Signs That You Air Conditioner Is About To Break

There is no machine in the world which can operate flawlessly for eternity. Every once in a while, machines break down and must be repaired to bring them back to life. Routine maintenance is also needed to ensure machines operate efficiently. Similarly, air conditioner maintenance can help to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce the frequency of breakdowns, which is usually a sign that your air conditioner needs to be replaced.

Common Air Conditioner Problems

Unusual Noises: When the AC is on, it produces some noise, which the user comes to get used to. If the level or type of noise produced by the air conditioner changes, chances are that there is a problem in the system. In such cases, you may want to call in an  Central Valley AC repair technician to inspect your system and perform the necessary repairs.

No Cooling: A common problem with AC machines is lack of cooling even when the AC is running. This is a serious problem, which may be caused by a faulty thermostat or a low refrigerant level in the cooling system. Another possible cause of this problem is a faulty compressor unit.

Poor Air Flow: If there is little or weak air flow from your AC vents or air handling unit, the blower in the air handler may have a problem. In case of central cooling, weak air flow may be a sign of restricted airflow in the duct work as a result of accumulation of debris. Duct cleaning can easily resolve this problem.

Musty Odors: The air conditioner also dehumidifies air in addition to cooling it. When humid air passes over cold refrigerant tubes, condensation takes place and water droplets collect on the condensate pan. If the condensate drain pipe is clogged, the condensate will overflow and get into unwanted areas. This will lead to formation of a musty odor around the house. Over time, mold will start growing around the affected area, including the air handler itself. This will pose a serious threat to you and your family.

By hiring an experienced HVAC technician, you can be assured of having the problem fixed properly without delays. However, there are times when air conditioner repairs may not be enough. In some cases, a complete AC replacement may be the most reasonable option. The following are signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced:

Frequent Breakdowns: If your air conditioner breaks down too many times within a short period of time, and the repair costs are quite significant, you may want to have it replaced. You can save a lot of money when you have a new AC unit installed. The savings will not just be from the reduced repair cost, but also from energy savings since newer models of AC machines are much more energy efficient than older units.

Age: The average lifespan of air conditioners is 10 to 15 years. If your AC is nearing the end of its useful life, be sure to start planning for a replacement. This is a great chance to acquire an Energy Star-rated air conditioning machine.

Outdated Cooling Technology: Air conditioning technology usually changes at almost an annual basis. If your AC was installed over ten years ago, it may be using obsolete technology. By replacing your AC with a newer model, you will be able to update the cooling technology you’re using.

Explore Our Air Conditioner Repair Services

When you suspect that your air conditioner is on the fritz, be sure to contact a professional immediately. This will ensure that a possibly small and inexpensive problem will be addressed before it become a more complicated and expensive one. When you have any questions on your air conditioning unit or need AC repair, contact SOS XTREME Comfort® or, give us a call at 845-351-4700. We specialize in the installation and maintenance of all air conditioning units.