There are plenty of fun, outdoor activities during a Wichita summer. After a day of visiting the Keeper of the Plains and riding the train at Watson Park, you’ll be ready to come home and cool down. However, it’s hard to beat the heat when your air conditioner can’t keep up! Here are 8 common air conditioner problems that means your unit might require a tune-up.
8 Common Air Conditioner Problems
1. Decreased Air Flow
One of the 8 common air conditioner problems is to look for is decreased air flow. Even if the air coming through your vents is plenty cold, it won’t cool you home if the air flow isn’t strong enough. A weak air flow will restrict the cool air’s ability to circulate through the room properly, resulting in a running unit, no results and a higher bill. This, too, could be caused by a failing compressor, but it could also be due to issues within the ductwork. To have your problem properly diagnosed and resolved, contact a Fenix technician.
2. Lack of Cool Air
When your air conditioner stops blowing cold air, you’ve got a problem. Lack of Cool Air is another common problem. Even on the highest setting, the air coming through isn’t cold enough to cool your home, indicating that the system has failed. Potential causes include a problematic compressor or low Freon level. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, you may need to replace your system. This is a problem you’ll want a professional to look at, and fast!
3. Leakage or Moisture
Any leaking moisture in or around your air conditioner is a problem. Typically, moisture found in these cases proves to be either water or Freon. Freon is a poisonous refrigerant, and, should a leak be discovered, will require the immediate assistance of a trained HVAC technician. However, if your unit is leaking water, a less threatening problem, this could indicate that the tube intended to dispose of condensation is either blocked or broken. When this occurs, you may experience water leaking onto the floor, or you may notice ice inside of your air conditioner, forming on the copper refrigerant lines that run outside the condenser. In either case, you should have a professional check your unit if this is one of the 8 common air conditioner problems you’re dealing with.
4. Unreliable Thermostat
An unreliable Thermostat can be one of the 8 common air conditioner problems, if certain rooms remain cool while others heat up. Rather than the actual air condition, the thermostat may be to blame. If you suspect that you have a problem with your thermostat, have a HVAC technician take a look to identify and correct any problems. In addition, if your air conditioner runs only for a short time before shutting itself off, or if it won’t start at all, this could be a sign that your thermostat has broken, and is therefore unable to tell if your system is working properly. In order to solve this problem, you’ll need the help of a skilled technician, as this type of job can involve complex electrical components.
5. Noises Coming from Your Unit
When it comes to air conditioning units, unusual sounds are unwelcome sounds. If you notice any noises that are out of the ordinary while your air conditioner is running, there could be an internal problem. You should contact a technician quickly, as problems may worsen if left unattended.
6. Unusual Smells
As with any other situation, bad smells are not a good sign. If you notice an unpleasant odor, the wire insulation inside your unit has likely burned out. A musty smell may indicate the presence of mold in unit or the ductwork, which poses a health risk to your family. This should be addressed quickly by hiring a professional to address this would be common air conditioner problem.
7. Jump in Utility Bills
When your utility bills skyrocket with no notice, a faulty air conditioner may be to blame. If the bills increase without any change in how you’re using your AC, a repair is likely in order. As this issue could be attributed to anything from a leak in the duct work to a broken thermostat switch, you’ll want a professional diagnosis and repair.
8. Outdated System
If you’ve had the same unit for more than a decade, you’re in serious need of a new system. As HVAC units age, they become more likely to require repairs as old and outdated parts wear out more frequently. Because newer models tend to be more efficient, you’ll likely save money on your utility bills (and by requiring fewer repairs!) in the long run by upgrading.
Need a Repair?
If you’re having trouble with you heating and air conditioning, let the skilled team at Fenix Heating and Cooling give you a hand. With decades of experience, our team has the best solution to your problems and a name you can trust. Contact us today!
Trust the Fenix Comfort Heroes to rescue you from your HVAC problems. Don’t wait until the first day of winter to discover your furnace is not working! Turn it on today. If it’s not running properly, contact us and we’ll work to get your system fixed before the first frost.
Join the Fenix Protection Plan Service Program today! You’ll receive some nice benefits, like 20% off all parts and labor and having the peace of mind to know that your HVAC unit is being serviced by the best comfort specialists in Wichita!
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