Your air conditioner is essential during the hot summer months in Texas. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach 95 degrees on a typical day. Without air conditioning, the temperature in your house can reach 120 degrees and can put your family at risk for heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
If your air conditioner breaks down or isn’t working correctly, your house won’t stay cool and comfortable. A DIY air conditioner repair isn’t recommended because air conditioners are complex, and without professional training, it’s easy to make a mistake and cause further damage.
If your air conditioner experiences any of the following issues, it’s best to call an AC repair tech in Fort Worth, TX to diagnose and resolve the problem correctly.
#1 Restricted Airflow
When your air conditioning system works correctly, you’ll feel a powerful rush of cold air from the vents. If you feel minimal airflow, it’s best to call an AC repair professional in Fort Worth, TX immediately.
There are a few problems that can restrict the airflow, including:
- Clogged air ducts: Over time, the dirt, dust, and debris in your home will get into the air ducts. Up to five pounds of debris can accumulate in one year, and after a few years, there will be so much debris in the ducts that the airflow will be affected. Clogged ducts can also affect the air quality. When the unit runs, the debris will circulate in the air, causing allergy symptoms.
An AC repair tech can clean the ducts to remove the debris, and they will recommend having the ducts cleaned every three to five years to prevent them from clogging again. - Damaged air ducts: The air ducts in your home are hidden so you won’t see visual damage, and the minimal airflow could be due to damage. If part of the ductwork is cracked or the seal has failed, the cold air will escape before reaching the vents.
A professional in AC repair can inspect the ducts for damage and make the necessary repair. If you have the ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years, minor damage can be detected during duct cleaning service before further damage occurs. - Broken blower: The blower is responsible for forcing the cold air from the unit through the ducts and out the vents. If the blower isn’t working, you’ll feel minimal airflow.
An HVAC tech can inspect the blower and determine if it can be fixed or if a replacement is the better option.
It’s best to call a professional as soon as the airflow is reduced. Poor airflow will cause your air conditioner to work harder to keep your house cool, and your energy bills will increase, and the problem could reduce the unit’s lifespan if not addressed immediately.
#2 The Unit Produces Warm Air
If your air conditioner is producing warm air, check the thermostat. If it isn’t set correctly, your air conditioner won’t perform as it should. The thermostat must be set to the cooling mode, the fan must be set to auto, and it has to be warmer in your house than the setting on the thermostat.
Next, check the air filter. The unit will overheat if the filter is covered in dirt and grime, causing it to produce cold air.
If everything checks out on your end, it’s time to schedule an appointment for AC repair. A few issues can prevent the unit from producing cold air, including:
- Frozen evaporator coils: The coils extract heat and humidity from the air to start the cooling process. If the coils are frozen, they can’t do their job, and you’ll feel warm air coming from the vents.
- Broken compressor: The indoor unit and outdoor compressor work together to produce cold air. The indoor unit won’t work if the compressor isn’t working.
Foul odors should never be ignored and should be addressed immediately to ensure your home and family’s safety.
- Refrigerant leak: the unit relies on refrigerant to produce cold air, and if there’s a leak or the supply is depleted, the unit won’t produce cold air.
The HVAC tech will inspect the unit to determine which issue is causing the problem and make the necessary repair.
It’s best to make the call immediately because your house can get dangerously hot if the problem isn’t addressed immediately.
#3 Foul Smells
Your air conditioner shouldn’t emit an odor when it runs, except for a dusty smell the first time you run the unit during the cooling season, and it will dissipate within a few minutes. If you smell anything other than dust, it’s time to call a professional in AC repair in Fort Worth. Foul odors often indicate issues that could put your Fort Worth, TX home and family at risk, so it’s best to make the call immediately.
- Mold: A moldy smell often indicates mold in the air ducts, which can make your family sick. When the unit runs, the mold spores will circulate in the air, putting your family at risk for health problems due to mold exposure.
A professional in AC repair can inspect the ducts and eradicate the mold with an antimicrobial fogger. If the ducts are clear, the mold is in the unit, where it’s more challenging to eliminate. You’ll need to replace the unit if they can’t get every mold spore. - Burning; A burning smell indicates a wiring issue, and you should turn off the unit immediately and call a professional in AC repair. If the problem isn’t addressed quickly, the problem can start an electrical fire that can destroy your house in minutes.
Call Minuteman Heating & Air Today
If you need to schedule an appointment for AC repair, look no further than Minuteman Heating & Air. We’re a full-service HVAC company, serving customers in the area for years.
Our techs at Minuteman Heating & Air are professionally trained and can handle all problems. We also provide emergency service 24/7 to resolve serious issues as quickly as possible. To schedule an appointment for service, give us a call or book online.