There’s nothing worse than realizing your air conditioning system is not able to keep up with the heat and that your family is uncomfortable. In some cases, if your system is not working efficiently, you may need to replace it. In other cases, you may need to do some improvements in your home such as increasing insulation, sealing ductwork, and installing a programmable thermostat. However, if your system is relatively new and you’ve already taken steps to make your home more energy efficient, you may need professional cooling repair.
Here are some telltale signs that it’s time to call a professional to do cooling repair to your HVAC system.
The First Sign: Your System is Blowing Out Warm Air
Your system should be blowing out cool, refreshing air whenever it is running. If you put your hand in front of vents and find that the air coming out is warm instead of cool, it’s a good sign that your system is not functioning properly and needs cooling repair.
The Second Sign: Your System’s Air Flow is Not Strong
When you’re putting your hands in front of vents to check for air temperature, check for airflow as well. If it’s coming out weakly—even if the air is cool or cold—it’s a sign that your air compressor may be failing or that there is a problem in your ductwork. Weak airflow is a sure sign you need to call a professional repairman.
The Third Sign: Your AC Unit is Squealing or Grinding
Newer HVAC systems run efficiently and quietly. If your system is older, it may make a little more noise, but it should never squeal, scrape, grind, or make other loud noises. These can indicate that you have a belt moving out of place, which can damage the entire system. If you hear any loud noises coming from your system, call a professional cooling repair professional immediately.
The Fourth Sign: Strong Odors are Present
Do you smell something funny, acrid, or musty when you turn on your AC system? If so, this is a sure sign that you have a problem. An HVAC system that is releasing odors can indicate a burned out wire or mold inside your ductwork. Not only does this mean your system is not working efficiently, but it can also pose a health risk to your family. Strange odors are a sign to call a repair company as soon as possible.
The Fifth Sign: Your Thermostat is Acting Strange
If your thermostat appears to be on the fritz, it’s likely that the problem lies there instead of with your system as a whole. The truth of the matter is, your thermostat is the command center—or brain—of your HVAC system and it needs to be functioning properly for the system to work efficiently. If your thermostat won’t turn on or if the system runs for only short periods of time before turning off, it’s a sign you may need a new thermostat.
Contact the Right Cooling Repair Company
Taking note of these obvious signs that your system needs a tune-up or a repair is the best way to know when to call a pro and ensure a small problem doesn’t turn into a much larger and more expensive issue. Ask around to get some referrals for great local companies and read some reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp to get an idea of good companies and call a few to ask a few questions to make the right choice.