so call an AC repair company when your air conditioner sounds or smells funny.
Common AC Repairs You Could Need
Poor airflow is a common problem with air conditioners. To fix this problem, the AC repair technician might need to change the filter, unblock condenser fins, or repair a bad fan motor. An air conditioner needs adequate airflow to function properly, so when your AC acts up, one of the first things to check is your filter to make sure it isn't clogged.
Low refrigerant is another problem for air conditioners. There isn't anything you can do with the refrigerant since laws require a licensed professional to handle AC refrigerant. If the level is low, your AC won't cool your house. The AC repair technician can fix the leak and then fill the refrigerant again so your home gets nice and cool.
Electrical problems can also cause an AC to malfunction. The fuse might go bad in the disconnect box or there could be issues with the wiring. A capacitor might need to be replaced to send power to the fan or blower motor. Your AC might even be struck by lightning or your home could have a power surge and cause damage to the AC. If your air conditioner keeps tripping the breaker, leave the breaker off and call a professional to make repairs.
For more information on AC repair, contact a professional near you.
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