Air conditioning systems keep Ohio homes comfortable during hot weather. While it’s easy to let a well-performing AC fade into the background, that also means you might overlook the signs that the system needs repair. Although regular maintenance helps prevent many issues, all air conditioning systems need work at some point. Knowing when to deal with a problem can save you money, prevent more significant repairs and keep your home comfortable when you need cooling the most.
Common Signs
Ideally, your home’s AC will send clear physical warning signs before breaking down completely. Catching these indications early can save you from uncomfortable days and emergency repairs.
Watch for a sudden spike in your energy bills without a matching reason for the increase in usage, such as a hot spell. Increased energy consumption often indicates your AC is working harder than normal to cool your home. Many components use more electricity to overcome declining performance, such as a failing compressor working harder.
Strange noises coming from an AC unit demand your attention. Grinding or scraping sounds typically signal a failing blower motor. Banging or rattling may indicate a broken fan blade or loose components in the compressor assembly.
Water pooling around your AC’s indoor or outdoor components suggests a blocked drain line or refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks also cause your system to blow warm air and can eventually lead to compressor failure if not addressed quickly.
If your home feels warmer than the thermostat setting, or different rooms have vastly different temperatures, there might be trouble. Warm air during cooling cycles could mean failing capacitors, a faulty thermostat or inadequate refrigerant levels.
Musty, burning or moldy smells sometimes indicate mold growth in an AC’s evaporator coils. Electrical problems could also be triggering the smells. A malfunctioning air handler can produce some funky scents, too.
Performance Metrics
Tracking your air conditioner’s performance helps you spot problems before they become serious. Start keeping records of your monthly energy bills, and note any unusual increases. A sudden jump in electricity costs during cooling season tells you that something is wrong, even if you can’t nail down what the specific issue might be.
Use a simple indoor thermometer to check whether your AC is maintaining a set temperature. Place it in different rooms, and compare readings. Variations greater than 4 degrees between rooms suggest something is inhibiting airflow. The answer could be as simple as replacing the filters more often, but you might also catch a failing compressor.
Monitor humidity levels inside your home, too. Your AC should keep indoor humidity levels below 60% and above 30%. Higher readings indicate your system isn’t removing moisture properly. Assuming the unit is properly sized, this could suggest evaporator coil problems.
Time how long your AC runs during each cycle. Cycles should last between 15 and 20 minutes. Short cycling indicates a system is straining or has lost refrigerant. There could also be control system issues, such as bad wiring between the thermostat and the AC. Also, the thermostat may be failing.
Age isn’t a perfect metric, but it tells you something. Most units have an expected factory lifespan of about 15 years. As they age, air conditioners require more frequent repairs and maintenance. Once your cooling system passes the 10-year mark, watch for increasing maintenance needs. Even if the system just consumes more filters and grease, it could be a sign of age-related failures that require more aggressive repairs.
If you moved into a house with an existing HVAC system, you also may want to think about the unknown history of your home’s AC. A system might need an overhaul that includes repairs, and it’s a good idea to consider this if you’re not sure about the equipment’s history.
Fraas Heating & Cooling offers heating and cooling solutions to the people of Archbold, OH and the surrounding areas. Our technicians bring extensive experience to the job. We are fully licensed, and our work is backed by numerous testimonials from customers who rely on us to keep their HVAC systems in top shape.
Getting in front of a failing AC system’s issues makes a big difference. If you’re worried about the air conditioner in your Archbold home, contact Fraas Heating & Cooling now and ask us if repairs may be necessary. We also provide indoor air quality services, thermostat services, air cleaners, and more.
