Houston homeowners rely on air conditioning to make it through those hot days. If you haven’t scheduled maintenance for your HVAC in a while or your unit is getting older, you may wind up having to call for repairs.
But how do you know something is wrong with your air conditioner? Here are the top signs that your HVAC system needs to be repaired.
It’s Blowing Hot Air
One of the worst feelings is being inside your home on a hot day while your air conditioner blows out hot air. Check your thermostat to make sure it hasn’t been switched to the heat setting first. If it’s on cool and it’s not cooling, you’ll definitely need AC repair fast.
The Air Flow Is Weak
Here’s a more subtle sign, but still one that requires quick repairs. When you can feel cold air blowing out of the air vents but the flow of it is weak, it could mean the compressor in the outside unit is about to go.
Your Thermostat Isn’t Working
Your thermostat is the control center for your HVAC unit. When it malfunctions, your air conditioning doesn’t know what it should be doing. Sometimes, this is a simple fix if your thermostat runs on batteries. However, if yours doesn’t require batteries, it will certainly require a call to a professional HVAC company.
It’s Making Strange Sounds
Your air conditioner should never make high-pitched squeals, scraping, or grinding sounds. If it’s making any noises that go beyond the usual ambient sounds it makes while running, make sure you get an AC repair technician to your home immediately.
You Smell Something Foul
Other times, you may notice a foul odour coming from the air vents as your AC runs. This could indicate that there is an issue with the wire insulation for the unit. However, if you smell mildew, it means mould is growing somewhere in the system. While the latter scenario isn’t quite as urgent as the wiring, it’s still something you’ll want to have fixed quickly.
The Air Feels Humid
Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool the air in your home. It also serves as a dehumidifier. If it’s not getting the moisture out of the air in your home, you’ll definitely want to see what’s wrong and set things right.
Something Is Leaking
Moisture leaking anywhere around your unit isn’t normal. It can also cause other damage to your home. While this excess moisture may be due to a clogged condensate drain, it could also signal a refrigerant leak which is hazardous to your health. Don’t delay in getting it repaired immediately!
Your Utility Bills Are Higher Than Usual
It’s normal for your energy bills to go up slightly in the summer with greater AC usage. However, it’s not normal for that bill to double or triple. If you’re having sticker shock from your electric bill, it may be a sign that your AC needs repair.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely time to schedule HVAC repair Houston and let a licensed technician get to the root of the problem.
