So let’s say you’ve just come in from your kids’ little league game, or you just went for a morning run. You are likely looking forward to relaxing in your home with the air conditioner blasting on you, right? So you set the thermostat to where you like it, and you wait for the system to cycle on.
Wait, what’s that? You turned it on but you don’t feel cool? This is no time of the year to be stuck with a malfunctioning air conditioner!
You’re a lot less likely to be surprised by this if you have routine annual maintenance done for your air conditioner. During maintenance, our team thoroughly inspects, cleans, and adjusts components that need it, ensuring that your system is able to run as efficiently and effectively as possible for as long as possible. Even with maintenance though, it’s a good idea to reach out if your system is showing any signs that it needs repair. So what are these signs?
Loud or Concerning Noises
Have you noticed that your air conditioner has become a big noisier lately? This can be due to a number of different factors, which can include duct leaks, a dirty evaporator coil, a clogged air filter, or even a broken blower fan. Hissing or gurgling sounds can indicate a refrigerant leak, which is something you want to be fixed right away. Whatever the cause is, you’ll want it addressed sooner than later.
Warm Air Coming through the Vents
If your system seems to be running as powerfully as it should be, but the air coming through the vents is lukewarm or even hot, this is of course a problem. First, check to see that your thermostat is set correctly, and that the circuit breaker to your outdoor unit isn’t tripped. If neither of these seem to be the issue, it’s time to give us a call.
It may be that your system is leaking refrigerant, or that you have a ductwork leak that is allowing conditioned air to escape into unoccupied spaces of your home.
Low Airflow
So, let’s say that the air coming through your vents is cool, but there just doesn’t seem to be enough of it. This can be caused by something simple, like a clogged air filter or too much debris surrounding the outdoor unit.
First, change your air filter! The HVAC air filter should be changed out every 1-3 months depending on the type of air filter and the levels of contaminants in your home. Next, check the outdoor unit. If it’s topped with a lot of leaves and twigs and surrounded by things like dirt or lawn mulch, it may be restricting airflow.
Short-Cycling
Have you discovered that your AC unit turns on and off rapidly, when it didn’t use to? This doesn’t mean that you have a system that operates faster than any other on the market—it means that your unit is malfunctioning. This problem is known as short-cycling and it is both the symptom of a problem and can cause further problems.
For professional AC repair in Lubbock, TX, contact JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning!