Just like a small child, your air conditioner can’t come right out and tell you it isn’t feeling well. You will need to pay attention to your system’s normal ‘behavior’ and look for any telltale signs that something is not right.
If you don’t already have a routine in place for monitoring your air conditioner (we’re expecting this to include most of the residents of Southern Florida), we’ve put together a list of the most common signs that you need to have your air conditioner repaired.
System repair is most often less expensive than the cost of a new air conditioner. Sometimes it makes more sense for you to replace an old, inefficient air conditioner with a more energy efficient one.
On that note, we would like to point out that a tune-up is always the least expensive way to get the most out of the system you already have.
Now, onto that list:
1. Your air conditioner’s coils have frozen. Unlike the hugely popular movie by the same name, frozen air conditioner coils are never a hit. Frozen air conditioner coils and ice can block your system’s operation. We recommend turning off your system immediately so that it can thaw. You will want to contact a professional.
2. Your air conditioner is leaking. Your air conditioner does more than pump conditioned air into your home; it removes humidity as well. If you see a pool of water at the base of your system, it is likely due to a leak or blocked hose in the tube that pulls condensation out of your air conditioner. A professional technician can determine if you have a leaky tube that needs to be replaced or if a broken pump is to blame.
3. Your air conditioner won’t turn on. If your system is turned on, set to “cool” and below the room temperature, but still won’t run, check to ensure you don’t have a tripped or blown fuse. Next, check to see the heating system power switch is turned on and that the outdoor condenser unit’s power switch has not been shut off. Finally, there should be a metal box mounted to the side of your house that holds the 240-Volt disconnect next to your compressor. If the 240-Volt disconnect has not been shut off, then your next step would be to contact a professional technician.
4. Your air conditioner isn’t cooling. If your air conditioner is turned on but is not cooling, it may simply need a good cleaning. First, check your system’s air filter and replace if needed. Ensure that your outdoor condenser is free of debris and not blocked by landscaping. We recommend scheduling an annual tune-up. Your technician will complete a thorough cleaning of your system and will be able to identify any bigger issues.
5. Your air conditioner is making loud noises. Finally, one of the most common complaints (perhaps the most noticeable) is a loud air conditioner. You are probably just dealing with a dislodged fan belt, which needs to be put back on.