7 Signs Your AC Needs Immediate Attention

Think of your air conditioning unit like the caped crusader that cools you and your family. Just like any superhero, your AC needs attention and care to keep performing at its best.

From strange sounds to escalating energy bills, there are many signs that your AC may need repair. Identifying these warning signals promptly will ensure that your AC is able to provide you with the relief you deserve.

1. Your AC is Blowing Warm Air

The cooling process involves a chemical known as refrigerant. This chemical is capable of changing from a liquid to a gas and back again. When your air conditioner is working properly, the refrigerant is sent to the evaporator coil. The air on this coil is cooled by the refrigerant, and it is then blown into your home. If the refrigerant is low, however, it won’t be able to cool your home effectively.

Another reason your AC might be blowing warm air is because of a clogged drain line. Air conditioning units produce a lot of condensation during operation. This condensation is usually removed through a drainage line. If this line is clogged, the condensation won’t be able to escape and will remain inside your unit. This can lead to mold and other problems.

Finally, if your air conditioner is blowing warm air, check to make sure the thermostat’s fan setting isn’t set to “on.” If this is the case, it will run all the time, even when the AC is not actively cooling. Instead, the fan should be set to “auto,” which will ensure that the air only gets blown out during cooling cycles. A professional HVAC technician can help you correct this problem.

2. Your AC is Making Loud Noises

If you hear clanking, banging or grinding noises coming from your AC unit, it’s time to call an experienced professional. These sounds could indicate that a part has become loose and is hitting other components, which can cause damage or even break the unit completely.

Rattling sounds are another common sign that your air conditioner needs immediate attention. These sounds often indicate that foreign objects are trapped inside your unit, such as sticks, leaves or branches. They can also be caused by a broken fan or blower motor or bad bearings. These sounds usually occur when the AC is running and can be heard both indoors and outdoors.

If you hear a helicopter-like sound coming from your AC, it’s definitely time to call for help! This sound can indicate that something is wrong with the outdoor unit and may need to be replaced. It can also be caused by a clogged filter or ductwork issues. These problems can lead to poor airflow and increase your energy bills. In order to save money and keep your home cool, you should regularly clean or replace your air filters and have a professional inspect your ductwork. The sooner you address these issues, the more likely your AC system will last and work properly for years to come.

3. Your AC is Blowing Ice

Ice build-up on your AC’s coils is a clear sign of a problem. If you notice visible ice anywhere on your indoor or outdoor unit, shut it down right away to prevent any further damage. Once the ice melts, the system will work properly again.

The easiest solution is to clean your air filter. Dirty filters restrict airflow and cause a variety of issues, including freezing. It’s best to set reminders to clean your air filters monthly during the summer.

Another common problem is a refrigerant leak. Low refrigerant levels drop the pressure on your evaporator coils, which then allows moisture in the air to freeze around the coils. This can also lead to a broken compressor, which is an expensive repair.

Faulty fan motors and relays also cause this issue. The fan is responsible for moving the warm conditioned air over the evaporator coils, keeping them above the point where condensation can form. A faulty fan allows the coils to drop in temperature, which causes the condensation to freeze and create ice. This is why it’s important to have your air conditioner inspected and repaired as soon as possible when you spot a problem.

4. Your AC is Blowing Water

Just like you’ve probably noticed on a glass of water left on the counter, condensation forms on your AC unit’s evaporator coil when warm air passes over it. When there’s too much, the moisture drips into a drain pan or down a white PVC pipe (usually outside your house) and turns off thanks to a safety float switch. However, if you find that you’re finding puddles around your AC unit or noticing a smell of mildew or mold, you have to call in a professional as soon as possible.

A clogged condensate drain line could be to blame for the problem. It’s essential to have this repaired right away to prevent further damage to your unit and avoid electrical hazards inside your home.

Any noise coming from your AC should be a red flag. Grinding, squealing, or scraping can signal that the belts in your AC system are out of alignment and need to be fixed right away. A foul, musty smell coming from your AC vents is also a sign that the inside of your unit is harboring mold or bacteria that affects indoor air quality and could lead to health issues for your family members.

5. Your AC is Blowing Hot Air

Air conditioning systems are supposed to circulate and filter the air in our homes, removing pollutants, mold, and other allergens that could be harmful. If your AC system is blowing hot air, this means it has stopped doing its job and needs immediate attention. The problem is caused by several things, some of which can be solved by you with a simple DIY fix and even a simple aircon clean, and others that will require a professional technician to handle.

One of the most common reasons your AC is blowing hot air is because the return vents are blocked. This occurs when people close the vents for any reason, and it can block the flow of cold air into the unit. To remedy the problem, all you have to do is open up the vents and clear away any furniture or boxes that may be blocking the openings.

Another issue that can cause your AC to blow hot air is a refrigerant leak. This occurs when the cooling agent (refrigerant) leaks out of the evaporator coil or the condenser coil. This can leave you with low refrigerant levels, which will make your AC stop working properly.

If you see pools of liquid near your outdoor unit or notice a hissing sound, this is a sign that you have a refrigerant leak. You should call an HVAC technician as soon as possible to locate the leak and repair it.

6. Your AC is Blowing Cold Air

If your AC system is running, but it isn’t cooling the house, there could be many reasons for this. One of the most common causes of this problem is that the thermostat is set to “AUTO” or “FAN”. If this is the case, changing the setting to Cool should resolve the issue. Another possibility is that the air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. It’s a good idea to change the air filter a few times each year to prevent dirt and grime from clogging the unit.

A leaking compressor or evaporator coil can be another cause of this issue. If you notice frost or ice on the outside of these units, it is time to call an AC professional.

Leaking ducts can also cause this problem. It is recommended to have a professional inspect and seal your ductwork regularly to ensure that it has no holes or gaps.

Another possible reason for this issue is that the air conditioner is too old to keep up with the cooling demands of the home. This is when it is best to have a professional evaluate the system and determine whether it is worth saving or if it is time for a new air conditioning unit.

7. Your AC is Blowing Strange Sounds

When your AC is working well, it should make a quiet hum that blends into the background. Any unusual sounds could be a sign that your air conditioning is in need of repairs. The longer you wait to act, the more damage your AC may experience.

Whenever you hear strange noises from your AC, it is important to immediately consult an HVAC professional. Any grinding, rattling, or screeching sounds are indications that something is wrong with the system. Leaving these problems unaddressed can lead to expensive repair bills in the future.

Hissing noises are another indicator that your AC has a refrigerant leak. This is a serious problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If the hissing sound is coming from the outside unit, it could be a sign that there are leaves or sticks stuck inside the fan. This will prevent the air from flowing freely and you will have to call a technician for an emergency AC repair.

Frequent cycling of your AC is also a bad sign. This will cause the system to overwork and wear down faster.