Six Warning Signs That Your AC System Might be About to Crash

Is your air conditioning system making strange noises? Has it been taking longer to cool down or heat up? Have your utility bills been rising for no apparent reason? These are all signs that your AC may have a problem that needs service. In most cases, the longer you delay, the worse any underlying problems may get. That is why Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning, one of Central Florida’s leading AC companies, wants you know the warning signs before your AC problem gets out of hand.

Some of the signs are fairly obvious, while others are more subtle.

1. No Cool Air
   At some point, you may find that your air conditioning system simply isn’t doing its job. Even at full blast, the air coming from your vents just isn’t as cold as it used to be – or not cold at all. This could be a sign that your system is in need of serious repair. For instance, lack of cool air could mean that your system’s compressor has failed or it may be low on refrigerant. This may mean the unit will have to be replaced.
2. Poor Air Flow
   If you are noticing weak or little air flow through your AC vents, it could be something as simple as needing to change your air filter or something more serious like your indoor coil may be impacted and needs to be pulled and cleaned. If some rooms are getting cold air while others are not, the issue could also be in your duct work. You may want to have your ducts inspected to be sure that you’re not leaking all your cold air into your hot attic!
3. Thermostat Problems
   At times the trouble is not with the air conditioning unit, but with the thermostat itself. Verify that your thermostat is set in the “cooling” position. Some systems have a built-in timer that delays the activation of the equipment. Wait several minutes for the timer to complete its cycle, and adjust the thermostat several degrees below the temperature inside your home.
4. Water Leak
   Moisture or a water leak around or near the AC system can indicate problems. Water pooling near your air conditioner is usually from the drain line being backed up. Your air conditioner not only cools your home, but it also serves as a giant dehumidifier. The AC removes the humidity from your home and disposes of it through the drain line. If your AC is leaking, your drain line is either blocked or broken. This is not a serious issue, but it should be tackled quickly to avoid bigger problems like mold growth.
5. Strange Sounds
   Squealing, grating, grinding sounds from your air conditioner is another warning sign. A squealing noise means that the belt has slipped out of place or that a metal component in the AC requires lubrication. A grinding sound may mean that the motor’s bearings are broken.

“The team at Scott’s Air will always attempt to repair a customer’s air conditioning system when possible, however, sometimes it will need to be replaced with a new system when the cost of repair outweighs the benefits,” said Scott, president and founder. “The good news is that today’s new AC systems are energy efficient, quiet and very reliable. Even if your unit doesn’t need replacement, getting it repaired or serviced can boost up its efficiency and save you money.”

Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!

Categorised in: Air Conditioning, Air Filters, Energy Savings, Thing You Should Know