Local AC Repair Service

Signs You Need AC Service

You don’t have to wait for your air conditioner to completely stop working to know that it requires AC service. Rather, if you catch the early signs of trouble, you may avoid more substantial repairs. Consider these early warning signs that you need to schedule an AC repair.

• Low or No Airflow:
  Little or no air from your supply vents indicates your system needs attention. It may be as simple as needing maintenance, but may also indicate problems with the circulating fan, compressor, or even low refrigerant.
• Unusual Noises:
  When operating normally, you air conditioner should emit little to no noise beyond the whirring sound of the fans. Sounds like buzzing, rattling, thumping, squealing, clicking, or screaming indicate a potentially significant issue. Shut down the unit until you can have it evaluated to prevent additional damage.
• Odd Odors:
  Like noises, your air conditioner shouldn’t emit any smell with it’s running. If you smell something like car exhaust, something burning, or a musty smell, your system is demonstrating that it requires service. These may indicate a refrigerant leak, a motor burning out, or a condensate drain clog.
• Frozen AC Unit:
  System freezes typically happen because the system is low on refrigerant. If you look at your outside condensing unit and see ice forming on the refrigerant lines or anywhere inside the unit, shut it down. Low refrigerant not only reduces efficiency, but may also burn out your compressor.
• Long or Short Cooling Cycles:
  The normal cooling cycle run 10 to 15 minutes and should cycle two to three times per hour. If you notice your system running longer cycles, or if its running exceptionally short cycles constantly, you have a problem. Especially in the case of short cycling, turn the system off until you get it evaluated.

Should You Repair or Replace Your AC?

When you have an issue with your air conditioner, you may experience the worry about whether you’ll have to replace the system. Put this fear to bed by understanding when you’ll have to look at a system replacement.

• Age:
  Most air conditioners have a service life of 10 to 15 years, with proper AC maintenance. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, start looking at the cost associated with the repairs needed.
• Cost:
  Air conditioners typically see a significant increase in the repairs required over their last two service years. To determine if you’re better off replacing your unit or continuing to repair it, do some simple math. Look at the currently needed repairs, combined with the repairs over the last two years. Multiply that by the age of your unit. If that product is greater than the cost a replacement, it may be time to consider replacing it.
• Damage:
  Unfortunately, damage is something that happens to air conditioners around the Tampa area. This is especially true for tropical storm or hurricane-related damage. If your compressor has sustained damage, you may look at installing a new air conditioner sooner than expected.