Air Conditioner Repair: 4 Signs That You Need to Call an HVAC Technician
If you have a central air conditioning in your home, you might occasionally feel that the air isn't as cold as it should be or it seems to make more sounds than what you remember. These are among many signs that you are in need of maintenance or repairs from an HVAC technician. If you notice any of the following changes, it is time to call a professional for help.
Extra Moisture
A common sign that you need to call an HVAC technician is when you notice extra moisture, which could be a sign of a leak. Look around the indoor and outdoor unit of your HVAC system and look for signs of water or moisture. The moisture might be on top of or around the perimeter of the unit near the ground. One possible cause is if the thermostat is broken, causing the water to freeze. It will then melt and cause that excess moisture. There might also be a leak of coolant which is causing the extra moisture. Also contact a technician if you notice extra moisture in the vents of your home when the air conditioner is running.
Odd Noises
While some noises are normal when you have central air conditioning, others are clearly different than what you are used to. Try to pay attention to the sounds and listen for sounds that might be more frequent than before, louder, or simply sound off. This may not be something that is serious, but it is definitely a sign that you need to call a technician for inspections or repairs. If you ignore the sounds, the problem could worsen, so don't put it off for too long.
Increased Energy Bills
A less subtle sign that you are having air conditioner problems is if your energy bill is suddenly higher. This might be something that takes you a few months to really notice. When there are issues with the air conditioning unit, it typically has to work even harder to get to the right temperature set by your thermostat. If this happens, it usually requires more energy, which results in a higher energy bill. Any time your energy bills goes up and you think it is from the HVAC unit, it is time to call a professional.
Inadequate Air Flow
Your air conditioner might be turning on and giving you cold air just fine, but that air flow might be a little less strong than it used to be. You may notice that while it is the right temperature, you don't feel the normal amount of air coming out of certain vents. This is usually a good time to have the ducts inspected, followed by the unit itself.