If you notice signs your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system isn’t working right, it’s important to schedule immediate AC repair. Minor issues tend to become worse if they aren’t remedied right away. By getting a trusted provider like Rogue Valley Heating & Air to fix your AC, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and lower your energy costs this summer.
Something as simple as changing a dirty filter can increase your energy efficiency by 5% to 15%. To avoid expensive air conditioning problems in the future, schedule an HVAC appointment as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms.
1. Warm Air Coming From Your Vents
If your vents are producing warm air, there is likely a major problem with your HVAC system. The right AC repair depends on what the underlying cause is.
- Low Refrigerant Levels: When refrigerant levels are low, they can easily lower your AC’s cooling capacity by 30%. Fortunately, this problem can easily be fixed by scheduling an urgent AC repair appointment right away.
- Faulty Compressors: Warm air can indicate that something is wrong with your compressor. Because compressors are complex and difficult to repair, you should leave this type of repair job to the professionals.
- Thermostat Issues: Sometimes, warm air comes out of your vents because the thermostat isn’t sensing the air temperature properly. Additionally, someone may have changed the temperature or switched your AC to fan mode. Besides checking the thermostat’s settings, you can also troubleshoot your AC repair issues by resetting the thermostat and cleaning off its sensors.
2. Strange or Loud Noises From the Unit
Sometimes, you may hear unusual sounds coming from your air conditioning unit. If you notice any of the following noises, you should schedule a fast AC repair service appointment right away.
- Grinding: Grinding sounds often mean that there is an issue with your compressor. Compressor problems and fan issues can cause your AC to overheat, which can lead to a total system failure. Because of this, you should get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.
- Clanking: Banging and clanging noises may mean that there are loose parts.
- Hissing: When you hear hissing sounds, you should turn off your AC and call for help. This may mean you have a refrigerant leak, and you don’t want to accidentally breathe in the refrigerant.
- Humming: A humming or buzzing noise may mean there is a faulty electrical component. You could also have an issue with a faulty relay switch or a malfunctioning condenser fan.
- Squealing: When the bearings or belts are misaligned, it can cause a squealing noise.
3. Weak or Insufficient Airflow
Weak airflow is often caused by blocked ducts, a failing blower motor, or clogged filters. Clogged AC filters can significantly reduce your AC’s efficiency. Fortunately, you can quickly fix this problem by changing your filter. Meanwhile, blocked ducts and failing blower motors should be repaired by a fast AC repair service in Oregon.
4. Unpleasant Odors
Your AC should never produce any unusual scents. If you notice any of the following odors, you should schedule immediate AC repair right away.
- Musty Odors: A musty smell is often an indication of mold and mildew growth. Because mold can lead to respiratory issues and allergy flare-ups, you should get your AC thoroughly cleaned and repaired right away.
- Burning Scents: Burning smells are often caused by electrical problems or a burned-out motor. Electrical issues can lead to a fire, so turn off your AC and schedule urgent AC repair as soon as you notice this type of odor.
- Sweet Smells: Many refrigerants do not produce any kind of smell. However, some refrigerants create a sweet scent. If you notice this type of smell, switch off your AC and get help as soon as possible.
5. Leaks or Moisture Around the Unit
You should never see any water or moisture around your AC. If you notice moisture, it can indicate several different AC repair issues.
- Refrigerant Leaks: If your refrigerant is leaking, it can increase the likelihood that your AC will freeze. This, in turn, can lead to moisture. The leaky refrigerant also reduces your energy efficiency, which increases the amount you have to spend on electricity each month.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils: Frozen evaporator coils can occur if you have leaky refrigerant lines or dirty coils. Additionally, the evaporator coils can freeze if you are overusing the AC. Once the evaporator coils start to unfreeze, the melted ice will cause puddles around your AC.
- Blocked Condensate Drain Lines: Sometimes, the condensate drain line can become blocked. Besides leaking water, this can eventually cause your AC to switch off as part of its fail-safe mechanism. Fortunately, condensate drain lines can be easily unclogged with the help of a wet or dry vacuum.
No matter what the cause of the leak is, you should get it fixed right away. Leaks can cause water damage and mold growth in your home. Additionally, the underlying issue is likely harming your AC’s energy efficiency and increasing the amount you spend on power each month.
Get Help Through AC Repair Services
With the fast AC repair service Oregon homeowners need, you can get immediate AC repair and support. Through the help of a trusted provider like Rogue Valley Heating & Air, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and save money on future repairs.