Did you know that June 2021 broke temperature records, becoming the hottest month in North American history?
Seattle, for one, recorded a whopping 108 degrees. Meanwhile, the 116-degree heat in Portland smashed temperature records and melted power cables.
It’s no wonder that installment for AC units continues to increase as temperatures intensify. Energy demand for cooling has tripled since 1990 and is expected to double by 2040.
Is your old AC unit ready for the intensifying global temperature? Keep reading for seven signs that indicate your old AC unit isn’t ready to combat the raging heat this year.
1. Blowing Warm Air
An air conditioning system emitting warm aim is a clear sign that you need professional help. Warm air may mean that the compressor in your AC unit isn’t cooling the air properly, or you’re low on refrigerant. It could also mean that there’s an issue with the duct.
Instead of pulling air from the compressor, your unit may be pulling air from the attic or outside. The evaporator coil could also be malfunctioning, preventing your AC unit from generating cool air. Fortunately, these problems are something that your trusted HVAC technician can identify and immediately repair.
2. Insufficient and Humid Airflow
If you notice that the airflow in your home became weak, your old AC may have a clogged air filter. There could also be issues with its fans. If you leave it unattended, you put the rest of your HVAC system at risk for possible damages.
When functioning correctly, your air conditioning system should produce enough air to remove excess humidity. If not, the humidity level in your home will increase, making the air inside feels sticky. As such, don’t waste another minute and contact an AC Repair technician today.
3. Fluid Leakage In Your Old AC
Another sign of a broken AC is that there’s leaking fluid from your air conditioner. The most serious leakage that you need to look out for is refrigerant leaks. Not only will your AC unit stop producing cool air, but you will expose yourself to a poisonous compound.
A puncture often causes refrigerant leaks in the refrigerant drain. With the help of a trusted HVAC technician, AC issues such as this one become a quick fix.
Water leakage can also lead to other AC issues, such as foul smells. Foul smells are caused by either electrical issues or mold contamination. If you start smelling a burning sensation, there’s likely an issue with your unit’s electrical wiring or insulation.
Meanwhile, liquid leakage can result in the formation of moist areas in your system. This creates a perfect living environment for molds to grow, resulting in an emission of a musty smell that can spread in your home, causing illness.
4. Faulty Thermostat
Functioning thermostats can correspond with the changes you entered within 30 seconds. If your AC unit takes a lot of time to respond to the change you want, you may need the services of an AC repair technician.
This problem is likely caused by issues with the thermostat or the AC unit’s thermostat sensors. The thermostat may have faulty wiring issues, causing erratic changes in your temperature. It’s also possible that something is blocking the thermostat sensors and obstructing them from analyzing and responding to inputs.
5. Short Cycling
Another issue prominent among air conditioners is short cycling. This refers to a faulty operation where your AC unit repeatedly starts and runs for a few seconds before turning off. This can result in the AC unit taking too long to create the desired temperature.
It’ll keep consuming and wasting energy, adding to your energy bill. Issues with the control board and insufficient refrigerant levels can cause short cycling.
It could also be due to a clogged air filter or a malfunctioning evaporator coil. In this case, it’s best to let a specialist inspect and repair your air conditioner.
6. Unusual Sounds
It’s natural for your air conditioner to produce sounds during operation. However, if you notice an unusual rambling, buzzing, banging, or clacking sound, you should call for an HVAC technician. Often, this unusual sound is a sign that your AC is having issues that need immediate attention.
Unusual sounds that you should be on the lookout for include a clanging or banging sound. This noise may mean that fan in your outdoor unit is loose or hitting a large obstruction.
Squealing noises also signify that there’s an issue with your fan belt. High pitch squirming can also mean that there’s pressure building up in your system. If you hear a whirring sound, it could be a sign of bad bearings in your unit’s blower fan motor, or there may be a loose fan.
7. High Electricity Bill
Electricity bills will likely increase when you have an air conditioning system at home. How much it increases depends on how often you turn it on and the temperature you set at home. The colder the temperature you maintain, the more electricity your AC unit consumes.
If you notice a great spike in your electric bill and you know that there are no significant changes in your consumption behavior, call in an AC repair technician. When issues with your AC arise, it tends to consume more electricity.
Deal With Issues of Your Old AC Now!
Air conditioning systems have complex components that require special attention. When uncared for, this can lead to big problems. If your fan exceeds 10 years, you need to be extra attentive or needs replacement.
Being attentive to how your old AC unit functions allows you to catch on to symptoms of issues. This will allow you to remedy the problem before it becomes worse. If you notice any of these seven signs, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with an AC technician.
Looking for more tips on home maintenance? Go ahead and check out our latest posts today for more articles like this!
