Even though air conditioners are generally used in the scorching summer months, it’s always a good idea to take a look at your unit in the spring.
Inspecting your air conditioner in the spring gives you a chance to find and deal with issues before the warm weather rolls in (which is when you need your unit the most!).
If you don’t know exactly what to look for, that’s ok — you can keep an eye out for the issues listed below.
If you happen to notice that your air conditioning unit is broken or damaged, you’ll want to get in contact with a professional HVAC company, like Grand Comfort. By doing this, you can sleep well at night knowing that your family can stay comfortable all spring and summer long.
Unit Makes Unusual Noises
It’s not uncommon for old or damaged air conditioning units to make loud, strange noises, especially if the unit is over ten years old.
These noises are generally caused by the belt; if the belt isn’t held firmly in place, then it can shift. This shifting causes the unit to make excessive noises.
Even if the noise doesn’t bother you, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection with your local HVAC experts. This is because a loose belt can gradually damage other integral parts of the unit. This can lead to expensive (and avoidable) repairs in the future.
Unit Blows Hot Air
This is the exact opposite of what air conditioners should do — that’s why they’re called “air conditioners”.
If your air conditioner is blowing warm or hot air, then there are two possible issues. The most common is that the air conditioner is low on refrigerant. This issue is easy to fix, as an HVAC technician can refill the refrigerant in a matter of minutes.
On the other hand, you may have a compromised compressor. For those that don’t know, the compressor allows the refrigerant to move between the condenser coils and evaporator.
However, the AC compressor replacement process isn’t as straightforward as one might think; if you don’t feel confident in your ability to replace or repair your compressor, you should get in contact with an HVAC technician as soon as possible.
Unit Emits an Odd Smell
Does your air conditioner produce air with an odd, off-putting scent?
There are two common reasons why your air conditioner may be doing this: a burned wire or mold.
A burned wire causes the air in your home to smell like:
- Burning plastic
- Metal
- Chemicals
On the other hand, mold and fungus can make the air in your home smell:
- Earthy
- Musty
- Sour
If you’ve ever smelled these scents in your home and not been able to identify them, then you should get in contact with an HVAC technician immediately. This is because burned wires and mold can compromise the air quality in your home, and potentially make your family sick.
An air conditioner has one simple (and essential) role to play: cooling your home. However, over time, even the best units can benefit from a quick inspection and tune-up. If you don’t think that your air conditioning unit is working to its full potential, be sure to call your local HVAC team.