Troubleshooting Air Conditioner Problems

Summers are filled with sun, fun and plenty of outdoor activities. However, if you reside in the southeastern U.S., you need to take refuge from the unbearable heat, and the best place to do so is at home. Keep your family cool by troubleshooting air conditioner problems, saving yourself a headache and an inconvenient HVAC expense down the road.     The first step toward avoiding disaster with your cooling unit is to call a licensed heating and cooling professional. AC Southeast® is your number one resource for locating a qualified HVAC expert in your area. Troubleshooting air conditioner issues is a breeze when you know what to look for and have the help you need.

Here’s Some Common Red Flags

  You count on your air conditioner to keep you and your loved ones comfortable even when the heat is overwhelming. Unfortunately, there are many ways your HVAC systems can malfunction and even fail. Prevent disaster by watching for these red flags:

Weird Smells

One way of troubleshooting air conditioner problems is by taking note of strange odors emitted whenever your unit is operating. If there is mold in your unit somewhere, you will experience a musty smell throughout your home, or if there is a natural gas leak with your air conditioner or heat pump, it will emit a rotten egg smell. Even a burning smell indicates there is an electrical problem, which tells you your unit might be overheating.  

Odd Noises 

Air conditioning systems are supposed to operate quietly without you noticing they are running in the background. Listening for strange noises, such as banging, clanking or shrieking, will help with troubleshooting air conditioner difficulties.  

Poor Air Flow

Your air conditioning unit will deliver consistent air throughout your home when it’s operating properly. If you notice airflow fluctuations, it’s another way of troubleshooting air conditioner difficulties. Many things can cause poor airflow in your unit, which is why contacting a licensed HVAC professional through AC Southeast® is essential. Airflow can be compromised due to a dirty air filter, frozen coils or something worse. A knowledgeable and experienced technician will know what to look for and how to correct the problem quickly.  

Decreased Cooling

An air conditioner not performing effectively is another red flag you need to monitor. A unit not cooling well can be the result of many things and will decrease the air conditioner’s efficiency. You can test if your system is operating at its best by turning it on full blast. If the air coming out isn’t very cool, locate an HVAC professional through AC Southeast®.  

Increased Energy Bills

Besides decreased efficiency and cooling another way of troubleshooting air conditioner issues is by taking a look at your energy bill. If your unit isn’t performing at its highest efficiency, your energy bill will increase. An air conditioner with a dirty air filter, damaged components or restricted airflow will force the unit to operate harder to cool your home, expending more energy than necessary. There are multiple reasons why your cooling system is using more energy. Again, an HVAC expert will know how to diagnose and correct the cause.

Partner with a Pro When Troubleshooting Air Conditioner Problems

  If you are troubleshooting air conditioner issues and notice any of these red flags, consult a heating and cooling professional. By catching the problem early, you can save yourself stress and money before it turns into a disaster when the heat rises outside.   Search AC Southeast® to locate a trusted HVAC technician near you and enjoy a relaxing indoor environment in no time! Pre-empt any issues with regular maintenance.   Find a local HVAC contractor through AC Southeast® and schedule a tune-up today. You’ll preserve any warranties with regular service and keep your AC unit running at peak efficiency.