When to Know Your Central AC Needs Repair and Why You Should Act Fast

It’s often only once your AC starts faltering that you realize just how essential it is. But what should you do if the issues seem minor? For example, perhaps the cooling is uneven across different rooms, or your thermostat’s reading of 74 degrees feels more like a stifling 80 degrees.

Here’s the bottom line: If something about your AC makes you uncomfortable—be it the temperature, an odd noise, or an unusual smell—it’s time to call in a professional for a diagnostic. Don’t let what seems like a small problem now turn into a major inconvenience later.

Here are a few signs that your AC might need repairs sooner rather than later:

• Weak or inconsistent airflow
• Strange noises or odors
• Warm air blowing from vents
• Frequent cycling on and off
• Higher than normal energy bills

Don’t let your central air conditioner system completely break down. Get it fixed as soon as it shows signs of needing repair.

Weak or Inconsistent Airflow

One of the first signs that your central AC is having performance issues is that it’s simply not operating at the speed it used to. You may have noticed that your AC seems to have weaker airflow than before or inconsistent airflow. This makes it harder for enough cool air to circulate through the rooms to impact the heat.

The problem may be caused by a failing compressor, a clogged fan, a stuck wheel, a broken motor, or a loose fan belt. It’s impossible to know the exact cause until an HVAC professional inspects the appliance and addresses the issue.

Strange Noises or Odors

Many central AC units make some noise. If you ever find one that doesn’t, let us know. We’ll sell the heck out of it.

However, your AC shouldn’t be making too much noise, or worse, a strange noise you’ve never heard before. Grinding, scraping, and squealing sounds could indicate that the belt is off its track from within the unit. This is a problem and should be looked at immediately.

In addition to strange noises, be on the lookout for odd smells. Your central AC system should be odorless. If you turn it on and notice a strong smell, it might signal a burned wire inside the system. This may be a fire hazard and shouldn’t be ignored.

Alternatively, if your AC is producing a musty smell in the home, it could indicate there is organic growth in the unit or the venting, which can cause health-related problems, so you’ll want to address this immediately.

Warm Air Blowing From Vents

A central AC system that blows out warm air is the opposite of what you need to beat the heat and indicates that the system needs repair. The potential reasons for warm air coming out of your air conditioner range from minor issues to more extensive problems. Some of the most common reasons are clogging and electrical issues, low refrigerant, evaporator coil malfunctions, and compressor problems.

If you want the sweet relief of cool air in your home again, reach out for a repair as soon as possible.

Frequent Cycling On and Off

An AC system that continually turns on and off is one of the most common problems homeowners encounter. It’s a sure sign that something is not working right with your system.

This endless on-off-on-off is called short cycling. Some potential reasons could be an electrical problem, mechanical factors, or dirty and damaged components.

Higher Than Normal Energy Bills

Unexpectedly high energy bills can be a warning sign of an inefficient air conditioning system. If you notice a significant increase in your energy bill despite not using your AC more than usual, it could indicate that your system is not operating at its best. An overworked AC can be costly and shorten the lifespan of your equipment. Possible causes of an inefficient AC include a broken thermostat switch, ductwork leaks, or simply the age of the unit. In any case, it’s important to get your AC repaired as soon as possible.