As I have mentioned on numerous occasions here, most homeowners ignore repairing their air conditioners until they are on their deathbeds. This not only results in them spending a lot of money on AC repair, but it also reduces the chances of the unit returning to its original condition. To be on the safe side, you should fix your appliance as soon as you notice the warning signs. Here are some of the signs you should be on the lookout for:
Smell
Your air conditioner shouldn’t give off any scent; therefore, when you notice any, it’s a sign that your unit has a problem. The smell of your air conditioner may mean that the wire insulation has burned or there is an electrical short. The problem may also be due to high resistance in the wiring. Unless you are an electrician, you should hire an AC expert to troubleshoot the unit.
Unusual noises
While the air conditioner makes some noises, they are usually unnoticeable. If you notice that your air conditioner is too noisy, there is a problem that you should have it checked as soon as possible. Rattling or growling noises are an indication of a broken fan belt, loose part, or defective motor. If there are clicking noises, the capacitor or relay may be trying to switch itself on. It’s common for the air conditioner to make running noises but it isn’t cooling. This is usually due to a failed condenser or low Freon levels.
You can try troubleshooting the problems if you have the necessary skills, but if you don’t have the skills, you should contact your local AC contractors to help you out.
Leaking fluids
While it’s common to have some water in your air conditioner due to condensation and evaporation cycles, the water shouldn’t be too much. If you notice water leaking from the inside or outside of your house, it’s an indication of a stopped coil drainage system. The problem is usually complicated to fix; thus you should leave it to a professional.
Ice forming on the condenser
If you are experiencing a lack of cold air in the house, it’s usually due to a blocked filter. When the flow of air is restricted, the cold air gets trapped in the system causing the unit to freeze up. Just like the leakage problem is complicated to fix, so is this. You shouldn’t try fixing it on your own—you should hire professional HVAC contractors to help you out.
