Telltale Signs the Air Conditioner Needs To Be Repaired
For many people, October is all about getting into the Halloween spirit with scary movies, spooky costumes, creepy decorations, and festive snacks. But after watching so many horror flicks and being surrounded by ghoulish aesthetics, the mind naturally tends to go straight to the supernatural when something goes bump in the night.
So when homeowners hear an eerie sound coming from the attic or feel an especially cold draft on the back of their necks, they may think their house is haunted, but the more likely explanation is that the AC is busted. And since Florida tends to stay warm and muggy up to the holidays, living with a broken AC is almost as bad as living with a vengeful ghost! This article will discuss three common signs of an air conditioner in need of repairs, so homeowners can catch problems before they turn scary!
Loud or Unusual Sounds
One indicator of AC trouble that’s pretty hard to miss is if the air conditioner unit makes loud or strange sounds. Here are some of the most common sounds homeowners might hear and what they typically mean:
- Banging or Clanking - This can occur if the blower fan is misaligned or out of balance, causing the blades to strike the fan housing. It may also be caused by loose parts inside the unit or a broken component in the compressor, such as a connector rod or piston pin.
- Screeching or Squealing - This is often caused by a loose drive belt, dry fan bearing, or a faulty blower motor. But in some cases may indicate excessively high compressor pressure, particularly if it can only be heard when the unit first starts up.
- Buzzing - This may be caused by various issues, including a failing outdoor fan motor, dirty condenser coils, frozen evaporator coils, or a faulty relay switch in the compressor.
- Clicking - Clicking noises that persist throughout the cooling cycle may indicate a failing thermostat or an electrical issue with the compressor.
- Rattling - This may be caused by twigs or other debris in the outdoor unit but may also indicate loose or worn parts.
- Hissing or Whistling - These sounds typically point to either a leak in the ductwork or a leak in the refrigerant lines as pressurized gas escapes through a narrow opening.
If homeowners notice any of these noises, they should immediately contact their local HVAC company since many of these issues can seriously damage the unit and may even be dangerous.
The Thermostat Isn’t Working Properly
The thermostat is the brain or control center of the entire air conditioning system, so if the thermostat begins failing, it can lead to a surprising number of major AC issues or cause the system to stop working altogether. Homeowners can avoid problems and wear and tear on the unit by understanding the symptoms of a broken thermostat and calling a technician to fix it before additional damage can occur.
If the thermostat routinely loses power or “forgets” the program schedule, there may be a loose wire or a fault with the central processor. Likewise, if homeowners try to make adjustments but the thermostat freezes or don’t respond, it probably needs to be replaced. If the AC doesn’t turn on or runs constantly and never turns off, this often indicates bad wiring between the thermostat and the unit or a calibration issue. Short cycling (when the AC turns on and off frequently) may also be caused by a thermostat reading the temperature incorrectly.
Uneven Cooling Throughout the House
If homeowners feel warm in some rooms but get chills in others, it’s probably not because ghosts are hanging out in the rooms. Instead, it’s uneven cooling, which has multiple possible causes.
Leaky air ducts or a lack of insulation around ductwork may be to blame for uneven cooling, as cool air escapes or gets warmed on its way to certain rooms. Short cycling can also cause uneven cooling if the system doesn’t run long enough to cool every room properly. If the rooms closest to the blower unit get cool while more distant rooms stay warm, the culprit could be as simple as a dirty air filter impeding airflow. In other cases, an older AC on its way out may simply struggle to deliver air efficiently throughout the home.
All of these issues can be frustrating (if not downright spooky), but they can also lead to additional repairs and shorten the lifespan of the HVAC system if neglected. So if homeowners notice any of the above warning signs of a broken air conditioner, it’s time to call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
About Mid Florida A/C
The family-owned and operated Mid Florida A/C has been DeBary’s preferred HVAC service company since 1980. As a BBB A+ rated local business with numerous 5-star reviews, they are committed to providing prompt, reliable, and personalized service from trustworthy certified technicians. They offer extended and lifetime warranties, financing, beneficial membership programs, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for air conditioning repairs and maintenance in DeBary, FL.
