Photo By nicoletaionescu at istock
You rely on every system in your home to make your life more convenient and your home more comfortable. You rely on your plumbing system to deliver clean, treated water to your home and remove water and waste. You rely on your electrical system to keep your home lit and powered, and you rely on your heating system to keep you warm during the winter. During the summer, you rely greatly on your air conditioning system. Summers in Arlington, TX, can be very hot. During the summer, the temperature can reach 95 degrees. When it is humid, it can feel hotter than it really is.
Many people spend a lot of time in their air-conditioned homes during the summer so they can escape the heat. If your air conditioning system is functioning properly, your home will be cool and comfortable all summer long. However, if your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly, it can be challenging to keep your home cool and comfortable.
The best way to ensure your home is comfortable all summer long is to recognize the early signs that you need to call an air conditioning service. Detecting issues early can prevent a complete air conditioner breakdown that would require an expensive fix or an air conditioner replacement.
If your air conditioner is experiencing any of the following issues, you should schedule an appointment for air conditioning service as soon as possible.
#1 Warm Air Coming from the Vents
If the air conditioner in your Arlington, TX home is functioning properly, cold air will come from the vents, keeping your home cool and comfortable. If the air coming from the vents is warm, you may need to call an air conditioning service.
Before you make the call, you should make sure that your thermostat is set correctly. First, make sure that the thermostat is set to the cooling mode. If it isn’t, your system won’t pump out cold air. Next, check the temperature setting. For your system to pump out cold air, the temperature in the house should be warmer than the setting on the thermostat. If it isn’t, your system won’t produce cold air.
If your thermostat is set correctly, you should call an air conditioning service. There are several issues that could be causing the problem.
- A faulty thermostat
- Clogged filter
- The return vents are blocked or closed
- Leaky or disconnected air ducts
- Loss of power to the outdoor unit
- Dirty condenser coils
- The system is low on refrigerant
- The system is leaking refrigerant
Because there are so many issues that can cause warm air rather than cold air to come from the vents, you need to have an HVAC tech inspect your system and figure out what is causing the problem. Until you schedule an appointment for air conditioning service, your home won’t be cool and comfortable.
#2 Poor Airflow
Without adequate airflow, it will be difficult or impossible for your home to reach the desired temperature, and you will need to call an air conditioning service. There are a few reasons why you aren’t getting adequate airflow.
- Dirty air ducts: Over time, dirt, dust, pet dander, and other debris can build up in your air ducts. In just one year, five pounds of debris can build up in the air ducts, obstructing the airflow. Clogged air ducts can cause more issues than just poor airflow. When your air conditioner is running, the debris in the air ducts will circulate through the air your family breathes, which can cause allergy systems. Also, when your air ducts are clogged, and the cold air is obstructed, your system will need to work harder to keep your home cool, which will cause a significant increase in your energy bills. This extra work will also put added strain on your air conditioning system, which can reduce its lifespan.
- Leaky air ducts: If there is a leak in your air ducts, the cold air will escape through the leak, and you won’t get adequate airflow coming from the vents.
- Clogged air filter: Your air conditioner can only pump out as much cold air as it takes in through the return vents. If the air filter is clogged, it will limit the amount of air pulled in from your home, resulting in poor airflow.
- Frozen evaporator coil: Your air conditioner cools the air in your home by passing it over the cold evaporator coils. If the coils are frozen, it will block the air passing over the coil, resulting in poor airflow.
- Faulty blower: Your AC’s blower is responsible for pushing the cold air from the system to the vents. If the blower isn’t functioning properly, it can cause limited airflow.
Because poor airflow can affect the temperature in your home, increase your energy bills and put excess strain on your air conditioner, it is best to call an air conditioning service as quickly as possible.
#3 High Humidity In the Home
The air conditioner in your home is designed to do more than keep your home cool. It is also designed to remove humidity from the home, keeping your family cooler and more comfortable. If you notice that your home is humid, you should call an air conditioning service.
There are a few issues that could be causing the problem.
- The system needs to be tuned up or recalibrated.
- The indoor evaporator coil is dirty.
- The fan speed needs to be adjusted.
- The refrigerant charge is too low.
When you call an air conditioning service, an HVAC tech will inspect your air conditioner to figure out why your home is so humid and make the necessary repair. When the issue is resolved, your home will be cool and comfortable again.
#4 A Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is your HVAC system’s brain, and it is responsible for telling your system what to do. The thermostat tells your HVAC system when to turn on and off. It also tells your system how warm or cool you want your home to be. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, your air conditioner won’t function properly.
There are a few issues that signify an issue with the thermostat.
- The thermostat is unresponsive even after you replace the batteries.
- Your air conditioner won’t turn on.
