10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement

Air conditioning problems always seem to occur at the most inconvenient time. Often, it is during an extremely balmy day that the faulty or old air conditioning system is pushed beyond its capabilities. Having a properly working air conditioner is important to your family’s comfort and health, and it is easily handled with regular air conditioning preventative maintenance. You can avoid costly air conditioning repair service by identifying the small issues early before they become big problems. In other words, become familiar with the ten signs your air conditioning unit needs repair or replacement.

1. Air Conditioning System is Blowing Warm Air

We purchase an air conditioning unit so it can cool our residence. An air conditioner has a specific job to do, and that is to keep your family comfortable during the hot 110 degree summer months. During the sweltering months of the year, you need an air conditioner to function properly. However, if it fails to blow out cold air and blows out warm air instead, contact an air conditioning technician for assistance.

2. Air Conditioning Thermostat is Not Working (10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement)

Your air conditioners thermostat is the command center that controls the air conditioning system. The thermostat communicates with the air conditioner, letting it know the amount of cold air it must generate. Also, it takes measurements to ensure it is doing its job. If your air conditioning unit runs for small periods of time prior to shutting itself off, or if it won’t turn on altogether, this can be an indication that the thermostat is not determining correctly if the system is operating or not. If you are experiencing this issue, you want a trained air conditioning specialist to examine this as well due to the complex electrical components involved.

3. Little Air Blows Out of Vents (10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement)

Similar to the warm air problem is an issue with weak air flow. You may feel cool air when you turn your air conditioner on, but it is coming out very weakly making it impossible to circulate through the room. In many cases, this is an indication of a failing compressor, but it may also be a sign of a problem with the ducts. Due to the uncertainty of this issue, it is best to contact an air conditioning technician for a preventative maintenance. A professional has the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure there are no bigger problems waiting in the future.

4. Loud Noise Inside of the Air Conditioning Unit

While the air conditioner is on, if you hear grinding, squealing and scraping a problem with a blower motor moving may be occurring inside the unit. Contact an air conditioning expert as soon as possible to avoid costly damage to other parts as well.

5. Strange Odors When the Air Conditioner is Turned On

An air conditioner is not supposed to smell bad. If it does occur, there is a problem. In this situation, a strong smell may indicate a motor burned-out wire inside the furnace or air handler unit, while a musty smell may indicate there is mold somewhere inside of the unit or the ductwork. It is vital that a professional diagnose this problem as soon as possible because this can cause costly damage to other parts as well or and can cause your family to get sick. Learn more

6. Not Enough Humidity Removed by the Air Conditioning Unit

One of the jobs of an air conditioner is reducing the amount of humidity inside your house. Even in low humidity climate, the air maintains a small amount of moisture. If you begin to notice some humidity inside of your house while the air conditioner is running, the unit may need repair. Learn more

7. Problems with the Air Conditioning Unit Are Occurring More Often

If your unit has needed AC repair service at least three or four times over a few months’ time, it is possibly time to purchase a new one and forget about more repairs.

10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement

8. Freon or Water Leaks Around Air Conditioning Unit

Any moisture leaking in or around your air conditioning system is a problem. This can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. Due to refrigerant being poisonous, contact a professional immediately. However, in less serious cases, this moisture may be water from a broken condensate pipe or blocked condensate pipe that disposes of condensation. This issue may exhibit itself in more than one way. In some cases, you will notice water leaking out of the air conditioning system; while other times, ice may develop inside your air conditioning unit on the copper refrigerant lines located outside the condenser. Either way, this is a warning sign that you should contact an air conditioning specialist.

9. Rising or High Electricity Bill

10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement

Insufficient Cooling: If your air conditioner is no longer providing adequate cooling, it may be a sign that repairs or replacement are needed.

Frequent Breakdowns: If your air conditioner is experiencing frequent breakdowns and requiring repeated repairs, it may be more cost-effective to consider a replacement.

Unusual Noises: Strange noises coming from your air conditioner, such as grinding or squealing, could indicate mechanical issues that require attention.

Higher Energy Bills: A sudden increase in your energy bills without any changes in usage patterns may suggest that your air conditioner is no longer operating efficiently.

Inconsistent Airflow: Uneven airflow or weak air coming from the vents can indicate underlying problems with your air conditioner.

Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells emanating from your air conditioner could be a sign of mold or other issues that require professional attention.

Excessive Humidity: If your air conditioner is failing to effectively control indoor humidity levels, it may need repair or replacement to restore optimal performance.

Constant Cycling: If your air conditioner is frequently turning on and off, it could be a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

Age: If your air conditioner is over ten years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan and more susceptible to breakdowns.

Expensive Repairs: If the cost of repairing your air conditioner is becoming increasingly high, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to consider a replacement.

Remember, recognizing these signs can help you address potential issues with your air conditioner promptly and make informed decisions about repair or replacement.

10. Air Conditioning Unit Lifespan Is Over

Another indication that your air conditioning system is in need of replacement or repair is your power bill that quickly rises up without extra usage. The cause of this problem may be one of many including a leak’s in your air conditioning system’s ductwork, or the elevated age of the air conditioning unit. Regardless of the cause, your unit will need repair or replacement.