When summer rolls around in Montgomery, Alabama, the last thing you want is a broken air conditioner. Your home’s air conditioner is what keeps you cool and comfortable during the hot Alabama summers. When your AC system isn’t functioning as it should, it’ll usually give you some telltale signs. Here are the most common signs that indicate your AC system needs repair:
No Cold Air
There’s nothing more frustrating than turning on the air conditioner on a sweltering day to find little or no cold air coming out. This is a common issue. It can stem from one of the following three problems:
- Refrigerant is low and needs to be topped up. Don’t try to refill refrigerant yourself. This is a task for the pros. A professional HVAC service technician will refill the refrigerant to the correct level as required by the manufacturer and can test for leaks along the refrigerant line.
- No cold air coming out of the AC system an indicate a more serious problem like a failed compressor. If this is the case, and the HVAC service technician can’t fix the compressor, you may need to replace your air conditioning unit.
- A blocked condensation line is preventing condensate from draining properly. This forces moisture to build up on the evaporator coils, which will eventually freeze into a solid block of ice. Once this happens, cool air can no longer flow freely through the condensation line.
Weak Airflow
Weak airflow is another common AC problem. It is often a result of a clogged air filter or dirty air vents that are obstructing airflow. Dirt and debris in the ducts could also be restricting airflow. Regular HVAC maintenance is important in keeping your AC unit functioning optimally. Changing the air filter and cleaning the vents are tasks you can do yourself. For maintenance like duct cleaning, it’s best to call an HVAC contractor.
Water Pooling Around the AC System
If you see water near the air conditioning unit, try to identify where the leak is coming from. A small amount of condensation is normal when an air conditioner is running. However, large pools of water around the AC unit may mean something is wrong.
First, check if the drain tube that disposes of condensation is blocked or broken. If this isn’t the problem, it’s likely a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a gas comprised of toxic chemicals, and it can be dangerous when inhaled. A refrigerant leak requires urgent attention, so call your HVAC service technician immediately.
Strange Noises
When an air conditioner switches on and off, it’s normal for it to make sounds. But if you notice a consistent unusual noise coming from your air conditioner, something is amiss. Different sounds indicate different problems. Some sounds are not serious.
The occasional clanging sound usually means a screw or bolt is rattling around in the system and needs removing. Other sounds, such as buzzing noises, could point towards an electrical fault — a more dangerous situation. Explain the noise to an HVAC service technician who will be able to correctly identify and fix the problem.
Bad Odors
Foul odors coming from the air conditioner are unpleasant but not uncommon. The type of smell will tell you the possible cause.
Odors akin to smelly socks often mean there’s stagnant water in the drain pan. The pungent smell of decomposing matter could even mean there are dead critters in your ductwork. A musty smell is a sign of a build-up of bacterial growth, which often presents a health hazard. Adding a dehumidifier to your HVAC system or placing a UV lamp near the evaporator coil to kill bacterial growth will improve your home’s indoor air quality.
When AC system troubles strike, seek the services of an expert. At Air Conditioning by Luquire, our trained HVAC service technicians perform quality residential HVAC services. To schedule an air conditioner repair or new AC installation, call us at 334-230-5870.
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