Indicators of a Malfunctioning Residential Air Conditioning System
If you're accustomed to the cooling performance that your residential air conditioner provides on hot days, you can fail to fully appreciate the importance of having a properly functioning space-cooling system in your home. Indeed, many homeowners are guilty of neglecting their air conditioners until it stops working properly or at all.
As a homeowner, you can avoid air conditioning emergencies by constantly watching out for early signs of trouble. That way, you can conduct the necessary repairs before your cooling system stops working completely, leaving you at the mercy of the summer heatwaves.
Here are some common warning signs that you may need air conditioning repairs.
Soaring Indoor Temperatures
Is your AC system not cooling your house? If the rooms in your house are getting hotter and hotter despite the fact that the air conditioner is running, this is an indication that something's wrong with the cooling system.
Various factors including a clogged air filter, refrigerant leaks, frozen evaporator coils, dirty condenser coils, and clogged condensate drain line can prevent your air conditioner from producing enough cool air, resulting in increased indoor temperatures.
To identify and fix the problem, you'll need to get your AC unit checked and repaired.
Uneven Indoor Temperatures
A properly functioning air conditioning system should maintain your desired temperature level throughout your home. If some rooms in your house are hotter and stuffier than others, this is an indication that your AC system requires some attention.
Problems with uneven temperatures in your home can be caused by something as simple as blocked supply air vents or poor balancing of the air that comes out of the individual supply air vents placed in each room. These are issues that an HVAC professional can easily correct for you.
Uneven cooling may also occur due to building design issues, such as undersized HVAC ductwork and under-insulation, which may require professionals other than an HVAC contractor to rectify.
Noisy Air Conditioning Operation
Are you hearing odd noises coming from your air conditioning unit? Any unusual AC noises should never be ignored as they indicate that your cooling system isn't working properly. Some common noises that you should keep an ear out for include hissing, clanking, rumbling, banging, shrieking, squealing, squeaking, and many more.
Each type of noise indicates different potential issues, so it's best to ask someone who's experienced in AC troubleshooting and repair to inspect your AC equipment.
For your air conditioning system to serve you well, it should cool your home without using too much energy. Addressing early signs of AC malfunction will not only increase the performance and efficiency of your cooling system but also extend its life. Contact your local air conditioning contractor if you suspect there's a problem with your home's air conditioning system.