During the summer months, you want to keep your home as cool as possible. In some cases, keeping your home cool and dry can be a matter of life or death. Therefore, it is important to know if your air conditioner is not working properly. Here are some of the signs that this may be the case.
The Airflow is Weak or Inconsistent
Ideally, your AC unit will create a strong flow of cold air into your home or apartment. If this doesn’t happen, it could be that there is dust or other debris that has built up inside of it. The lack of airflow could also be because of a broken part inside of the unit.
Do You Smell Something Musty?
Your air conditioning unit typically cycles air through the ducts in your home. If you happen to smell something with a musty odor to it, it is likely mold that your nose has picked up on. In such a scenario, turn off the unit and have the ducts inspected.
Do You Hear Grinding Noises?
If you hear grinding or squealing when you turn your unit on, it is likely that there is a belt that is broken or a metal part that needs to be lubricated. Without proper lubrication, friction can occur and cause excess heat to build up within the unit. That could lead to a fire within the AC unit that has the potential to spread throughout the home.
The Air Gets Warmer Inside
To properly function, an air conditioner will need adequate levels of coolant. Without this coolant, the unit will simply funnel warm air through the home. There is also the chance that coolant has become frozen within the compressor.
Check for Water Leaks
A pool of water near the unit itself may mean that a tube is clogged and needs attention. If you see coolant or other types of liquid near an AC unit, clean it promptly as it can be harmful to pets and humans alike. Once the hazard has been contained, schedule an appointment to have it fixed as quickly as possible.
Be sure to have your air conditioner inspected as soon as you notice signs of trouble. In many cases, these issues can be relatively easy to fix if you do so immediately. If your unit is constantly malfunctioning, it may be time to look into getting a new one that may require less maintenance and offer greater energy efficiency.