Air conditioning systems are essential components of our homes and businesses. When they fail, we need to get them repaired promptly so we can stay cool and comfortable.
Thankfully, there are some telltale signs that an emergency air conditioning situation has arisen. Recognizing when to call for assistance can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
1. Unusual Noises
Air conditioning units, even with their noise-dampening technology, can produce strange sounds when they need repair. While these sounds may be alarming, being able to recognize them helps you spot a problem and potentially avoid costly future repairs or replacements.
One of the most reliable and common signs that your air conditioner is malfunctioning is a popping, squealing or buzzing sound that persists while running. This could be caused by any number of electrical problems such as loose wires or frayed junctions.
Banging and clanging are more serious sounds, which usually indicate a malfunctioning compressor or other component within the system. As these issues may require repair or replacement, it’s essential to address them promptly.
Hissing, whistling and squeaking can all be signs of a refrigerant leak. To protect yourself and the environment from this hazardous situation, contact an emergency air conditioning specialist immediately. They can perform leak detection, recharge and repair to get your air conditioner up and running once more.
2. Burning Odors
Burning odors from your AC are always alarming and often indicate something is wrong. If you detect a burning smell, immediately turn off your system and contact a professional air conditioner repair service for assistance.
To identify the source of a burning smell in your home, search for similar odors elsewhere and examine any smoke or fire warnings on your ceiling or windows.
As a general guideline, the primary cause of burning odors in your unit is an electrical fault. This could be due to an errant capacitor or even short circuit in your wiring. To avoid such problems, have your AC serviced at least once annually if not more frequently. In most cases, professional technicians can detect and correct the issue before it escalates out of control.
3. Strange Temperatures
Maybe your air conditioner or thermostat has reached its expiration, leaving your home feeling warm. A quick fix with the right tools should solve the issue and have you back in air conditioning quickly. Fortunately, our industry is friendly and welcoming – count on us to keep things cool for you. If your system needs repair quickly, don’t hesitate to let us know right away.
4. Water Pooling
Water pooling around your air conditioner is not only unpleasant, but it could be indicative of an issue with the unit. That is why calling in a HVAC professional is so important: they will inspect the unit and identify any problems.
This can help determine whether there is an issue with either the evaporator coils or refrigerant. A quick and efficient repair could save you from needing emergency AC repairs in the future.
Water pooling is often due to an inadequate drainage system. This could be caused by blocked gutters, clogged downspouts or other obstructions in the pipeline that prevent water from draining away properly.
French drains or perforated underground pipes are an effective way to divert excess rainwater away from your yard and into more appropriate areas. This is especially helpful if your home is near a basement, where moisture can seep into the walls of the structure and lead to serious issues in the future.