There is nothing more frustrating than a malfunctioning AC while you’re battling the scorching summer heat in Brisbane, Australia. Unfortunately, Air Conditioning issues appear at the most inopportune times, but that happens when you’ve been ignoring the signs for far too long.
Having a functional AC is important for you and your family’s comfort and health. Moreover, you can dodge high utility bills or the need to replace your AC altogether only if you’re proactive and avail the help of an AC repair service in a timely fashion when an issue arises.
But how do you know when it’s time? Here are 10 signs your AC needs repair that you should not ignore!
- AC Blows Warm Air
You don’t purchase an AC unit for it to blow hot air into the room on a hot summer day. An air conditioner should provide cooling, and if it fails to do that, this is signalling towards a deeper problem like a faulty compressor. If your AC is blowing warm air, you should first check the thermostat. Make sure it is switched to cooling mode. If that’s taken care of yet your AC still throws out warm air, you should contact an AC repair service.
- Weak Air Flow
Insufficient air flow from vents is an equally problematic concern as warm air coming out of the vents of your AC. You may feel cool air, but it is barely felt, and fails to cool the entire room. Once again, this shouldn’t go unnoticed. In most cases, this could be cited to a failing compressor or an issue with the ducts, in that they require cleaning. In this time of uncertainty, you should just let an expert VAC technician handle the job.
- High Humidity While AC is Running
Your AC isn’t just meant to provide cooling, but also moderate humidity levels inside the house. While humidity is expected during muggy weather, you still shouldn’t experience high humidity indoors. If your cooling unit fails to keep humidity levels within a comfortable range, there has to be something wrong with your AC. This is a sign that you should contact an AC repair service.
- Water Leaks around AC Unit
Since your AC relies on the refrigerant to provide cooling, this may produce condensation. However, these liquids should not linger, accumulate or leak inside your home or around your AC unit. Pooled water or streaks on your wall where the AC is installed indicate that there is something wrong with your cooling unit, which requires attention. Leaks can not only disrupt the functioning of your cooling unit but also cause water damage inside your home, leading to mould growth or tattered paint due to water constantly dripping.
- Bad Odour When AC Turned On
Your AC isn’t supposed to smell bad, so if it does, this definitely requires attention as it may be indicative of a problem with your HVAC system. Bad odour when the AC is turned on will not only provide discomfort to you and your family but also exacerbate the problem if you ignore this sign. Different smells could signal different issues. For example, a musty smell may indicate the growth of mold, which would require cleaning, while a strong odour may hint towards a burned-out wire in the unit. Either way, you should contact an AC repair service.
- Loud Noise from the AC Unit
It’s normal for an AC to make a low-level noise as it is turned on or running. However, if you hear a grinding or rattling noise, it could indicate a problem inside the unit, like a loose part that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. While these persistent unusual noises can disrupt your sleep at night and incur general nuisance, which makes repair necessary, ignoring the problem could also lead to further damage, which would mean even more expensive repairs or perhaps complete replacement of the AC in the long run.
- Frequent Short Cycling
Your AC should be able to go through a routine cooling cycle, no matter what the weather. Short cycling happens when your AC’s cooling cycle becomes shorter than the usual, say, 10 minutes, making the compressor turn on and off more frequently than it should. Short cycling can be a serious concern, increasing the wear and tear of your HVAC system.
- Faulty AC Thermostat
The thermostat dictates the temperature that you want your AC to disperse throughout the house. Therefore, it is important to have a fully functioning thermostat for your HVAC system to work properly. If your AC runs for a small time period before shutting itself off, this may be indicative of a problem with your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an incorrect reading, this is a sign to contact your HVAC repair service.
- Dust from The Air Vents
As your AC continues to work, it collects dirt and debris over time. This may lead to clogging, interfering with the proper functioning of your AC. This may first be tackled with just cleaning the air filters, but if the issue persists, it may also lead to dust blowing through your air vents, triggering allergies for people living inside the house. To prevent this, you should get your AC serviced and repaired before the issue exacerbates.
- High Electricity Bills
If your electricity bill suddenly rises without extra usage, this may be a sign that your AC needs repair. This may be due to a broken thermostat switch or leaks in the ductwork. Either way, you need to get this fixed or you’ll be paying far more than you should.
AC Repair Service
For more information, you can visit suncityair.com.au/air-conditioning-services/repairs/. Ignoring problems with your AC will not only decrease the lifespan of your HVAC unit but also worsen the problem and lead to more costly repairs in the future. Worse, if you sweep any of the above mentioned problems aside, you may ultimately need to get your AC replaced altogether, which will end up costing you more.
