When to call an Air Conditioning Professional: Signs You Need Expert Assitance
An air conditioning unit is a complex appliance, so if a serious malfunction occurs it is vital that you get qualified air conditioning engineers to fix it. In some minor instances, such as replacing a damaged filter, you may be able to deal with it yourself. However, there are several warning signs to look out for that will indicate that the services of a qualified HVAC professional are needed.
For air conditioning repair in Cambridge, be ready to respond to any of the following warning signs to ensure that your air conditioning fault doesn’t turn into a major breakdown.
1. The air conditioner produces no cold air
One of the most obvious signs that your AC unit is having problems is if no cold air flows out even after it has been on for a few minutes. One possible explanation could be that the unit compressor is beginning to fail and needs replacing.
Alternatively, it may be because the ductwork has become clogged, preventing air from flowing through. In either case, it is best to get an air conditioning installation contractor to have a look at it and decide whether a replacement is needed.
2. Odd noises are coming from the unit
If your air conditioning unit emits anything other than a soft white noise, then there is almost certainly a problem. For example, a banging noise could indicate a misaligned fan motor or belt. Any unfamiliar sounds such as grinding or screeching should be looked at by a professional to determine exactly what the fault is and how best to fix it.
Even if the sound is faint, make sure to get it checked out before the problem worsens.
3. Foul odours are emitting from the vents
Any unpleasant smells coming from the air conditioning vents should be looked at as soon as possible. A foul smell like rotten eggs may indicate a build-up of mould and bacteria, which could lead to health problems for you and your household if not dealt with.
Alternatively, an acrid or burning smell can indicate that the motor is overheating. In either case, you should call in a professional to assess the problem as soon as possible.
4. Your energy bills are too high
A sudden increase in your most recent energy bill may indicate that your air conditioning unit is working harder than necessary to cool your home. This could be caused by a malfunctioning part, forcing the unit to draw more electricity and work harder than it normally would.
If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bills it is worth getting a professional air conditioning engineer in to check the unit and determine if anything needs to be fixed or replaced.
5. The unit is leaking
Any evidence of leaks from the air conditioning unit needs to be looked at as soon as you are able. A leak could indicate an issue with the condensate line which may be damaged or blocked. While a water leak may not be a serious issue in the short term, it can facilitate the growth of mould which can become a serious health risk.
In addition, any refrigerant leaks should be treated as an immediate risk to health and dealt with promptly.
6. Parts of your home are warmer than others
Generally, if you find only certain parts of the home are getting cooled by air conditioning, then the problem may lie with the thermostat rather than the unit itself. A fault with the thermostat may prevent the air conditioning unit from cooling the entire home evenly. Consider using a thermometer to test each room in the house.
If you notice any significant fluctuation in the temperature while moving from room to room, it may be time to call in a technician to replace the thermostat.
7. The start-up cycle never completes
If your air conditioning unit gets caught in its initial start-up cycle and never moves to its full cooling cycle, then this is what is known as hard starting. This causes the AC compressor to keep turning on and off, putting immense strain on the system. This in turn both decreases the lifespan of the unit and increases the cost of running it.
Therefore, it is important to have your unit looked at by a professional if it continues to hard start.
8. The unit is very old
Most air conditioning systems are designed to last up to 20 years, though regular maintenance can extend their lifespans further. Even so, there will come a time when your unit becomes out of date and in need of a replacement. If you find yourself constantly repairing it, then this is a good sign that it has reached the end of its life cycle and needs a replacement.
In addition, many newer models will be more energy efficient and cost less to run than older models.
For professional quality air conditioner maintenance in Cambridge and London get in touch with us today. Our qualified contractors for residential air conditioning servicing and maintenance will be happy to help.
