How to Tell If Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

by Kevin Smith Author

As summer approaches and the temperatures soar, it is important to know what to look for if your air conditioner begins to malfunction. Here are some signs to observe.

Function

One of the first ways you will be able to tell if your AC unit is working or not is if your house is staying cool, or reaching the temperature you set the thermostat to. It is important to keep in mind that in particularly hot temperatures the system will struggle to maintain lower settings, so it is not uncommon for the house to be warmer on these days. On normal days however, the air conditioner should be able to accommodate your temperature and you should be able to feel the cool air in the home.

It may take a few minutes for the air that is being generated to turn cool, but no longer than that. The air that comes out of the system should be clean and neutral smelling as well. If you smell any strange odors, or a smokey or burning smell, you should contact an AC repair company in Snellville, GA, right away.

Form

While some moisture forming on the machine is normal, excessive moisture is not. Watch for leaks and have the unit serviced immediately as leaking refrigerant could pose a serious health risk.

You should also listen for any strange noises. Most AC units will run quietly with hardly any audible sound. If the unit begins to make grinding, screeching, banging, or rattling sounds, this is a good sign that something is not working properly and a repair person should be called out to inspect the machine. As you walk past your outdoor unit during the day give it a good once-over and notice if there are any abnormalities or signs of malfunction.

Repair and Replacement

Lastly, if none of the aforementioned symptoms are present but you keep having substantially high energy bills, this could be another indicator that your air conditioner is in need of either repair or replacement. A typical AC unit will last anywhere from 12 to 15 years if cared for properly. If your unit is older than 15 years, you should consider having it inspected to see if it needs to be replaced for a unit that not only performs better, but is more energy efficient as well.

If you have noticed issues with your machine it is important to schedule an appointment with an AC repair company in Snellville, GA, sooner rather than later. Leaving the problem to fester could result in more damage to the unit and to the home.