With how disruptive air conditioner breakdowns can be, it’s much better to see them coming and react in advance than to have them catch you by surprise. For homeowners in Charleston, SC, it greatly pays to recognize the relevant hints. Here are five warning signs that your AC system is about to experience a breakdown:
Poor Performance
Declining AC performance is always a harbinger of trouble. If your system’s physical and mechanical integrity were fundamentally high, it would function effectively. Hence, an air conditioner that can’t keep your home cool is at least somewhat at risk of breaking down.
While our repair services are an excellent way of resolving such issues, it would be even more prudent to prevent them from arising in the first place. To keep system performance consistently high, we strongly recommend scheduling AC maintenance at least once per year.
Odd Noises and Smells
An AC system that’s in good shape should make no noise other than a gentle hum. The only exceptions to this might be some temporary clicking or swooshing noises that the system might emit upon startup. However, the latter two sounds are only normal if they’re temporary.
Any other noises indicate that your AC system is experiencing difficulties of some sort. Of course, your system shouldn’t produce any odors either. While different sounds and smells may point to different problems, they should all put you on alert and have you ready to reach out for professional assistance.
Rising Utility Costs
There’s a strong connection between your AC system’s energy efficiency and how well it runs. If, despite not using your system any more than usual, your energy bills start rising, you should suspect that one or more essential AC parts may be about to fail.
Weak Airflow
Airflow is like a master key to air conditioner functioning. As long as air flows smoothly, reliably and consistently through your system, it’s probably sound. As soon as airflow becomes weak, intermittent and unreliable, system difficulties will be on the horizon.
Many things may explain your AC system’s lackluster airflow. For example, its filters might be too old, dirty and caked with debris to allow air to easily pass through them. If this is the case, you may also expect dust to come out of your HVAC vents and for your indoor air quality to decline.
Luckily, you can take care of this problem on your own if you simply remember to change or clean your air filters approximately once every 90 days. However, other causes of poor airflow may be much less simple, requiring a professional to fix them. For example, your AC system may have leaky or filthy ducts, inadequate insulation, broken fans, a faulty blower motor or dirty coils.
Leaks Can Lead to an AC Breakdown
Whenever your air conditioner leaks water, there’s always the possibility that whatever is causing it may make your system fail. With that said, keep in mind that leaks can greatly vary in their severity. Since professionals can determine the seriousness of a given leak, requesting AC repair services is always the right way to proceed in such situations.
It’s also possible that liquid refrigerant, rather than water, is what’s leaking from your AC system. You should be able to detect refrigerant by its distinctive smell, which is sweet and ether-like.
We must pause to emphasize a critical piece of advice: Never attempt to fix refrigerant leaks on your own. Refrigerant is toxic, which means that handling it will only endanger you. Instead, once you realize that your AC system is leaking refrigerant, evacuate your home and let the pros take care of things before you experience a breakdown.
The wisest thing to do when you sense that your AC system is on the verge of breaking down is to get ahead of the problem. Call Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning to take advantage of the best AC repair services in the Charleston, SC, area.
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