Can you name a time when your air conditioning system broke down and you thought it was rather convenient? Chances are, the answer is no and that’s because we typically rely heavily on our cooling systems during the summer months (and that’s why they tend to malfunction then) and we don’t even think about them at all during the colder months of the year. Well, if you want yours to last all season long this year, we recommend keeping a close eye out for the following major signs of a faulty system.
How To Tell If Your AC Is Broken
- You notice strange noises
- The system keeps turning on and off
- There is warm air blowing when the AC is on
- There is a decrease in airflow
- There is water pooling near the unit
- The system won’t turn on
- You notice foul odors
Now, let’s explore what could be causing these issues.
1 – You’re Hearing Strange Noises
Do you notice squeaking, squealing, rattling, banging, clanking or grinding noises when your air conditioning system kicks on or while it’s running? While it certainly will make some noise, after all, it is a large system with lots of moving parts, you shouldn’t be hearing any of the sounds mentioned above.
Strange noises could indicate loose parts, malfunctioning nuts or bolts, or worse grinding components that are wearing out. These sounds usually don’t just go away on their own and often require an expert’s skill and knowledge in order to diagnose and fix the problem while the system is still salvageable. With that said, if you hear any foreign noises coming from your cooling system, call in a pro right away!
2 – The Air Conditioner Turns On And Off Too Soon
If you have your system set properly and it tends to turn off before the house is cooled down, or turns on while it seems to be quite cold in the house, you could have a problem on your hands. Luckily, in many cases, the thermostat just needs to be reset or recalibrated and you won’t need a complete system overhaul.
However, if you’ve got a brand new thermostat or it has recently been serviced, it could be a whole host of other issues. Either way, we recommend calling in a pro sooner than later.
3 – Warm Air Is Coming Through The Vents
If your system kicks on and you feel warm air spilling out of the vents, rather than the cool air that should be coming out, check to make sure your system is actually set to “cool” rather than “heat.”
If the settings seem to be correct and the system is still kicking out warm air, it could mean airflow is restricted (which is a common result of a dirty or clogged filter) or that there is a problem with the compressor. If neglected, this problem can cause your AC to break down prematurely.
4 – Airflow Seems Irregularly Weak
Similar to the issue mentioned above, inadequate airflow is another common air conditioning problem. Check to make sure your air filters are clean and make sure the outdoor unit has at least 3 feet of clearance from anything that could restrict airflow (bushes, plants, dirt, leaves, etc.).
5 – Water Is Pooling Near The System
There are two common causes that would make you think the system is leaking: a broken or blocked drain tube or a refrigerant leak. Both issues can be fixed relatively quickly and easily if tackled right away, but if either scenario goes undetected for a longer period of time, it could cause major system problems down the road.
6 – The System Won’t Turn On
If your air conditioning system fails to turn on even when the temperature in the room rises above the set temperature on the thermostat, you could have a burnt-out compressor. Your air conditioner won’t run if the compressor fails and the only fix is a complete replacement.
7 – Foul Odors Are Emitted
Getting a whiff of mold or mildew, or worse, each time the system kicks on? This often comes as a result of a lack of proper maintenance which can cause bacteria and other harmful toxins to build up within the components. A lack of maintenance once again can lead to a whole host of problems with your cooling system so we recommend doing whatever it takes in order for you to remember to schedule regular maintenance visits from a professional!
Call (803) 302-3350 to speak with an AC replacement expert at Love Plumbing, Air & Electrical today. Our air conditioning experts have the tools and experience for all your Columbia AC replacement and new installation services.
Schedule Service