Approximately two-thirds of homes in the United States are equipped with air conditioners, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone knows how or when to repair them.
In the event of a serious air conditioning problem, you should immediately call for AC repair, but it’s still important to be able to identify these problems when they arise. Or better yet, before they arise. If you’re unsure what to look for, here’s a short list of common air conditioning problems that are sure to make you sweat.
No Cool Air
Considering it’s your air conditioner’s job to produce cool air for your home, this should be immediately noticeable as an issue. The lack of cool air could mean any number of things, but it is most likely a clogged filter. Air conditioning technicians get called all the time by panicking customers, when all that’s needed is a new AC filter.
So save yourself from an expensive visit from AC repair services. Filters should be replaced every three months or so to ensure cleanliness and cool air. Regardless, no cool air is definitely an indicator of a serious need for maintenance in your HVAC system.
No Air Flow
If your air conditioner stops producing air altogether, you should first check the power. If the unit is plugged in and has experienced few prior issues, it could be an issue with the condenser. In this case, it’s extremely important to call for air conditioning repair immediately.
Thermostat Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with the temperature in your home, the issue may not be your air conditioning unit! The fact of the matter is that thermostats, while able to save you money if used properly, can also break.
Strange Noises
If for any reason you think you hear a grating or squeaking sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s a sign that your cooling unit is in need of repair. This could indicate a number of issues within the equipment, but it is by no means an issue that you should try to fix by yourself. Calling for repairs as soon as you hear any strange noise is the best plan of action.
Whether it’s the filter or some other part of your air conditioner, it’s important to keep an eye out for these problems. Though they account for approximately 5% of all power use in the United states, a properly functioning air conditioner can save up to 30% on your home energy bill, as well as keep you nice and cool in the hot summer months.
