Photo by Gervyn Louis

Originally Posted On: AC Repair: 7 Signs You Need to Call a Professional Repairman (coolcarehvac.com)

 

During the months of June, July and August, it rarely drops below a sweltering 90 degrees in Columbia, South Carolina. This means that most citizens have their air conditioning units on full blast during those three months.

Air conditioning is pretty much essential for surviving our blazing summers, but how do you know when your unit has started to break down?

While some people may try to take matters into their own hands to save money, tinkering with your AC could damage it more. This could lead to an even more expensive repair in the long run.

Instead of guessing when your unit needs a professional to look at it, read on for seven scenarios when it is absolutely necessary to call a professional AC repair company like Cool Care Heating and Air https://www.coolcarehvac.com/

1. A Foul Smell

If there’s a foul smell in your house, and you’re certain it isn’t coming from your fridge or your teenage son’s room, it might be your AC unit.

Mold can form on the inside of your air conditioning unit, which causes it to stink up the house or room its in.

Don’t wait to have a professional take a look at this problem.

Turn it off immediately. Blowing mold into your home could cause serious health risks to your family and your household pets.

As soon as you determine the smell is definitely coming from your air conditioning unit, switch it off until it’s been fixed.

2. You’ll Need AC Repair If It’s Not Blowing Cool Air

When your AC unit stops blowing cool air into your home, there is a serious problem with it. If you notice that no matter how low you turn the thermostat, hot air is coming out of the ducts, turn it off and call your local repairman.

Often times, this is a result of your unit being low on refrigerant. Sometimes it is due to a problem with the compressor.

A duct can also break and blow air from the wrong part of the house through your AC unit. Depending on where it is blowing air from, this could be potentially dangerous.

3. Weird Noises

Typically, air conditioners make a relatively ambient white noise that most people get used to. However, if your air conditioner is making noises that aren’t the usual soft whir, it’s time to get it checked out.

Noises that shouldn’t be coming from the air conditioner include anything that sounds abnormal. You should turn off the air conditioner if you notice grinding, squealing or any other sound that just doesn’t seem to belong.

4. The Air Has Stopped Coming Out

When it’s 90 degrees outside with 86 percent humidity in Columbia, the last thing you need is for your air conditioning unit to stop producing air.

Most often, this is due to a restricted air filter. This issue can be a result of the filter becoming clogged with dirt and debris, as happens over time.

This can also be due to the fan inside of the unit no longer working or running incredibly slowly.

But unless you’re a professional HVAC specialist, it is best to leave it to someone with experience.

5. The Thermostat Stopped Working

Sometimes people think if the thermostat is broken, the air conditioning unit isn’t the problem. This isn’t always the case.

The thermostat no longer working can be a result of a variety of problems, some that could be within the AC unit itself. Most of the time, the air conditioner itself is faulty, not the control unit.

If it is an issue with the thermostat, it isn’t something you can remedy yourself. Instead, you’ll need a professional to look it over, diagnose your AC’s problem and fix it.

When fixing issues that originate from the thermostat, the HVAC specialist will need to have a look at the inside of it. With a complex network of electrical wires, this is one problem that’s best left to the pros.

6. Your Energy Bill is Sky High

While you may expect to have higher energy bills in the summer due to running their unit more often, you should be aware of what is average for your house. If your energy bill shoots up, and you’ve not increased your use of energy, this could be a sign of a broken AC unit.

The high energy bill can be due to a number of factors. These include dirty filters, duct leaks, not having enough refrigerant or just not keeping up with repairs and maintenance.

Sometimes, HVAC professionals that aren’t on their toes can fail to install the unit properly.

If you’ve just moved into a new home and suspect your AC bill is higher than it should be, ask your neighbors how much they pay per month. If your bill is a lot higher than theirs, it is time to get your AC unit looked at.

Old systems, failing parts and not taking care of your unit properly can also cause your energy bill to shoot through the roof.

Skipping AC repair to save a few bucks will actually cost you money in the long run. This is especially the case if it’s running your bill up. It is best to nip the problem in the bud.

7. The Inside of Your House is Humid

In Columbia, we deal with the humidity every day. But those muggy summers should be staying outside of your home, not coming with you inside.

Not only should a well-working AC unit keep you cool, but it should also reduce the moisture in your home. Too much of it can cause serious issues in your home, including damaging the structure of your house.

As moisture in the home can potentially cost you thousands of dollars in damages, it’s best to get your AC unit looked at immediately.

Repairing Your AC Unit

If you notice any of the above issues, you should reach out to an HVAC professional today. Do not attempt to solve the problem on your own, as you could potentially make it worse.

Visit our website for more information on our professional HVAC services in the Columbia, South Carolina area, including AC repair.