We rely on our air conditioners heavily to get us through the hot Staunton summers, but what happens when it shows unusual behavior? Air conditioners are intricate systems with many components working together to provide cool air. When one part is malfunctioning or obstructed, the whole system can face the negative effects.
With that being said, your AC system often shows signs it will need repair soon. Being able to identify the warning signs can save you from an uncomfortable breakdown and costly repair expenses. In this article, we discuss how to tell if you need AC repair in Staunton, VA and surrounding areas.
How Do Air Conditioners Work?
To understand why air conditioners malfunction, it is important to learn how the system operates. Air conditioners take in warm air from a space, pass it through an internal system, and release comfortable, cool air into your home. Most cooling systems use refrigerant, which cycles from gas to liquid and back again, to absorb heat and produce cool air. The compressor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil must work together to change the refrigerant’s state, take in warm air, and release cold air into a space.
Refrigerant participates in cyclic behavior and does not often deplete. Some indicators that your system may need repairs include: when levels of refrigerant are low, the AC loudly operates, or warm air blows out of the appliance. However, you’ll find several other warning signs something is wrong.
7 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair
Some air conditioning problems stem from a lack of maintenance, while others occur due to worn parts and internal issues. You can look for the following signs that your appliance needs professional air conditioner repair services from a trusted technician. If any of the following scenarios apply to you, call All-Temp Heating & Cooling for expert AC repair in Stuarts Draft, VA.
- Leaking Refrigerant
- Loud Noises
- Pooling Liquid
- On and Off Cycling
- Smelly Odors
- Hot Indoor Conditions
- High Utility Bills
Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant should not leak out of your air conditioner, and if it does, you may have had poor-quality AC installation or currently have a leak. It is important to understand that refrigerant is a toxic substance and should only be handled by professionals. An All-Temp technician will address the leaking area, add more refrigerant, then test the function of your system. Adding more refrigerant to make up for the loss does not truly address the problem, so contact a trusted expert for help.
Loud Noises
It is normal for air conditioners to make noise when turning off and on. However, air conditioners making frequent noises could initiate something wrong within the system. Squealing, banging, clicking, buzzing, hissing, and rattling are all sounds to be aware of and all can indicate different malfunctions. Components can be loose and causing further damage or there may be an electrical issue, which would both require a trained HVAC technician’s assistance.
Pooling Liquid
Malfunctioning air conditioners could have water pooling around the base. Water from your air conditioner is not an issue to take lightly, as the problem could worsen and lead to a water-damaged home.
On and Off Cycling
Constant cycling is unusual behavior for an air conditioner. If your cooling system constantly shuts on and off, it either indicates the need for immediate repairs or a replacement. Common AC repairs for constant cycling can include a bad compressor, blocked airflow, dirty coils, low refrigerant, or frozen coils.
Smelly Odors
If unusual smells are coming from your air conditioner, it is often a sign of repair. Air conditioners should not produce smelly odors and are likely caused by an internal obstruction. Musty smells can be due to mold or mildew growth in ductwork or another area, a burning smell could be an electrical issue, and a rotten egg smell could be due to a deceased pest within your system. All of these issues should be addressed by an AC repair technician in Staunton, VA to correctly identify the problem!
Hot Indoor Conditions
If your air conditioner is no longer cooling your home, you have an AC repair on your hands! Lack of cool air can be due to a wide variety of problems, and an All-Temp technician can quickly identify the source! Potential causes could be refrigerant issues or clogged condenser coils. When Staunton temperatures are high, a working air conditioner is a must.
High Utility Bills
If your air conditioning costs are higher than normal without making any cooling changes, you likely need an AC repair in Augusta County, VA. High bills indicate your air conditioner is working harder than necessary due to a malfunction or obstruction. This can be due to many things, such as a clogged air filter or broken internal component. The faster you call All-Temp for AC repair, the quicker you will begin to save on utility bills each month and have an efficient air conditioner!
Advantages Of Identifying AC Issues Early
Scheduling air conditioner repair as soon as you detect issues can have its perks. First, you’ll get back to having cool and healthy indoor air in no time, which is especially essential during the peak heat conditions of summer. Additionally, your AC problems will only get worse the longer you wait to address them, as minor issues could become expensive, potentially turning into an early replacement.
When To Replace Your Air Conditioner
While repairs are vital for your air conditioner’s health and performance, they are not always enough to save your system. Air conditioners eventually need replacing, but repairs are typically the first step to take. So, how do you know as a homeowner whether it’s time to repair or replace your AC?
Your AC Is Operating Past Its Lifespan
The general rule is if your air conditioner is 10+ years old, you should consider a AC replacement in Staunton, VA or surrounding areas. Continuing to repair a dying air conditioner can be more costly in the long run. However, air conditioner lifespans can vary based on the type of system you have, model, and maintenance frequency. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional cooling system technician to see what their recommendations are, and our team at All-Temp Heating & Cooling can guide you with our trusted AC expertise.
Your AC Frequently Requires Costly Repairs
While we love to visit our customers, you should not call a technician for AC repairs more than twice a year. You might be better off asking for an appliance replacement rather than spending more money on repairs. If repairs cost 50% or more of what a new air conditioner costs, consider upgrading your system as soon as possible.
Benefits Of Scheduling Professional Air Conditioner Repair
You may think putting off air conditioner repairs is no big deal. However, you could be missing out on several benefits of repairing your air conditioning system with the help of a professional. Here are several perks to scheduling air conditioning repair as soon as you need it:
- Increase unit energy efficiency
- Avoid needing expensive repairs or a complete replacement
- Save time and money by tackling it early
- Experience lower utility bills
- Enjoy cool and comfortable air sooner
- Prevent hot and humid conditions in your home
Our professional cooling system technicians will get to the bottom of any type of air conditioning trouble. We have the team, equipment, and training necessary to tackle any repair situation. If numerous signs suggest you should schedule air conditioner repair in Staunton, VA, contact All-Temp Heating & Cooling. Our business helps residents experience year-round comfort with professional services. Call us at (540) 712-8902, or request a service appointment online.
