Signs of an AC in Need of Some Work
Do you hear something amiss when you put your ear to the air conditioner? Is there a room in the house that is too warm for comfort even as other areas are cool? An energy bill that has gone up for no apparent reason could be another indicator.
If any of this sounds familiar, your AC is probably trying to tell you something. We have been of service to the cooling systems of New Hanover County homeowners since 2013 and can explain what is going on at Anderson Air. Give us a ring at (910) 210-0399.
One should not let small things with the AC go by, they have a habit of turning into a full blown system failure. For the most part the unit will give warning before it quits. Here is what to be aware of.
Unexpected Noises from the Unit
A properly functioning air conditioner makes a certain hum. Anything beyond that is worth a moment of your time.
Watch for:
- A grinding or scraping noise meaning the bearings are worn
- Squealing, normally a belt
- Banging or clanking from a broken or loose piece
- A buzz of an electrical nature
- Clicking over and over during operation
Some of these are of little consequence but others will do damage to the system if left alone. Consider a strange sound an invitation from the AC to be inspected.
Weak Flow or Warm Air
You want a good cold stream from the vents. If the air is not up to snuff or the flow is feeble, something is wrong.
The culprit may be the ductwork, a filter in need of changing, a compressor past its prime or low refrigerant. In Wilmington one does not want to be making do with warm air come a hot afternoon. Low refrigerant could point to a leak best left to a professional.
Some Rooms Do Not Cool Evenly
When the bedrooms are stuffy but the living room is all right, that is a red flag. Unevenness like that is often the result of a unit in difficulty, trouble with the ducts or simply a system not suited to the home.
With the AC in order the whole house is comfortable and you are not having to move fans about.
Your Energy Bill is Up
The figures on the bill will make it plain. Unless you have changed your ways, a jump in cost means the air conditioner is working harder than it ought to.
An old system loses its efficiency and will use more power to run longer. Get on top of it and save yourself some expense.
Moisture or Odors You Are Not Used To
Investigate any moisture or smell in the area of the unit.
These are tell tale signs:
- Mustiness of mold in the system or ducts
- Water about the indoor unit
- The scent of refrigerant
- High humidity in the home
- A burning odor, which is an electrical fault
In the event of a burning smell, shut the system down and call us without delay.
Short Cycling or Non-Stop Running
It is supposed to cycle and keep the home cool. An AC that will not stop or is on and off in quick succession is under duress.
Such short cycling is hard on your parts and your energy usage. Whether it is a matter of the thermostat or the refrigerant, it is a sign that will only get worse.
Why Act Early
We have our share of homeowners who wait until the AC has had its way and then the repair is a different matter altogether in terms of cost. It is better for your comfort and the system to heed the warnings.
Anderson Air is here for you around the clock. As a licensed and insured firm we hold an A+ with the BBB and do business with Carrier, Lennox and Trane. We can put you in touch with financing, our Worry Free Program and the Air Maintenance Club. For a new system we provide free estimates.
Make the call to (910) 210-0399 instead of waiting for the air conditioner to conk out on the hottest day of the year and we will have your home as it should be.