Five ways to determine if your air conditioner needs a repair
Published on Mar 22, 2013 by Coleman levin
Air conditioners are like cars, they need to be serviced and repaired in order to keep them running efficiently and safely. Still, many people are unaware of this fact. People will wait for their systems to shut down for them to finally get them looked at by a technician and more than often the air conditioner will be at a point that is beyond repair or will cost you a large sum of money to fix. If you haven't been having regular services, it may be time to consider one..
Here are five ways to determine if your air conditioner needs a repair.
1. Strange Sounds
If your air conditioner begins making unusual sounds there could be something seriously wrong. Sounds such as squealing, grinding, grating or clunking means it's time to call a technician. DO NOT wait for your air conditioner to stop working on its own, turn the system off and call for a repair immediately.
2. Strange Odours
There are many different reasons foul smells could be coming from your air conditioner. For example, a burnt smoky smell could mean that there is a wiring malfunction, whereas a musty smell could mean you have a mould problem. A really foul smell could indicate an animal that became trapped may have died inside the unit. An unpleasant smell could also be due to a dirty filter that needs replacing.
3. Variations in Temperature
Temperature variations are an obvious sign that your air conditioner needs a repair, for example, one room may be much cooler than another room or when the rooms aren't getting anywhere near as cool as they should be. These variations in temperature are often caused by a failing compressor, in which case you should get your system looked at straight away; however a faulty thermostat could also be the cause of this. Whatever the case it is important to have this seen to.
4. Leaks and Water Damage
You should pay close attention to leaks coming from your air conditioner or near it. A clogged drain tube is usually the cause of a leak or water pool and this should be seen to quickly. If your coils are frosted or forming ice on them you probably have a leak of refrigerant, which is a little more complex than a water leak and should be looked at by a professional.
5. Higher than Average Utility Bills
Keep an eye on your energy bill and take note if it is considerably higher than usual during the hotter seasons. If you are experiencing normal summer temperatures outside, an increased energy bill could mean that you have a problem with the performance of your air conditioner. By getting a service a technician can ensure that your system is working to its optimum capacity
The Importance of Regular check ups and Service
Most air conditioning commands need to be undertaken by a professional, the best way to keep your air conditioner running smoothly is to have it serviced every 12 months to 2 years max. By doing so, you decrease the chances of any of these bigger problems occurring as we can catch these problems before they get too serious and too costly. Regular servicing can help boost your unit's efficiency and reduce your energy costs over time.
If you would like to book a service or repair with us please give us a call on 9796 1444