- Your system cycles on and off too frequently.
When you call an air conditioning service, an HVAC tech will inspect the thermostat to determine if it needs to be replaced. Thermostat technology has evolved over the last several years, and there are options that are more convenient to use and can save you money on cooling costs.
- Programmable thermostats: Programmable thermostats eliminate the need to manually turn your air conditioner on and off and also the need to adjust the temperature manually. You can program your system to turn up and down based on when your family is home and when they aren’t. Being able to adjust the temperature when nobody is home can save a significant amount of money on your energy bills.
- Wi-Fi thermostats: Wi-Fi thermostats are great because you don’t need to be at home to turn the system on and off and adjust the temperature. You can control your thermostat from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet. As long as you have an internet connection, you can control your air conditioner from anywhere, which will help save money on your energy bills.
- Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats are the most recent thermostat technology available. If you have a Google Nest or an Amazon Alexa in your Arlington, TX home, you can buy a compatible thermostat. When a smart thermostat is installed, you can control your air conditioner using the sound of your voice. When you are away from home, you can control your system using the Nest or Alexa app on your phone. Being able to adjust the temperature in your home so easily will help you save money on your energy bills.
It is best to schedule an appointment for an air conditioning service as soon as you suspect that your thermostat is faulty. You should also discuss your thermostat options with the HVAC tech.
#5 Strange Smells When the Air Conditioner Is Running
If the air conditioning system in your Arlington, TX home is functioning properly, it shouldn’t emit any strange smells. If you smell something strange when your system is running, you should call an air conditioning service immediately. The issue with your system depends on the smell.
- Mold: If you smell mold when your air conditioner is running, you have a serious problem with your hands. The air ducts in your home are dark and can be damp, which creates the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold in the air ducts is a serious problem. When mold grows in the ducts, mold spores will circulate through the air your family breathes, which is harmful to your family’s health. Breathing in mold spores can cause allergy symptoms, respiratory issues and can weaken your immune system. If a member of your household has a chronic respiratory issue, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, or lung cancer, breathing in the mold will worsen their condition. If there is mold in the air ducts, an HVAC tech can use an antimicrobial fogger to eradicate the mold and prevent future mold growth.
- If the air ducts are clear, there could be mold in the system itself, which is more difficult to eradicate, and your system may need to be replaced.
- Burning: If you smell something burning when your air conditioner is running, you should turn it off immediately and call an air conditioning service. The burning smell signifies an electrical issue. If you continue using your air conditioner despite the smell, you will be putting your home at great risk for an electrical fire.
It is essential for the safety of your home and family that you call an air conditioning service as soon as you notice the strange smell.
#6 Strange Sounds When Your Air Conditioner Is Running
The air conditioner in your Arlington, TX home should be relatively quiet when it is running. The most you should hear is a quiet click when the system kicks on and off. If you hear any other sounds, you should schedule an appointment for air conditioning service immediately.
Strange sounds signify issues with your air conditioner, and different sounds signify different problems. An HVAC tech can listen to the sound to determine what is causing the problem. It is best not to use the air conditioner until the issue is fixed. If you hear high-pitched squealing, it signifies high pressure in the system, which can be dangerous, and the system should be turned off immediately.
If you wait too long to call an air conditioning service, the issue will worsen, and eventually, you will need to have your air conditioner replaced.
#7 Moisture or Liquid Pooling Around the Unit
The area around your air conditioner should be dry. If you see any moisture or water pooling around the unit, you should immediately call an air conditioning service.
If the condensate hose is clogged or disconnected, it will cause moisture and water leaks around the system. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy fix.
The issue could also be a refrigerant leak, which is a more serious problem. If the air conditioner in your Arlington, TX home is old and leaking refrigerant, you have a serious problem. This issue will require an immediate call to an air conditioning service. Older systems use R-22 refrigerant. Several years ago, R-22 was deemed toxic and harmful to the environment, and the Environmental Protection Agency decided that it needed to be phased out. On January 1, 2020, the United States government banned the production of R-22 refrigerants. If your older system is leaking refrigerant, your HVAC tech won’t have access to R-22 to refill the refrigerant when the leak is repaired. In this case, you will need to replace your air conditioner with a more modern system that doesn’t require an R-22 refrigerant.
Why Choose Minuteman Heating &Air?
If your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly and you need to call an air conditioning service, contact Minuteman Heating & Air.
We are a full-service HVAC company that has been serving customers in the area for many years.
The HVAC techs working for us are highly trained and NATE certified, giving you peace of mind that they can handle any problem you have.
Your comfort is important to us, which is why we offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To schedule an appointment for air conditioning service or any other HVAC service, give us at Minuteman Heating & Air a call today.