8 Warning Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

As the days get longer and hotter, your AC unit works hard to keep your home comfortable. From old age to having a dirty filter, a number of things can keep your unit from running efficiently. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your unit needs repair before one problem causes another, or worse, you need to replace the AC unit. Here are 8 common warning signs you may want to look for:

1. AC unit is old

   If your air conditioner is older than the average life expectancy of AC units in homes today—between 15 and 20 years—it likely needs attention. It’s not a bad idea to start shopping for a replacement just in case of an emergency, but it’s important you get an older AC unit inspected and cleaned to prolong its life. If you are in the Denver Metro Area, we can help you with this.

2. Your electric bill has gone up

   It’s normal for utility bills to fluctuate, but a significantly higher than normal energy bill means your air conditioner is running inefficiently. This could be due to a clogged air filter, a broken motor, or something more serious. It’s best to get your AC unit inspected before the problem worsens and you continue to run up your energy bill.

3. Unit is releasing a bad odor

   It is not a good sign when your AC unit gives off a bad smell. An unpleasant odor can mean there is an issue with the filter, a buildup of dirt, or even mildew. No matter the culprit, the smell means something is wrong and could be bad for your health. It’s best to contact an HVAC contractor for a quick diagnostic and a full cleaning of the system.

4. Warm air

   If your unit is running but the air is coming out warm or your home isn’t cooling down, there is likely an issue with your refrigerant. Your homes AC system should keep your home comfortable and is designed to cool your home to the temperature you set via the thermostat. However, a loss of refrigerant can cause your system to stop cooling effectively, making your home uncomfortable.
   There is also a chance the lack of cold air is due to the AC compressor. When the AC compressor stops working, your air conditioning system essentially becomes a large central fan with no ability to cool the air that flows through it. This can be a very technical and challenging fix–requiring the assistance of an HVAC professional.

5. Insufficient airflow

   If your air conditioning unit is not pushing out as much air as usual, this is usually a sign the air compressor is failing. It can also mean the AC air ducts are clogged. Even if the air that is coming out of the unit is cold, your air conditioner will only work overtime to compensate which can quickly lead to an AC burnout.

6. Frozen AC coil

   One of the most common causes of air conditioner coils needing repair or replacement is frozen pipes as a result of a dirty or blocked air filter. When your filter becomes too dirty, your air conditioner’s air flow is decreased, causing it to work harder, and occasionally, for the refrigerant coils to freeze. We can repair or replace your fan coil unit to get your air conditioning system back up and running.

7. Loud and persistent noises

   Loud and persistent noises can indicate a serious problem. Pay attention to the sounds you hear and, if possible, describe them to your HVAC contractor. Squealing and whistling noises may come from belt or fan issues while banging noises can mean broken and loose internal components that can cause more problems. All these noises are signs that your furnace needs to be repaired.

8. Refrigerant is leaking

   When your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant or freon, this can cause your system to stop cooling your home or even freeze up. These leaks can occur throughout the unit including the valve cores, weld joints, filter canisters or system’s tubing. Finding a leak in the unit can be a complicated process, so it is best to have an expert detect and perform air conditioner refrigerant leak repair on the system.

Contact us for AC repair in Denver, Colorado

Located in Aurora, we provide air conditioner repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. If you need AC repair, inspection, cleaning, replacement, or emergency service, contact our team today.