5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair Before Summer Hits

Certain HVAC issues are best diagnosed and remedied before the dead of a given hot or cold season hits, and air conditioner problems are a great example. It’s important to identify and repair AC issues before the hottest parts of summer hit, and knowing the basic signs your AC needs repair can be quite helpful here.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to offer the very best AC repair solutions around Salt Lake City, Cottonwood Heights, Riverton, Draper, Sandy, Midvale, and nearby parts of Utah. Here are some of the top signs your AC needs repair, plus some info on the causes of these issues, their urgency levels, and how our team of HVAC professionals can assist you if needed.

Warm Air Blowing Out

One of the simplest but most common signs your AC needs repair is when it starts blowing out warm air instead of cool air. This could be caused by a number of issues, such as low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, or a clogged air filter. It’s important to address this issue right away, as it can lead to further damage and potential breakdowns if left untreated.

Many of the issues that cause this problem can be remedied fairly easily, and typically by the homeowner. A clogged air filter, for instance, can be replaced easily and is often the culprit for warm air coming from your AC. However, if it’s a more serious issue, such as low refrigerant levels or a faulty compressor, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to properly diagnose and fix the problem.

Strange Noises

In other cases, your AC might still be blowing cool air, but you notice strange noises coming from it. This could be a sign of loose or damaged parts within the system, which can lead to further damage if not addressed promptly. It’s important to have a professional inspect and repair any unusual sounds coming from your AC unit.

For instance, a rattling noise could mean that the fan blades are loose or damaged, while a screeching sound could indicate a faulty motor. These issues can be caused by wear and tear over time, but they should not be ignored, as they can lead to more serious problems if left untreated.

Short Cycling

When we talk about short cycling, we’re referring to the AC unit turning on and off frequently, rather than running for longer periods of time. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or an oversized or undersized AC unit.

Short cycling not only causes discomfort in your home by not properly cooling it down, but it also puts strain on your AC unit and can lead to higher energy bills. If it’s being caused by dirty filters, a simple replacement of the filter can solve the issue. However, if it’s due to a more serious issue, such as low refrigerant levels or an improperly sized unit, it’s important to have a professional HVAC technician address and resolve the issue.

Unusual Smells

Have you begun to notice a strange odor coming from your AC unit? This could be an indication of a variety of issues, including mold growth, burnt-out wiring, or even a dead animal stuck in the system. It’s important to address these odors as soon as possible to avoid potential health hazards and damage to your AC unit.

You can start by visually inspecting the unit for any visible signs of mold or debris. If you can’t locate the source of the smell, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to thoroughly clean and inspect your unit.

Value of Pre-Summer AC Checkups

The ability to identify these or other AC issues before they become more severe is one of several reasons you should be scheduling an annual AC tune-up for the months ahead of summer each year. Not only will regular maintenance help prevent potential breakdowns and costly repairs, but it can also improve your unit’s overall efficiency and lifespan.

During a pre-summer checkup, the technician can clean any excess dirt or debris from the unit, ensuring proper airflow and functioning. They can also inspect and tighten electrical components to avoid any potential hazards. Additionally, they may lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear on the system.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to help with any AC repair needs around SLC, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Riverton, Midvale, Sand,y or nearby parts of Utah. Contact us today to learn more or get started!