When the weather gets warmer in Atlanta, you put your trust in your air conditioner to help ensure your comfort. Do you know when you should have your unit inspected by a professional? In this article, we will cover the 10 signs to look out for that may indicate it's time for an air conditioner (AC) repair in Atlanta, GA.
Celebrating our 75th anniversary this year, our award-winning team of experts put together this list of the 10 signs you may need service now:
Sign #1: Warm Air
Are you wondering, why is my AC blowing hot air? Warm air is a warning sign that you need AC repair. There are several reasons why this could be happening, including 1) refrigerant issues, 2) dirty air filters, 3) a faulty compressor, 4) thermostat issues, 5) faulty capacitors or relays, 6) condenser unit problems, or 7) ductwork issues.
Refrigerant issues — Low refrigerant levels could be a reason for your unit blowing warm air.
Dirty Air Filters — When was the last time you checked and/or changed your air filters? Another reason for warm air could be dirty air filters. Dirty air filters can reduce airflow and undermine your unit's ability to properly cool the air.
That's why it's important to have a routine that regularly checks your air conditioner including your filters. Our Estes Services Maintenance Membership Plans include regular filter changeouts, so you can achieve peace-of-mind about this.
Faulty Compressor — The unit's compressor may be faulty which can cause warm air to blow.
Thermostat Problems — A faulty or malfunctioning thermostat can be also be a reason.
Leaky Ductwork — When there is leaky ductwork, cooled air can escape before it reaches your living areas.
Faulty Capacitors or Relays — Faulty capacitors or relays can wear out and lead to undermined cooling.
Condenser Unit Issues — The unit's outdoor condenser unit could have an issue that is impacting the system performance.
If you are experiencing this warning sign of warm air, it's best to schedule AC repair service with a licensed and trained HVAC technician. Not only are you impacting your comfort now, but you are also risking more costly repairs down the road. Stop your unit from blowing hot air around; give our experts at Estes Services a call.
Sign #2: Strange Noises
Are you strange noises coming from your air conditioner? You might even wonder, "Why is my AC making weird noses?" Here's some abnormal strange noises to watch out for, including:
Banging or Clanking
Hissing or Whistling
Grinding or Screeching
Clicking When Starting
Rattling or Vibrating
Gurgling or Bubbling
Squealing
These kinds of noises may indicate the need for repairing your air conditioner. Proper preventative maintenance can also help prevent these noises from occuring.
Sign #3: Bad Odors
Bad odors from your AC unit can be a sign to repair. There are several common odors that can indicate the need for repair, including:
Moldy Smell — Do you notice a moldy or musty smell? This can be due to the appearance of
Rotten Eggs Smell — A rotten egg smell in your home isn't normal. IT could be due to different reasons, like a gas leak or a dead animal in your ducts. Regardless, it's best to get this type of smell inspected immediately.
Burning Smell — If you think there's a burning smell, this might indicate that one or more parts of your unit is burning. If this is the case, it is recommended that you turn off your unit and contact us immediately.
Chemical Smell — A chemical smell may mean that there's a refrigerant leak.
If you notice persistent bad odors, please schedule service today. It is a serious cause for concern, and we can help you fix this now and discuss maintenance activities that can prevent future odor issues from occurring.
Sign #4: Leaks
Another warning sign is any kind of leak in your system, which can potentially damage your unit's components and impact your home's energy efficiency. #5: Humidity Issue
Do you have high humidity issues in your home? You're not alone. Many homeowners like you can experience high humidity issues throughout the year. It probably comes with little surprise that this can be another sign that your air conditioning unit may need repair or maintenance.
In fact, as Carrier states in Why Indoor Air Quality Matters article, "Air impurities, excessive moisture or dryness and poor ventilation can compromise indoor air quality." In addition, it can also undermine your comfort and increase energy costs.
Furthermore, high humidity in Atlanta, GA, can cause damage to your home, hurting personal belongings and even impacting structural integrity. Not to mention, you can experience unpleasant odors in addition to these other problems.
If you're experiencing humidity issues, it isn't something you want to ignore.
Sign #5: Ice or Frost Build up
Ice or frost buildup on your unit's evaporator coils or refrigerant lines is another cause for concern. It can be because of airflow or refrigerant issues. If left untreated, you risk further damage to your system.
Sign #6: Need for Constant Thermostat Adjustment
If you are having to constantly adjust your thermostat, this is a reason to get an inspection. It could be something related to your temperature sensors, or something more serious related to your unit's components.
Sign #7: Increased Energy Bills
Increased energy bills can indicate something is wrong with your unit.
Sign #8: Unit Older Than 10 Years
An air conditioner unit that is older than 10 years may require repair, especially if it has had inconsistent proper maintenance performed over the years. Prompt repairs of issues can help extend the life of your unit.
Sign#9: Faulty Installation
Unfortunately, a faulty installation can lead to the need for repair. That's why it is important to work with a licensed and NATE-certified HVAC contractor like our company Estes Services, winner of 13 consecutive President's Awards from Carrier. Before you finalize which contractor you work with over the long term. you will want to assess any Atlanta HVAC company on years of experience; overall reputation; trustworthiness; and how it's owned and operated. Don't settle for less when you deserve the best HVAC service near you.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
You may wonder, should I repair or replace my air conditioner? This is a difficult question to answer without having an inspection performed by a licensed and trained HVAC technician. In short, it depends.
There are several factors to consider when determining whether to repair or replace, including age of unit; frequency of repairs; cost of repair vs replacement; energy efficiency; and comfort.
- Age of the Unit: First, you will want to consider the age of your unit. If it's older than 10-15 years old, it may be more cost-effective for replacement. Older units can typically break down more and be less energy efficient than newer units.
Frequency of Repairs: If your unit is frequently breaking down, it may be beneficial to consider a replacement. Repeat repairs can be expensive and may suggest underlying issues.
Cost of Repair vs Replacement: It's important to weigh the cost of repair vs replacement. If the cost of repairs is high, a replacement could be a better option, especially if the cost of a repair is 50% or more of the cost of a new unit.
Energy Efficiency: Another important factor to consider is the energy efficiency of your unit. Your older model may be inefficient, and you could save money on energy bills by upgrading to a newer unit. While such higher-performing units may be more expensive, according to the Carrier Air Conditioner Prices article, these models typically qualify for utility or governmental rebates. At Estes Services, we also have exciting special offers and offer special financing with affordable payment options over time.
We can help you determine whether it's worth repairing.
Contact Estes Services for the Best Atlanta Air Conditioner (AC) Repair Services
Are you experiencing an underperforming air conditioner unit and in need of a possible repair or replacement? Let the pros at Estes Services handle it.
With 75 years of experience servicing Atlanta HVAC, we are here to help and can repair any AC brand, make, or model. You name it, we can fix it. We service the greater Atlanta area with over 150+ technicians on the road daily providing consultations and recommendations.
We will help you determine the best solution for your air conditioning repair problems, including repair, replacement, or a maintenance plan. Schedule service with one of our licensed and trained technicians today. When you search for "ac repair near me," just remember: it's that Easy; It's Estes!
Schedule service online. It's that Easy; It's Estes!
