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Anyone who has a home with air conditioning is likely to wonder at some point whether it’s time to call a technician. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that homeowners can determine whether the AC has a problem and how severe it might be.
Feel for Reduced Airflow
A drop in airflow, particularly when accompanied by reduced cooling power, is one of the most obvious signs that an air conditioner is faltering. You can try a few simple troubleshooting tips before you request AC repair service, however.
First, check the air filters. A clogged air filter can quickly degrade an AC unit’s performance. Even if you recently replaced the filters, check them. It is a simple task, and lint, dirt and other debris can collect quickly during the peak of the cooling season.
Second, check that nothing close to the thermostat has recently changed the airflow. Even something as simple as placing a small table near the thermostat could throw off its readings. Along the same line, ensure the vents and returns aren’t obstructed. If you placed a piece of furniture near one, that could affect the system.
Third, look at the exterior components. You may notice a lot of pollution, dirt, dead leaves and other matter on the condenser coils. This can significantly reduce the system’s output because the coils can quickly exchange heat with the outside air. Lightly spraying the coils is a good way to verify whether that’s the problem. Likewise, look for ice buildup because that’s a sign that you need to call one of our technicians for help.
Finally, check for air leaks in the interior of your home. For example, a seal along an HVAC duct might have failed. If there are visible signs of duct corrosion or failed sealing, they may be the culprit for your AC’s lost cooling.
Pay Attention to Cycles
In normal weather, your air conditioner should run for about 15 to 20 minutes per cycle. Even during a heat wave, you should expect it to run no longer than half an hour. If the cycles are shorter than 15 minutes, there is a good chance something will trigger an automatic shutoff. For example, a component like the compressor may be overheating and causing a shutdown.
Overly long cycles are usually related to calibration issues. If your AC hasn’t had a service appointment in a while, it might be drifting out of its specifications and running longer than it should.
Listen for Unusual Sounds
Air conditioners have numerous moving parts, and that means their noises often indicate something’s wrong. Crunching, grinding and squealing sounds are all indications that mechanical components are making contact with metal inside the system. Sometimes our technicians can lubricate these components. However, those noises could also be a sign of an important part, such as the compressor, failing.
Listen for hissing sounds, too. A hiss from an AC is usually a sign that it’s losing refrigerant. Handling refrigerant is a job for our HVAC technicians.
Check the Thermostat
Especially if your home uses a programmable or smart thermostat, you have several ways to troubleshoot the HVAC. The panel may show an error code that indicates what the issue is. You can also use an independent thermometer to verify that the thermostat’s displayed temperature matches the conditions near it. Sometimes thermostat readings drift over time, and the solution may be as simple as adjusting your device to match a known temperature.
Many smart thermostats also display information about the HVAC’s operation. For example, you can usually pull up data about how many cycles have run since the system’s last service date. Somewhere around 3,000 to 4,000 hours of operation, you’ll need service. In extreme weather, this usually represents 6,000 to 8,000 cycles. Even if your AC isn’t due for regular service, it’s best to schedule an appointment once it has run this much.
Check for Electrical Issues
A whole-house or central air conditioner is one of the most demanding machines on its electrical grid. If the AC isn’t coming on, the best place to start troubleshooting could be your home’s electrical panel. Ideally, your panel has a clear label for the circuit breaker that corresponds to the air conditioner. If this breaker is off, you can try resetting it. Be aware, however, that an AC unit repeatedly tripping a circuit breaker is a sign that you should contact our company for advice.
Other electrical issues, particularly ones related to system communication, should show up as error codes on the electrical panel. However, it is a good idea to sniff around the AC unit. Burnt smells indicate that wiring or other components may be overheating. If you suspect this is happening, turn the AC off, and schedule emergency service.
Eliminate Excessive Humidity
Even if your AC unit seems to be blowing cool air, it might not be handling dehumidification very well. If you can feel the discomfort of sticky air, there’s a good chance the AC unit is beginning to age or fail. You need to be particularly concerned if condensation is collecting anywhere inside your home. While the solution might be as simple as replacing the air filter, the refrigerant levels may be low. Likewise, the evaporator coils could be failing. Our technicians have stronger solutions and tools for treating lines. We can also fix refrigerant leaks and recharge the levels.
Stay Alert for Strange Smells
Your nose can often tell you whether something’s up with your home’s AC unit. Musty smells are never a good sign. The best scenario is that the system needs a good cleaning. The worst scenario is that a key component is failing and humidity is building up enough to encourage mold growth.
Once more, the best potential quick fix is to check and replace their air filters. Let the system run for a few cycles. If the smell doesn’t clear out, then you should give us a call.
All electrical or burnt smells are bad signs. Turn the AC off completely if these smells are coming from the vents, which could indicate a mechanical or electrical failure that requires immediate attention.
Monitor Your Electric Bills
Your electric bill is a good troubleshooting tool. If you see an unexplained uptick in your electrical usage, the air conditioner could be at fault. Especially if there hasn’t been a recent heat wave or utility rate increase, your bill shouldn’t go up without explanation. Particularly if your AC is older than 15 years, its efficiency may be declining to the point where a replacement with a more modern setup is a good idea.
Look for Dust and Pollen
As an air conditioner fails, it oftentimes struggles to clear dust, pollen and other particle matter. Especially if there seems to be a lot of dust close to the vents, the AC might not be powerful enough to push the air successfully.
At Evergreen Heating & Air LLC, we provide AC maintenance, repair, and replacement. We’re also pleased to provide heating and commercial HVAC services for customers in Statesville, NC and the surrounding areas.
If you have discovered a problem or are struggling to troubleshoot your Statesville home’s air conditioner, contact Evergreen Heating & Air LLC right away.
(704) 449-3454