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Anyone who has experienced a Texas summer knows how hot and humid it can get. If you live in Mansfield, TX, your air conditioner is your most essential appliance during the summer. If it isn’t functioning correctly, it can be impossible to get comfortable in your home. The last thing you want on a hot summer day is for your air conditioner to break down completely. The best way to keep this from happening is to be able to recognize the signs that it is time to call a professional in AC repair. Air conditioner repairs should never be a DIY project. If you haven’t been trained in repair, you could end up causing more harm. If you are having AC issues, it is best to hire a professional.
#1 It Isn’t Getting Cool Enough In the Home
If you turn on your air conditioning unit, but it isn’t getting as cool as it should, you should first check the thermostat. You want to make sure that it is set on the cooling mode, and that the temperature indoors is warmer than what you have the thermostat set to. If the thermostat is set correctly, you should call a professional in air conditioning repair. The airflow in the ducts could be restricted, which will make it impossible to reach the desired temperature in the home. The problem could be more serious, like a broken compressor. It would take a professional in AC repair to figure out what is causing the problem.
#2 Restricted Airflow
If the air coming from the vents in your home isn’t as strong as it usually is, you should call a professional in air conditioning repair. If the airflow is restricted, it will be difficult for the air conditioner to cool your home effectively. The problem could be something simple like a clogged air filter or clogged ducts. It could also be something serious like a broken fan or motor. It would take the expertise of a professional in these repairs to figure out what is causing the problem and make the necessary repairs.
#3 High Humidity In the Home
Your air conditioner is designed to keep your home cool and also to control the humidity level. If you find that it is very humid in your home, you should call a professional in AC repair. It would take the knowledge and experience of a professional to determine if your unit needs to be re-calibrated or if the problem is more serious. If there are no issues with your air conditioning unit, the tech might suggest that you get a whole-house dehumidifier.
#4 Your Unit Cycles On and Off Frequently
It is not uncommon for your air conditioning unit to cycle on and off throughout the day. If it is really hot outside, your unit will cycle on and off more frequently. If your air conditioning system is constantly cycling on and off, it is time to call a professional in AC repair. The problem could be something simple like the AC needs to be tuned up. The problem could be something more serious like the AC has reached its maximum lifespan. If this is the case, the tech will suggest that you have your air conditioning unit replaced. They will be able to help you find the best unit for your home, and they can install it.
#5 Leaks Around the Unit
There should never be any moisture around the indoor or outdoor unit. If you notice that there is moisture around the unit, you should call a professional in AC repair immediately. If there is water leaking, a condenser hose could be clogged or broken. If you allow the problem to persist, mold can grow in the area. If there is refrigerant leaking from the unit, this is considered an emergency situation, and you should call a professional in air conditioning repair immediately. Leaking refrigerants can be very dangerous to pets and small children.
If you have an older AC unit that uses R22 refrigerant, the AC repair tech might recommend that you have your outdated unit replaced. R22 refrigerant is toxic and has been phased out by the government. Because the coolant has been phased out, it could be challenging for the repair tech to find it. If they can, it will end up costing a lot since it is so scarce. You might be better off just replacing the unit with a new one that doesn’t use R22 coolant.
#6 Strange Sounds
It is normal for your AC unit to make a quiet sound when it cycles on and off. However, if your unit is making sounds, you should call a professional in AC repair. If a rattling or buzzing sound is coming from the unit, there could be a loose part inside. If you don’t have the issue repaired, the loose part can cause more internal damage. If it is a whistling or grinding sound, it could be something more serious. It is best to call a professional in AC repair right when you start hearing the noise.
#7 Foul Smells
If you smell something foul when your air conditioner is running, you could call a professional. If you smell dust the first time you turn on the unit during the cooling season, there is nothing to worry about. Within a few minutes, the smell will go away. If you smell something burning, you should turn off the unit and call a professional in AC repair immediately. If you smell mold or mildew when the unit is running, it will cause poor air quality in the home. The sooner you call a professional, the sooner the air inside the house will be safe for your family to breathe.
If you are experiencing any issues with the air conditioner in your Mansfield, TX home, contact Minuteman Heating & Air. When you have the problem repaired right away, there is less risk of a complete AC breakdown. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today.