Did you know that 90% of American homes have air conditioning units? In some areas, such as the cooler west coast, air conditioning units are less common. In Tennessee, nearly every home has some form of HVAC unit. If you’re enjoying summer in Charlotte, the higher temperatures may cause some issues with your air conditioning. Knowing how to perform an AC emergency repair can save you inconvenience, money, and discomfort.
But how do you know when it’s time for AC maintenance? if you’re curious about diagnosing a broken AC, we’re here to help guide you. Here are some of the many issues that can signal it’s time to hire a Tennessee HVAC company for maintenance.
7 Warning Signs You Need Emergency AC Repair
1. Incorrect Air Temperature
One of the first and most noticeable issues with your air conditioning unit is an incorrect air temperature. You’re more likely to notice this above other issues, as it’s impossible to miss. Unfortunately, it can also lead to higher bills.
Summertime in Charlotte can get into the mid to upper 90s. When you set your thermostat, the average temperature range is between 68 and 78 degrees. The range will vary depending on how many people are in your home, the home’s size, and your preferences.
However, if you set your air to cool the house down and find it warming up, you may have an issue with your air unit. Have an AC repair technician investigate before you begin searching for replacements. It’s likely that the warm Charlotte temperatures are making it difficult for the unit to properly cool the home.
2. Cycling Frequently
Another way to tell if you require AC maintenance is if the unit is repeatedly cycling.
Regardless of the weather, your AC should go through routine cooling cycles. On the hottest days, you should expect the system to turn on more frequently. However, it’s a red flag if the unit is turning off and on repeatedly.
These issues are often minor, so don’t panic. They’re often fixed with a simple tune-up or regular maintenance. However, it can indicate that there’s a more severe issue with the machine which may require replacing.
3. High Humidity Inside
Have you stepped into your home to find that the inside is as humid as a rainy summer day?
During the spring and summer, the weather outside remains sticky. But indoors, your air conditioning unit should remove this humidity. Almost all units will moderate humidity levels automatically.
If your cooling system is failing to keep humidity and moisture levels down, something is wrong with the machine. You should seek out your favorite Tennessee HVAC company to see what’s wrong. Issues could range from problems with clogged filters to failing machinery.
4. Poor Airflow
Larger homes sometimes struggle with airflow, especially if their AC unit is too small for the home. Your house is full of vents that cross through the walls to pump into nearly every room.
If all of these vents are open, your air conditioning unit will attempt to push in enough air to fill each room. However, in the summer, your machine may struggle to put out enough air to accomplish this.
If you notice poor airflow, consider closing AC vents in rooms you aren’t using. Garages, closets, or storage rooms are common places you won’t need air.
But if your vents are closed off and your unit is still struggling, you should contact an AC repair technician. Your machine is showing signs of slowing down and needs AC maintenance. In severe cases, it may be time to replace the machine.
5. Bad Smells Coming From AC
Have you turned on your air conditioning to find a musky, mildewy scent now flowing through your home?
If you smell unpleasant odors, you should investigate the source. While your AC unit is a possible suspect, that doesn’t mean it’s the only likely source.
For example, if you’re struggling with a pest problem, something may have died in the vents. It may also mean that you need to clean your vents or home. Your AC unit circulates air, so any source of stench will be passed through your vents.
However, your AC unit could certainly be the source. A quick diagnostic visit will show whether your AC needs replacing or quick maintenance.
In some situations, microbial growth like fungus, mold, or bacteria can occur in your air conditioning. The warm, wet Charlotte summers are when these organisms bloom. Contact an AC repair technician to investigate the scent.
6. AC Leaking Water
In the summer, it’s common to find some humidity dripping out of your AC unit. Your system discharges the humidity from inside your home and what’s generated from operating.
Still, you may find more severe water leaks indoors or in your vents. In this situation, you can safely assume your system is malfunctioning.
In most cases, the remedy is a patch fix or simple AC maintenance. However, leaks are also a sign of more severe damage that may require you to replace the system.
7. Mechanical Dysfunction
Finally, a common warning sign that your unit needs repairs is if there are mechanical dysfunctions.
The first one you’re likely to notice is an issue with the thermostat. Are you finding the thermostat isn’t working or displaying its information properly?
If changing the temperature doesn’t cause the AC to kick in, there could be an issue between the units. However, in some units, the problem is as simple as a dead battery in the thermostat.
Another problem is if the fans on your AC unit stop spinning. Something may have stopped them from spinning, which hints that it’s time for maintenance. A motor or the fan itself may have broken, requiring replacement or repairs.
Contact Tidwell & Sons HVAC for Emergency AC Repair
Seeking AC emergency repair is a necessity when the Charlotte summer temperatures begin ramping up. It’s dangerous to allow your home to get too warm, so keep an eye out for these common signs of damage or necessary maintenance. Should you see these signs or similar issues, don’t hesitate to seek AC repair services.
For more information on AC maintenance, be sure to contact us at Tidwell & Sons HVAC. You can also browse our services to see how we can help keep your HVAC system working properly.
