5 Signs Your Home’s A/C Needs a Fix
Hot, muggy weather is par for the course for summers in the Buffalo and Rochester area, and air conditioning is par for the course for surviving it. It’s essential to ensure your unit is in tip-top shape. As a leading Buffalo area home inspection company, we’ve seen small issues turn into big problems when air conditioner warning signs are ignored. Here are five signs that demand action.
1. Unit won’t turn on
Several problems could be behind a unit that won’t kick on. Ensure your thermostat is properly set to the cool setting, and that the temperature isn’t too high. The thermostat’s battery could be dead. You may also have a tripped breaker, blown fuse or some type of disruption in the power.
A tougher fix is replacing a burnt-out compressor, which is another reason a unit may not turn on. Consider replacing your entire unit if your Buffalo area home’s air conditioner is more than ten years old or the cost of repairs for a new compressor is more than half the cost of a new air conditioning unit.
2. Temperature shuts off way before or after I’m comfortable
The location of your thermostat can make or break the comfort levels in your Buffalo and Rochester area home, with improper placement resulting in air conditioner malfunction. Thermostats that are in direct sunlight, near an oven or other heat source, or in an area that stays cooler or hotter than the rooms you frequent can throw off the unit’s performance. Moving the thermostat can fix the issue.
3. Airflow is weak or not very cool
A strong, cool airflow is the key to comfort, and it can be impeded for several reasons. A dirty filter or impediments around the exterior unit can reduce airflow. Depending on the number of people and pets in your Buffalo area home, your filter needs changing every 30 to 60 days. Branches, debris and other items may also collect around the exterior of the unit, resulting in poor performance.
A failing compressor is another possible culprit, as are obstructions or trouble with your duct work. Built-up debris is your duct work can affect your air conditioner as well as your family’s health. Have the ducts checked and cleaned if needed.
One more possible cause of a warm airflow is uninsulated refrigerant lines. Two copper refrigerant lines connect the outdoor unit to the indoor system. Ensure the lines have insulating sleeves surrounding them. If you see ice forming around these copper lines during operation it is a good sign you may have a leak and losing refrigerant. Have the system professionally services.
4. Strange noises or odors
Air conditioning units that emit unusual sounds or odors definitely need a checkup.
Rattling, ticking and buzzing noises could indicate a loose screw, bent fan blade on the exterior or a malfunctioning blower on the interior. Grinding sounds can indicate broken motor bearings inside the unit. Squealing can result from a belt that’s slipped out of place or parts that require lubrication.
Musty odors typically indicate mold inside your unit or ductwork. Pungent smells from the vents can indicate burnt-out wire insulation. All of the above require prompt attention.
5. Puddles or unexplained moisture
Air conditioners create moisture when running, with the water collecting in a pan and then draining through a pipe leading to a floor drain or outdoors. Excessive puddling near the unit can indicate a disconnection or blockage of the drainage tube. Leaky refrigerant is another possible cause of unexplained moisture, one that can also pose a health risk to your family.
The earlier you can correct any issues with your air conditioner, the better off you’ll be. Fixing problems from the get-go can help ensure your unit delivers optimum performance while also preventing a total breakdown.