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In recent years, Michiganders have endured longer and more frequent heat waves in the summer. That new reality is putting ACs all over the state to the test; plenty have failed at the worst times. That makes learning the signs that your AC needs repair a must-have skill. That way, you can avoid getting stuck sweating without your AC in the summer heat. Here are seven warning signs that you need AC repair service and what each symptom usually means.
1. Reduced Airflow
If you own a single-stage central AC, it should always output the same air volume while running. That’s because it relies on fixed-size ductwork and a single-speed blower fan. So, if you notice a sudden airflow drop from your vents, something’s wrong. Most often, AC airflow problems indicate a dirty air filter. However, some causes of poor airflow require professional repairs to correct. One is an issue with your blower fan. It would explain your airflow issue if it isn’t running at full speed. Another is a dirty or obstructed evaporator coil.
2. Warm Air From Vents
Another sign your AC needs repair is if it begins blowing warmer air than you expect from its vents, and this can happen for a few reasons. One is an issue with your compressor. The job of the compressor is to raise the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. That’s what allows your air conditioner to expel heat into the outdoors, even on hot days. If the compressor falters, the ability of your AC to remove heat from your home declines.
A refrigerant leak is another problem that can lead to warm air from your vents. When your AC operates without enough refrigerant, its cooling capacity drops. And since the refrigerant runs through a sealed system, low refrigerant levels indicate a leak. Only a trained HVAC technician can find and fix refrigerant leaks while protecting your AC compressor from harm.
3. Buzzing From Outdoor or Indoor Unit
When your AC works as designed, its only noises come from its fans and compressor. Those produce a familiar hum that most AC owners would recognize. So, if you ever hear a buzzing sound from your outdoor or indoor unit while it runs, there’s a problem. Often, buzzing sounds indicate an electrical issue inside your AC. They can result from something as simple as a loose wire. More commonly, however, they suggest a failing or failed capacitor.
Your AC depends on one or more capacitors to provide a power boost when starting its large fans. Capacitors are high-voltage rechargeable power storage devices that excel at discharging quickly. Without them, your AC would trip its circuit breaker when starting, or its fans would fail to run at full speed. When a capacitor begins wearing out, it often emits a telltale buzzing noise. Fortunately, a capacitor replacement is typically a fast and inexpensive repair.
4. Strange Odors
You should also look out for any unusual odors from your AC, as those often point toward a need for repair. A common smell an ailing AC might emit is that of burning plastic or rubber. Such smells frequently indicate failed electrical components or scorched wiring. If you detect such a smell and your AC is still working, odds are it will soon fail.
Another smell you might notice coming from your AC is a musty odor. That can indicate a problem with your AC’s condensate drain line. It carries water away from your AC’s evaporator coil, which extracts moisture from the air while cooling it. If that water remains inside your AC, it can foster mold growth, leading to the musty smell. Typically, clearing the condensate drain and cleaning the evaporator coil will solve the problem.
5. Short Cycling
On average, a residential AC will complete about three cooling cycles per hour. Each cycle lasts approximately 10 or 15 minutes. That’s usually enough to keep your home at your desired temperature. If your AC begins turning on and off more rapidly than that, it’s exhibiting a problem called short cycling. It can result from multiple issues, all of which require professional repair. The most frequent cause is a faulty thermostat. Less frequent causes include ductwork obstructions and overheating AC components.
6. Rising Energy Bills
As your AC ages, it’s not unusual for wear and tear to gradually reduce system efficiency. That can lead to slowly rising energy bills during each cooling season. However, if you experience a sudden energy bill spike and there’s no change in the weather, it indicates a problem. Only a handful of issues typically cause sudden spikes in AC energy consumption. They include sudden refrigerant losses and compressor failures.
However, an obstruction of the outdoor unit for your AC can produce similar symptoms. When your outdoor unit doesn’t get enough airflow, it cannot expel heat. That forces your AC to work harder to cool your home, leading to an energy bill spike. Your outdoor unit should have at least two feet of unobstructed space on all sides. If yours doesn’t, try clearing the surrounding area to see if your energy use returns to normal.
7. An Unresponsive Thermostat
Finally, an unresponsive thermostat should immediately let you know you need AC repair. So, if your thermostat screen goes blank or your AC won’t respond to setting changes, it’s a clear sign of trouble. The good news is that the problem typically results from loose wiring. However, if your thermostat is over 10 years old, it may require replacement. In that situation, you should consider an upgrade to a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats will provide an immediate efficiency boost to your existing AC. Plus, they should do a better job of alerting you to potential trouble with your system. Many models include sophisticated monitoring functions that alert you to abnormal operating conditions. That can make knowing when you need a maintenance or repair appointment much easier. A smart thermostat can also allow you to control your AC from anywhere using a smartphone app. That’s a helpful feature, given the unpredictable nature of the weather in Michigan’s recent summers.
Your Local AC Repair Experts
If you have any reason to suspect that your AC needs repair, trust our cooling services pros at Superior Comfort Heating and Cooling to handle it. We’ve served homeowners around Flat Rock, MI, and beyond since 2007. Our team of expertly trained HVAC technicians can repair ACs of all makes and models, and we can also perform installations. We even offer an affordable and convenient Comfy Club maintenance membership program to help you keep your AC in top shape. Plus, you can count on us to provide transparency in all we do and offer fair prices at all times. And we’ll always go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction with our work.
Check out our long list of positive customer reviews to see for yourself. And if you need an AC repair in Flat Rock, call Superior Comfort Heating and Cooling today!
