You have an Unexpected Air Conditioner Repair. Now What?
Unexpected AC issues can arise at any time and if it’s during the summer months, this can be extra stressful for you and your family.
Here’s what you should know about common AC problems and potential solutions
Common AC Problems (And What to Do About Them)
While it may be possible to repair some of these minor problems on your own, more complicated repairs should be done by an HVAC professional.
Not Blowing Cold
Having an air conditioning system that is blowing hot when you’re trying to escape the heat can be annoying. But there are a couple of things you can try on your own to fix the problem.
Check your thermostat’s batteries and settings and make sure they are good. If need be, reset your thermostat and replace your batteries. If your AC does not start blowing cold air then make sure that a circuit hasn’t tripped. You can restart this by turning it on and then back off.
Odd Odors and Strange Sounds
A strange smell coming from your AC system might make you concerned. But if the smell dissipates quickly it could simply be from your AC being dirty after not being run for a long period of time.
Make sure to clean your AC unit prior to running it after the winter months. If you think the smell is more of a gas or electrical burning, call an HVAC professional right away.
Odd sounds coming from your AC are more serious than other kinds of issues. They indicate a more complicated problem and should never be ignored since the problem can get worse.
Leaks & Clogs
As your AC cools down your home, it also removes humidity and moisture from the air. If you see leaks on the outside or inside of your air conditioner, it’s time for maintenance. Many things can cause a leaky AC but one common problem is a clogged drain.
Unit Isn’t Turning On…At All
It’s possible that an AC that doesn’t turn on has a simple fix. Follow the directions above for when an AC is blowing hot air and see if that fixes the issue. If it’s still not turning on, contact a professional for help.
Frozen Coils
The coil in your AC system needs to have a good flow of warm air to keep it from freezing. Sometimes dirt and debris will build up and stop that air from reaching the coil.
Unit is Cycling Off and On
If your air conditioner is cycling on and off it may be because damage has been caused to the fan and compressor. This happens when the unit is turned on and off frequently over a short period of time.
Because this stresses the components and can cause acid build-up, it’s best to have a professional make the repair.
Airflow is Weak
Weak airflow causes cold and hot drafts to take place in your home. Usually, weak airflow is caused by blocked vents, dirty air filters, low refrigerant, or leaking ducts.
Recalibrate your thermostat first if there are any signs it’s faulty. Then make sure that all air filters have been changed and are clean and all air vents are free from blockages.
Replacement or Repair: What Do You Need?
This may have you thinking that an AC system replacement is better for your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re considering a replacement or repair.
Unit Has Reached its Lifespan
The service life is how long an appliance will last and function well. A replacement will usually be recommended if your unit is past its service life. Older unit models last 10-12 years and modern unit models last 15-20 years.
Energy Costs
If your AC is working extra hard to cool a space down and is using more energy than normal, your energy bill will increase quickly. An HVAC professional can inspect the unit and let you know if they think a repair or replacement is necessary.
AC Repair v/s Replacement: What Does It Cost?
Repair and replacement costs can vary greatly. If you have a central AC system, the cost of a repair averages between $100-$650 and if you have a mini-split unit a repair can run $750-$900. The cost of a full replacement can be between $2,000-$15,000.
The Bell Bros Hayward team can help you diagnose any AC issue. Give us a call today to schedule an inspection!