Most homeowners rely on central air to keep their homes cool and relatively humidity-free during the summer. Without that refreshing cool air, it isn’t easy to relax, enjoy a meal, complete your to-do list, or even sleep. But if you are ignoring what you think are only minor issues with your air conditioner, you could be setting yourself up for several uncomfortable days and nights without a functional AC. Four of the most common and potentially hazardous issues include:
Strange Sounds From Your Air Conditioner
Most air conditioners function without making very much noise. You might notice a slight humming or hear the unit turn on and off. But other sounds are almost always an indication that something is wrong, and you need to call in an AC professional. If you hear:
- Grinding
- Whining
- Screeching
- Banging
- Rattling
- Hissing
Something is very wrong. And you need to call in a pro. In most cases, the issue is easily repaired when the noise first occurs. But the longer you wait to get help, the worse the problem will become. What was once a loose belt or screw in the housing is now extensive damage because the belt broke and caused more damage, or the housing shifted and damaged other parts. Address minor issues immediately to keep your repair costs affordable.
A Sudden Increase In Your Electric Bill
Most homeowners know about what their electric bill should be each month. However, if you notice a sudden spike or see that the bill creeps higher and higher each month, there could be an issue with your AC unit. A clog, dirty air filter, or problem with the thermostat could have your AC working too hard or running too often. Both of these can result in long-term damage to the equipment or even a premature failure.
An Icy AC
If your home has a heat pump, you could see ice on the unit occasionally. But it should not be a regular event. Heat pumps have a defrosting mode for the occasional ice build-up. But frequent ice is a sign of a problem that will need the attention of a pro. If your home has central air, you should never see ice on the equipment. If you do discover ice, call in professional help immediately to avoid some very costly damage to your home’s AC.
Foul Odors
Your air conditioner should only be blowing cool air throughout your home. There should never be any odor associated with it. If you are noticing a musty or pungent smell to the cool air, it is a sign that there is a mold infestation issue in your home’s AC unit or the ductwork. If left uncorrected, you could begin to experience severe breathing issues and other health concerns related to the mold contamination in your home’s air.
If the odor you noticed is more sour, stale, or rotten, the issue is likely something inside your home’s ductwork. It is not uncommon for rodents to infiltrate ductwork. In both cases, your best course of action is to call in an AC expert. Any contamination in the air in your home can result in significant health concerns for you, your loved ones, and even your pets.
For fast and affordable AC service, call (850) 831-4599. The certified experts at Payne’s Heating and Air Conditioning are here to help 24/7. Our team members will arrive quickly and assess the issue and condition of your entire AC system to provide you with as many cost-effective solutions as possible. In most cases, we can have the problem fixed the same day and backed by our complete warranty.
