Photo By PaulMaguire at istock
Anyone who has experienced a summer in Chattanooga, TN, knows how hot it can get. During the summer months, the temperature outdoors can reach 88 degrees and higher. This can make it very difficult to get comfortable. Because it gets so hot outside, your air conditioning system becomes your most essential appliance. If your AC isn’t functioning properly, life in your home will be very uncomfortable without AC repair.
The best way to prevent a complete air conditioning breakdown on the hottest day of the year is to be able to recognize the signs that you need AC repair. The sooner you realize there is a problem, and you have it fixed, the less chance there is of the air conditioning system experiencing a complete breakdown when you need it the most.
#1 No Cold Air
If the air coming from the vents isn’t cold, the first thing that you should do is check the thermostat. You want to make sure that it is set to the cooling mode. You also want to make sure that the thermostat is set lower than the temperature inside the house. If everything checks out, it is time to call for repair. There is a chance that there is an issue with the compressor or the airflow could be restricted. It would take the knowledge and experience of a professional to figure out why the air isn’t as cold as it should be.
#2 Poor Airflow
If the air isn’t flowing from the vents in your home correctly, your house won’t get as cold as it should. If you notice low airflow, you should contact a professional in AC repair. The issue could be something simple like a blockage in the air duct that needs to be removed. It could be something more serious like a broken motor. If your AC system is too small for the size of your home, poor airflow can be an issue. In this case, the tech might recommend that you install a larger unit or a zoned system. It would take the knowledge and the expertise of a professional in repairs to figure out exactly why the airflow is poor, and then to repair it.
#3 Frequent Cycles
During the day, your air conditioning system will go through routine cycles. When the desired temperature has been reached, the system will cycle down. If it is extremely hot outside, your system will cycle on and off more often. However, if you find that your air conditioning system is cycling on and off constantly, you should call a professional in AC repair. The issue could be something simple like your system needs a tuneup. It could also be something more serious, and your air conditioning system may have reached its maximum lifespan. If this is the cause of the problem, you will need to replace your system. Until you call a professional in repairs, you won’t know what is really going on.
#4 High Humidity
The summers in Chattanooga, TN, can be very humid. This high humidity can make it feel like it is 10 degrees cooler than it actually is. Your air conditioning system is designed to remove the moisture from the air inside your home. If you find that it is still humid even though the air conditioner is running, you should call a professional in AC repair. You may need to have your system recalibrated, which is a simple fix. If this doesn’t solve the problem, your system may not be capable of controlling the humidity level in your home. If this is the case, the tech might recommend that you install a whole-house dehumidifier.
#5 Foul Smells
You shouldn’t smell anything when your air conditioner is running. If you are turning it on for the first time during the cooling season, it isn’t uncommon to smell dust. Because the system hasn’t been used for almost a year, dust and debris can build up in the vents. It should take just a few minutes for the smell to dissipate. If you notice a moldy, musty odor when your air conditioner is running, you should call a professional in AC repair. They may need to clean the ductwork or the inside of the air conditioner to remove the smell. If you smell something burning or pungent, it could be something more serious, and you would need to contact a professional immediately. Until a tech arrives, you should not turn on your air conditioner.
#6 Leaking Around the Unit
You should never see any moisture around the indoor or outdoor unit. If you do, you should call a professional in AC repair. If one of the condensation hoses is loose or cracked, it can cause condensation to leak around the unit. It could be something more serious like a refrigerant leak. This is considered an emergency, and you should call a professional immediately. If you have an older system that requires R-22 Freon, you may need to have the system replaced. This type of Freon is toxic and has been phased out by the government. If the tech is able to find R-22, it will be costly. Installing a new system that doesn’t require this type of Freon could be the best cause of action.
#7 Strange Sounds
When the air conditioner in your home is running, it should be relatively quiet. You might hear a mild hum when the system is running, but that’s about it. If you hear any strange sounds, you might need to call a professional in AC repair. A rattling or buzzing sound could indicate a loose part within the system. If you hear a grinding or whistling sound, it could be something more serious. It would take the expertise of a professional in AC repair to figure out the source of the problem so it can be repaired.
If you are experiencing any issues with your air conditioner, contact Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air. We are a family-owned and operated company and have been handling HVAC and plumbing issues since 1989. If you are having any problems with your air conditioning system, give us a call today.
