To say that summers can be unbearable when temperatures are at their highest would be an understatement. That being said, it’s vital that you have a fully effective and efficient air conditioner to get you through the warmer months.
If you haven’t already schedule AC maintenance, now is the time to do so. Having your system tuned-up every year in the spring is the best way to ensure you can avoid air conditioning repair in Edmond, OK. It does bear mentioning that although maintenance will give you a peace of mind that your system will get through this spring and summer, you may still run into cooling system problems that need to be fixed. But how do you know when this is the case?
Your Air Conditioner is Making Strange Noises
You’ll know better than anyone what noises your AC typically makes while it’s running. There is, after all, a regular cycle of the sound of the compressor coming on and the hum of the fans. Be sure to pay attention to any unusual or unfamiliar sounds that interrupt this typical white noise, because it often is a sign that something is amiss.
Noises such as clattering or clanging can mean that mechanical components have become loose, while hissing can mean that refrigerant is escaping. Grinding and screeching both warn of motors wearing down, which can burn out.
Short-Cycling
As we mentioned above, you hear your compressor turning on and off as a regular part of cooling system operation. If it starts doing this rapidly, though, then you have an issue on your hands. This process in which your compressor cycles on and off every 15 minutes or so is called short-cycling, and it means that the compressor isn’t finishing its full cooling cycle. Rather, it’s shutting down prematurely only to restart a short time late.
There are various potential causes for this problem. It may be a clogged air filter (you should be changing your air filter every 1-3 months during periods of use), a miscalibrated thermostat, a loss of refrigerant, or even an air conditioner that wasn’t installed correctly to start with –it could be too large for the space it’s in. Whatever the case, it needs to be resolved since compressor damage can be irreversible.
Uneven Cooling
This is a relatively subtle sign of an air conditioner problem, and often gets neglected. However, when one or more rooms in your home aren’t receiving the same level of cooling as others, then something is wrong. You might have poor insulation, drafty windows in need of caulking, or potentially even damaged ductwork that’s leaking.
Another factor to keep in mind is that sometimes uneven cooling can be the sign of an aging, inefficient air conditioner and it may be time to upgrade the system rather than pay for more repairs.
Foul Odors from Vents
Dusty smells coming from the vents are natural when your air conditioner first turns on for the season. But if after a while (about an hour) this smell is not going away, then you might have a motor burning and on the verge of failing, which should be repaired right away.
At Comfort Incorporated, we keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable–call today, service today!
