Air conditioning issues are the last thing you want to deal with in the middle of a record-breaking summer heatwave. That also happens to be the time when your air conditioner is most likely to break down. The added strain of running your system for extended ours can end up pushing it over the edge and causing it to malfunction. Preventive maintenance dramatically reduces the chances of this happening, which is why we recommend that you have it done every spring.
Even if you do, though, you should know that there is still a chance of some sort of air conditioning problem popping up between appointments. The best way to find out whether or not your air conditioner is having issues between maintenance is to know the signs that your system is in trouble. One of the most common signs that your air conditioner needs help is if it starts making strange noises during operation.
Grinding
Inside your air conditioner is the air handler, which is the part responsible for circulating air throughout the home. It’s basically a large motor with a fan attached to it. Inside the air handler motor are a number of oiled bearings designed to keep friction on the system as low as possible. Moving that amount of air is no small feat, after all, and the lower the friction on the air handler motor is, the longer it will last. These bearings will wear down over time, causing the friction on the air handler to increase. Eventually, it will reach a point where the motor will start making a loud grinding noise during operation. If you hear this happening, you need to have a professional replace the bearings as soon as possible. If you don’t, the air handler motor could overheat and burn out.
Hissing
If your air conditioner is making a sound like the air being let out of a tire, then it’s likely that you have a leak in your refrigerant line. That’s bad news for you. The air conditioner needs refrigerant to properly cool the home. The lower the refrigerant level in the system drops, the less able the system will be to operate. Make sure that you call for professional repair services as soon as you notice this sound, before the refrigerant level drops low enough that the entire system breaks down.
Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the air conditioner turns itself off a couple of minutes after turning on, instead of completing a full cooling cycle. Often the result of an electrical problem or malfunctioning compressor, this issue will prevent the air conditioner from cooling your home properly. However, it will also increase the level of wear and tear the system suffers over time. If this issue is not dealt with properly, it will eventually lead to the entire system breaking down. We recommend that you call for repairs immediately if you notice this issue.