When the hot and humid late spring and summer months arrive, you need to know that your home’s cooling system will work properly. Ideally, when you turn it on, you’ll immediately feel a blast of fresh and cool air. However, if something else happens, you will need to schedule a service appointment to remedy whatever issue is plaguing your air conditioner.
The Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air
Perhaps the most obvious sign that the cooling system in your Sarasota, FL home is defective is that it blows warm air. This can be a sign of several different issues such as a lack of coolant or a problem with the coil. You may also have an issue with the compressor that helps send cool and fresh air into the house.
You See Liquid Near the Compressor Unit
Another clue of a potentially serious problem is the sight of liquid near the compressor unit. In some cases, this may indicate a leaky pipe or other plumbing issue that might impact more than just the unit itself. It may also indicate that there is a coolant leak, which can be problematic .
Something Smells Weird
An odd smell from your air conditioner may signify a variety of problems. For instance, if you notice a burning smell, it could be caused by a frayed or otherwise damaged wire melting. It could also be caused by a component that is being overworked and became overheated.
If you notice a musty smell coming from the unit, it’s likely caused by mold or mildew that has grown inside of the unit. The spores can then be transported into your home as air is transferred through its duct system. This may result in a significant mold outbreak that requires mitigation beyond repairs to your cooling system.
A pungent odor from inside of a compressor unit could mean that there is a dead or dying animal stuck there. Getting the creature out as soon as possible may minimize the risk of the carcass attracting other pests looking for an easy meal.
The Air Conditioner Cycles Too Often
When your air conditioner is working properly, it will push cool air into your home until it reaches your preferred temperature. At that point, it will shut off and wait until the room exceeds that temperature again.
However, if your air conditioner cycles more than once before reaching your desired temperature, it could be a sign that something is wrong. In some cases, the problem may be that your unit is too old and needs to be replaced.
The Cooling System Doesn’t Come on Right Away
A properly functioning cooling system will come on immediately after it is activated. Activation occurs when the thermostat sends a signal to the air conditioner to start running because your home is too warm. This can happen because the temperature exceeded a predetermined level or because you manually turned the air conditioner on.
The fact that your air conditioner does not start could signal an issue with the thermostat. For example, it could have a bad or low battery that causes the signal to be delayed. However, it could also indicate that there is a problem with the condensate line, a faulty blower motor or the fact that the circuit breaker in your home was tripped. Regardless of what the actual cause is, your best course of action is to call a professional right away.
You Notice Physical Damage to the Compressor Unit
A compressor unit generally sits unprotected from the hazards that nature throws at it. For instance, a tree branch might come down and put a dent in the unit’s casing or get inside of one of the fan blades. It’s also possible for leaves, tall grass or tree roots to become intertwined with fan blades, which can lead to damage.
Although a damaged compressor isn’t necessarily dangerous to keep on your property, it isn’t going to work like it should. Even if it does start, there is a good chance that it will need significant repairs to work on a consistent basis or to work as intended.
You’re Getting Inconsistent Airflow
Inconsistent airflow from an air conditioner could be a sign that there is a clog or obstruction in the compressor unit. It could also be a sign that you have a clogged duct or vent inside the home. If a duct or vent is clogged, you will likely notice that areas closest to the furnace are cooler than those that are farther away. This is because air isn’t able to get all the way through the duct system.
If you are in need of air conditioner repair service, don’t hesitate to contact AirNow Air Conditioning today. You can also contact us to learn more about our heating repair or installation services. Finally, our team can perform an indoor air quality assessment to ensure that your home is comfortable throughout the year.