There is no telling when an air conditioner will give out, but there are telltale signs it is on the way. You may notice odd noises from the unit, or that a room will not cool down to your liking despite turning the thermostat. Perhaps the energy bill has put in an appearance with a higher figure and you can put no reason to it. Such minor inconveniences are often indicative of a larger issue at play within the system.
Here at Cool Cat Heating & Air we make it our business to get ahead of AC trouble for homeowners and commercial clients throughout Western North Carolina before they have to deal with a complete breakdown. Should any of what follows ring true, give us a ring at (828) 589-3580.
An AC does not just fail for no reason; it puts up some warning first. One has only to be aware of what to look for in order to take early action, put some money back in one’s pocket and not be left without cool air on a hot afternoon.
Unusual Noises
A properly functioning air conditioner has a certain low hum about it. Any new sounds are the system’s way of saying something is amiss. Listen for:
- Grinding or scraping, an indication of bearings that have worn out
- Banging or clanking from a part that is loose or broken
- A buzz, possibly of electrical origin
- Squealing, be it from the motor or belt
- Repeated clicking as the unit comes on
Some will put up with these noises until they subside, but more often than not that quiet means a component has failed. It is much less of an expense to address a small matter than to put in a whole new part.
Weak or Uneven Cooling
Put your hand by a vent and if you do not feel much of a breeze, the system is having difficulty. Be it a clogged filter, the blower motor or your ductwork, weak airflow has its source somewhere.
Then there is the matter of uneven cooling. If one room is an icebox while another is warm, the AC is under strain to compensate. That is a red flag and it will hasten the wear on the equipment.
Warm Vents
The job of an AC is to provide cool air. When the vents are putting out warm air, something is not right. It could be the compressor, a lack of refrigerant or an airflow problem.
Do not be tempted to top off the refrigerant yourself. In most cases a low level is due to a leak and a licensed technician is required to put it right.
Higher Utility Costs
Compare this month’s bill to the same period a year ago. An unexplained jump in cost when your use of the AC has not changed suggests the system is not as efficient as it should be. A hard working air conditioner will run longer to hit the set temperature and you will see it on your bill each month. Put in the repair and the savings in energy will cover it.
Short Cycling
Normally the AC will come on, do its work and shut off. But if it is clicking on and off in quick succession, you have a case of short cycling which is hard on the parts and will not do the system’s longevity any good. This can be traced to:
- An oversized unit or one not sized correctly
- A condenser that is dirty or obstructed
- Low refrigerant
- Electrical issues
- The location of the thermostat
Moisture and Odors
One’s senses are a good indicator as well. Mustiness could be mold in the ducts or the unit itself. A burning smell is cause for urgency, an electrical matter to be sure; turn the system off and have a professional come out.
You should also be on the lookout for water pooling around the indoor unit. Whether from a clogged drain or a leak in the refrigerant, it is a recipe for water damage and more extensive repairs if not tended to.
Make a Call Before It Breaks Down
It is better to be proactive and avoid an expensive emergency. A small problem left to fester will do more harm to the rest of the system over time.
We are a licensed and insured operation and our service area covers Asheville as well as Arden, Brevard, Black Mountain, Canton, Weaverville, Flat Rock, Fletcher and Hendersonville. For a free estimate call us between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday.
Do not let your AC quit on you when the heat is on. Contact the team at Cool Cat Heating & Air, (828) 589-3580, and we will have a look at it before a minor fix is needed.
