Are you unsatisfied with the performance of your air conditioner? Have you been debating whether to call a professional but aren’t sure if it’s needed? You’d benefit from knowing all the signs your AC needs repair. As the superior AC repair specialist in Burlington, Leith Heating & Cooling can help you understand when you should schedule service.
8 Most Common Signs You Need Air Conditioner Repairs in Burlington, IL
If you’re wondering whether you need repairs for your air conditioner, stay aware of the following signs that provide evidence your system requires professional attention.
1. Performance Issues
If your air conditioner doesn’t perform as intended, it clearly needs attention. Poor performance can manifest in several ways, including:
- Weak or insufficient airflow
- Uneven temperatures throughout the home
- Warm air blowing from vents
- Unusually high humidity throughout the home
- An inability to reach the temperature you set on your thermostat
2. Unusual Noises and Smells
One of the most common signs that your AC needs repairs is unpleasant smells and the sound of concern coming from the device. When you notice bad smells, they won’t go away on their own. They’ll only grow worse if you don’t schedule prompt repairs.
Stay vigilant for the following odors:
- Burning: If your device smells like it’s burning, you likely have an electrical problem or a component that’s creating a lot of friction. For safety reasons, you should shut off your air conditioner until you repair it.
- Mildew: If your air conditioner smells like a basement or a forest, you likely have a buildup of moisture. This can start growing mold in as little as 24 hours, which can cause chronic health complications.
- Sweetness: You might feel surprised to hear that your air conditioner can give off a smell that resembles sugar water. This means your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, a chemical it can’t function without.
You probably have an unconscious understanding of how your air conditioner should sound. If you notice banging, clanking, grinding, hissing, rattling, or humming, shut down your device and schedule repairs.
3. Short Cycling
When your Burlington air conditioner experiences constant cycling between on and off, HVAC experts call it short cycling. During short cycling, your device will turn off before it reaches the temperature on your thermostat, and then it will restart again.
This most often occurs when your air conditioner overheats. A safety feature shuts down the device to prevent a fire. Once the air conditioner cools down, it activates again and tries to cool your home. Without repairs, you could destroy your air conditioner and require full replacement.
4. Thermostat Problems
One of the most overlooked signs your AC needs repairs happens when the problem resides with your thermostat. You can gain insight into whether your thermostat needs repairs if you turn the temperature down and it doesn’t activate the air conditioner.
Several things can cause a thermostat to malfunction. The average thermostat lasts about 10 years, so if yours has reached the end of its life, it won’t work well. Problems can also arise if you have loose connections or blockages to the sensor from furniture, curtains, or dirt buildup.
5. Rising Energy Bills
One subtle sign your Burlington air conditioner needs repairs is a high electric bill. You can expect your energy costs to rise and fall depending on how frequently you use your device. However, if you notice a spike in your costs disproportionate to your air conditioner usage, you likely need repairs.
When your device needs only minor repairs, it can still cool your home, but you will have to work harder to obtain the same results. This means you use more energy and you see your electricity bills rise. If repairs don’t lower your utility costs, consider using it as an opportunity to look into energy-efficient air conditioners.
6. Condensation or Freezing
You should see any condensation on your air conditioner. If your unit is leaking water, you likely have a clogged drain line. If you see ice building up on your evaporator coil, you likely have a refrigerant leak and may also notice it short cycling from overheating.
7. Power Issues
Power problems are one of the most obvious signs your AC needs repair. If your air conditioner doesn’t turn on, it can’t provide even minimal cooling and you may put your home at risk of extreme temperatures. If a circuit trips frequently when your air conditioner activates, it also means you have a power issue your HVAC technician can fix.
8 Visible Damage
If you notice rust, corrosion, bent coils, or other significant damage to your device, repairs can prevent safety issues or further damage. If you see damage, consider shutting off your device until you can repair it.
The Benefits of Scheduling Prompt Repairs
If your air conditioner runs but you know you need repairs, you may try to save some money by delaying repairs. However, when you prioritize prompt repairs, you gain more benefits that make the investment worth it.
Increased Comfort
When your air conditioner operates at peak performance, you guarantee your comfort throughout the summer. Staying comfortable in your home means you sleep better, have more energy to stay productive, and find it easier to stay positive.
Improved Safety
Extreme temperatures and humidity can adversely affect your health. By ensuring your air conditioner can properly cool your home, you avoid heat stroke and other conditions that have widespread complications in your life.
Cost Savings
Scheduling your repairs can save you money in the long term. It extends the lifespan of your device, so you won’t spend money on early replacement. It can also lower your energy bills and medical expenses. Repairs always provide a great investment.
Contact Leith Heating & Cooling for Burlington Air Conditioner Repair
Now that you know the signs your AC needs repair, you can call Leith Heating & Cooling if you have any trouble. From efficient AC installation to meticulous maintenance and repairs, Leith Heating & Cooling remains passionate about keeping Burlington residents and companies cool and safe during the hot summer months.
Schedule service by calling today.