If you listen to your air conditioner, you’ll pick up on red flags that indicate there’s an oncoming storm of problems that’s about to hit. Some are less subtle than others, but each leads to their own problems. Over time, you’ll get better at identifying these warning signs so you can call for repairs before a major breakdown. Reasons to replace your AC now may outweigh the cost of repeated repairs.
What are the warning signs that your AC needs HVAC repair?
- It takes longer than usual to cool your home
- Musty or burning odors come from the vents
- Energy bills suddenly spike without reason
- The system turns on and off frequently (short-cycling)
- You hear unusual noises like screeching or banging
When you get AC repair in Rancho Cordova, CA, tell these warning signs to your technician so they can pinpoint the largest problem first and work their way out from there.
1. It’s Taking Longer to Cool Your Home
Does it sound like your AC is running for longer? If so, it might be having a hard time cooling your home. This can happen when the outdoor heat hits a peak, or if it’s extra humid, but your AC should be able to hold up fairly well. Use this AC installation guide if you think your system is nearing the end of its lifespan.
You’ll know if it’s related to the current temperature, because it’ll become efficient again once those conditions are over. If you aren’t sure whether or not it’s taking longer to cool your home, but something feels off, you should err on the side of caution and call anyway.
2. Really Bad Odors Coming From Vents
Your vents aren’t supposed to smell like that. Ever. You could be smelling burning wire casing (the plastic on the outside of the wire), or you may get a mold-like odor if your condensate line is backed up and mildew is growing in the tube.
You know what your air conditioner is supposed to smell like. Or rather, what it’s not supposed to smell like. This deserves a repair call as soon as you notice it.
3. Soaring Energy Bills
Your energy bills aren’t supposed to spike up all of a sudden. That indicates that there’s a problem somewhere in your air conditioner, and it’s time to call for repairs. While your energy bills can go up due to your AC’s natural wear and tear, that’s s slow linear progression; not a sudden violent spike.
4. Short Cycling
You’re never supposed to experience short cycling. That’s when your AC turns on, starts to cool your home, and shuts down before it hits the temperature goal on your thermostat. It runs a shorter-than-normal cycle, and this one is a big red flag. Emergency AC repair tips here, especially if your system fails during a heatwave or holiday. Call for repair immediately.
5. Weird Sounds
Your air conditioner is intended to be quiet. You can hear when air passes through the vents, sure, but we’re talking about metallic screeching noises, loud banging, or otherwise abrupt sounds that aren’t standard during operation. These could mean a volley of things, so it’s best to have a technician take a look for you.
Listen to the Signs
You never want to be blindsided when something like this happens. Keep these warning signs in the back of your mind, and maybe once a month, try to identify them so you can always be ready before disaster strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the early warning signs that my air conditioner might break down?
Answer: Your AC may be about to fail if it’s taking longer than usual to cool your home, emitting foul or burning smells, causing sudden spikes in energy bills, short-cycle turning on and off rapidly, or making strange noises like screeching or banging.
Question: Why does my AC suddenly smell musty or like burning plastic?
Answer: Unpleasant odors from your vents can signal serious issues, musty smells often point to mold or mildew in the condensate line, while burning plastic odors may indicate electrical components overheating or deteriorating wire insulation.
Question: What does short cycling mean and why is it a problem?
Answer: Short cycling occurs when your AC repeatedly turns on and off before reaching the thermostat temperature. This puts excess wear on the system, reduces efficiency, and increases the likelihood of a premature breakdown.
Question: Can rising energy bills be a sign of AC trouble?
Answer: Yes, an unexplained increase in your energy bills could mean your AC is working harder than usual. This might be caused by worn components, low refrigerant, or clogged filters, all of which reduce efficiency and can lead to system failure if not addressed.
Contact Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc. today to schedule your AC repair service as soon as possible. You can always trust The GUys in the Big Red Trucks.