Is My AC About to Break Down in Maumelle, AR?

Protecting your family from the summer heat can be difficult, especially if you have an older air conditioner. If you’re frequently calling for repairs or struggling with excessive bills, there’s a chance your system’s failing. These are a few of the most common signs indicating an imminent AC shutdown in Maumelle, AR.

Unusual Sounds

Safely functioning AC units typically only make a steady humming or droning sound when they produce cooling. Your system may be in trouble if you hear loud rattling, grinding, hissing, squealing, banging or clanging. These sounds can indicate a failing motor, compromised electrical connections or other internal issues.

Strange noises can point to a variety of problems that don’t necessarily mean your system’s nearing the end of its usefulness. However, it’s best to call a professional for AC repairs soon to diagnose the problem before it worsens or becomes a safety hazard.

Poor Airflow or Cooling

When your air conditioner starts a cooling cycle, you should immediately feel a steady supply of air coming from your vents. Insufficient airflow or cooling can often originate from a clogged filter or an issue with your thermostat settings. If you can’t find the source of the problem, it’s possible it could be because of a refrigerant leak or a compromised compressor.

If this issue persists, it can impact the comfort of your household. Issues with cooling output will also increase how long your AC runs, raising your costs and energy consumption.

Increased Monthly Bills

It’s not uncommon for your energy use to fluctuate depending on the season and your local climate. However, constant increases in your bills month after month could mean you need an AC replacement. Older systems have to work hard to keep delivering consistent temperature control.

All of the system’s outdated parts can wear down its overall efficiency, making it run for longer to reach your desired temperature. Check your utility statements from the past few years to see if there have been any unexplained increases. While maintenance can boost your system’s lifespan and efficiency, it can’t keep your air conditioner running forever.

Unpleasant Smells

Your AC system should never produce any unusual smells while it’s on. Musty odors could point to a water leak or fungus outbreak. A burning or chemical smell may mean you have an overheating motor that’s melting the surrounding wiring.

Address smoky odors as soon as possible in case you’re at risk of a fire. If your blower motor and compressor become compromised, it’s often a more cost-effective investment to replace the whole system.

Frequent Leaks or Unexplained Moisture

Air conditioners can leak both water and refrigerant. Common water leaks can come from frozen evaporator coils or an issue with your drain pan and condensate line. Refrigerant leaks, on the other hand, are significantly more serious as they may introduce harmful chemicals to your property, along with not being able to cool or warm your home.

Constant leaks throughout the summer can lead to dangerous growths inside the unit as well as damage to your home. In addition, without enough refrigerant, your system won’t be able to produce enough cooling or function optimally.

Shaking/Vibrating External Unit

Watch out for any noticeable shaking or vibrating coming from your external AC unit when it kicks on. Unfortunately, this can be a sign of hard-starting, which is usually connected to failing capacitors. When your air conditioner is regularly hard starting, it’s putting a massive strain on the compressor and motors.

Other signs of a hard starting AC include grinding or clicking noises. Your system may also power on only to turn off shortly after without reaching your desired temperature. It’s always better to schedule your AC installation rather than risk losing your system during the peak of the season.

Air conditioners are at risk of a variety of problems, especially during the warm season when you regularly need cooling. Many warning signs like odd smells and sounds, irregular cycles and leaks can all point to your system nearing the end of its lifespan. Contact the highly trained HVAC experts at Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling to learn more about our indoor comfort system replacement services in Maumelle, AR.

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