Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with a broken AC system on a hot Cape Canaveral, FL, summer day. The most effective way to avoid this situation is paying early attention to whether your HVAC system isn’t cooling as effectively as it used to. Learn the signs that indicate an air conditioner system that’s in need of repair or replacement.

Your Power Bill Suddenly Spikes

It’s normal to experience a higher electric bill during the summer as your AC system works to cool the house. However, has the bill gone higher than it typically does during these hotter months? If so, then it’s likely that you need to schedule an air conditioner tune-up and ask your technician to assess whether you need AC repair or full replacement.

Keep in mind that a professional diagnosis revealing the need for HVAC system replacement isn’t necessarily a negative. Older systems wear out and stop operating efficiently. A new system typically saves money long-term because it cuts down on your monthly power bills.

You Notice Odd Sounds

You’ve probably come to know intimately the normal operating sounds of your HVAC system. It’s time to get the system maintained the moment you hear unusual noises as the AC unit does its job.

Squealing noises indicate that a blower belt is loose or about to break. Your technician might only need to replace it. A motor that needs lubricant is another cause of squealing, and you must have a technician use the correct type of lubricant to fix the issue.

Banging, clanking or rattling sounds indicate that the blower motor or assembly has a broken or loose part. You might hear popping periodically as the ductwork expands. However, if it appears abnormal, get it checked by your AC technician.

You might have a refrigerant leak or a compressor issue if you hear hissing sounds. Or, clanging can indicate a part is loose somewhere within the system. Get it checked out either way.

Turn off the entire system immediately if you hear high-pitched whistling sounds coming from the compressor. It’s possible that a high-pressure leak exists, and it’s time to have the system assessed professionally.

You Smell Strange Odors

An electrical smell might mean you have a situation with overheating. If your air filter is extremely dirty and clogged, then replace it to see if that opens up the airflow. Call in an HVAC technician if you’re still smelling the electrical odor after replacing the filter.

The AC System Is Blowing Warm Air

It’s possible that your AC unit needs replacing if it no longer blows out cold air. The compressor may have failed. Replacing a compressor is an expensive and complicated repair job. It could also be due to low refrigerant or a blocked condensate line which are easy to correct.

Your AC technician will know whether the problem of warm air is coming from compressor failure or not.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

The AC unit has a large impact on your indoor air quality. It’s quite possible that the unit needs replacing if you’re noticing more dust or dirt inside your home. High humidity levels or family members experiencing respiratory problems also indicate that your HVAC system needs repair or replacement.

Inconsistent Temperatures

Do you notice that sometimes the air conditioner gets the home too cold and at other times it’s too warm? These inconsistencies in temperature indicate that you might have:

• Clogged filters
• Low refrigerant levels
• Leaking ducts

These situations also lead to higher energy bills. Get a tune-up performed so you can understand what the problem is and bring back a consistently comfortable environment into your home.

Are you noticing any of these air conditioner unit problems? Contact one of our friendly Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat representatives and we’ll guide you through our maintenance plans or schedule a service call for a repair.

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