How can you tell if your air conditioner is working correctly? You might get a sense that it’s not working as well as it should, but when is it time to call someone in to repair it? The advice is: as soon as you suspect something’s not right; call in an aircon service team. If you ignore the problem, it will likely get worse, or your A/C could stop working altogether.
Not all signs will be obvious to you. Some problems are more subtle. Here are the warning signs to look out for:
1 The air coming out isn’t cool enough
This problem may develop slowly until one day when you’re faced with a heatwave, you realise it just isn’t cooling your home or office enough to keep you comfortable. Or, it could just stop pumping out cool air altogether. If this happens, it’s probably the compressor that has stopped working or the gas levels are too low.
2 The airflow is poor
Put it on the highest setting, and you’re not getting any increased airflow? This could be another sign that the unit’s compressor is not healthy and could break down soon. Another warning sign that something’s up is when only certain rooms in the house gets cool, while others do not. This could be down to damaged or obstructed ductwork and a signal that your AC system needs urgent repair. When debris gets stuck in your air conditioning vents, it can pose a health risk to you and your family, so it’s not something to be ignored.
3 You’re experiencing thermostat problems
Is one part of the house very cold while the other parts are at the same temperature? The thermostat setting should be close to the air temp you achieve. If it’s off by 10 degrees, this is a sure sign you need to call in the pros to assess and service it.
4 New signs of moisture
When you spot moisture or a leak around or near your system, it could be a sign that are problems. It could be related to an issue with the refrigerant. A refrigerant leak is not something to take lightly as it can cause serious health risks to you and your family. It needs to be repaired immediately.
If water is pooling next to your air conditioner, it could be a less serious problem. It’s likely that the drain tube is blocked or broken. It should get rid of the air conditioner condensation normally. It still needs to be addressed as it can lead to further problems like mould growth and rust.
5 Unusual sounds
You can’t ignore squealing, grating, grinding sounds that come from your air conditioner as they indicate that something is wrong inside the unit. For example, a squeal means that the belt has probably slipped, or that a metal component in your air conditioner needs more lubrication. A grinding sound may be a sign that the motor bearings are broken. Switch off the unit and get it serviced. Continue to use it, and you could damage it more and lead to a hefty bill.
6 Strange smells
Bad smells that stream out of your air conditioning could indicate that the insulation of the wire has burnt out. A musty smell means that there is mould in the ductwork of the unit. Both need attention. Mould can take a toll on the health of your family, and once it becomes entrenched in your system can be challenging to get rid of.
7 High energy bills
We all know that HVAC units consume a large portion of the energy we use in our homes. But, if you notice a spike, it could be a sign that your air conditioning unit needs to be checked on. It may not be something so significant that it requires you to replace your system. Getting your aircon serviced is worth it, though – it can boost its efficiency and save you cash.
It may be something small and affordable, like getting a filter replaced. If your system is relatively new, the repairs will be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty in all likelihood. The bottom line is: don’t ignore ‘small’ problems. They could lead to further damage that will cost you a lot more to repair. You also don’t want to wait until summer before you do this. During those hot months, the unit will be under pressure and more likely to break down if you haven’t maintained it properly.
Has your system stopped working altogether? The next step is to turn your circuit breaker off and then on again. If it’s still not working, call in your service team. There are three critical parts to an air conditioner. The compressor, evaporator, and condenser. They will be able to diagnose where the problem is coming from.
For more information around air conditioning servicing, repairs and installations be sure to visit Peninsular Air Conditioning Specialists located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches
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