Common Signs of an Air Conditioning Unit Problem

Posted by Radmin on February 4th, 2020

During hot summer days, people turn their air conditioners (AC) on to feel comfortable. No one wants a malfunctioning AC unit, but it can happen.

If you're renting a property, you can just call your landlord about the issue. But, it's a different case for individually owned houses, as you're the one responsible for the repairs of the appliances in your home. Protect yourself from unwanted fixes by looking out for signs that mean trouble for your air conditioner.

Increase in Utility Bills

If there's a spike in your utility bills yet your unit isn't working properly, it may be a sign that you need to change or clean your filters. These special screens are designed to keep dust, allergens, and other pollutants from circulating in your home. If they're dirty, it can cause health problems for you and your family.

When the screens are filled with dust, it can only push out and draw in small amounts of air. This makes your AC work harder than it normally does, which ultimately increases the number on your bill.

Uneven Cold Temperature

If there are spots in your house that are colder than the other spaces, that usually means uneven air circulation. This is mostly caused by damaged ductwork.

As the air is cooled by the AC, it's distributed throughout the property by a series of tubes. But, as they age, they become vulnerable to wear and tear, which results in leaks that compromise the temperature of the breeze they deliver.

Odd Sounds

Air conditioners are designed to operate with little to no sounds coming from the units. That said, hearing unusual popping, banging, and screeching is your system's way of telling you that there's something wrong.

A serious mechanical problem may be causing those odd noises. Chances are a screw in the ductwork has rattled loose or worse, the fan is broken.

Shuts Off Prematurely

If your unit shuts off prematurely, the problem is probably with the thermostat. This device is responsible for the temperature of your air conditioner. One reason for the issue can be that it's incorrectly calibrated. This means that the AC isn't getting the right instructions from its control system.

Or, maybe your thermostat is placed near a source of heat, which makes the device unable to detect the right level of temperature a room needs. If not, then the batteries are probably drained.

Remember that ignoring these signs may ultimately lead to your unit breaking down. So, your best course of action is to have your air conditioner undergo regular maintenance.

Aside from routine checkups, you can also save yourself from paying a hefty price by buying a home protection plan from a trusted warranty provider. Not only will they help cover the costs if your unit needs major repairs; they'll also be the ones who'll contact a professional mechanic for you.