AC Repair

It is advised that your air conditioning unit get serviced at least once a year, with a preference for having it done before the cooling season kicks in. This is maintenance that very well might find and fix issues before they become big, expensive problems and most certainly should find and fix issues before the A/C has to work at full capacity and deal with peak-season temps. Required routine checks, cleaning, and part replacements likely will make the unit work better and use less energy.

Some common signs that your AC unit may need repair include blowing warm air, weak airflow, strange noises, or unpleasant odors. If you notice these symptoms, it could be a problem with the refrigerant that could be leaking, blocked vents or ducts, or several possible mechanical issues. Anything from the capacitor, contactor, or the compressor itself could be the root cause of the problem. If your AC system is blowing warm air, there is a good chance that it is not working nearly as hard as it should be or that it is past the point of no return.

When your air conditioning unit is leaking water into your house, it is typically a sign that there is a problem with the condensate drain line. This line can get clogged with dirt, algae, and small debris, which can prevent water from draining out of your house the way it is supposed to. When the water cannot drain out as it is supposed to, it will back up and then leak out of the unit inside your house. The way to prevent this kind of problem from happening is to clean the line on a regular basis. If the unit is leaking, call a qualified professional to find and fix your problem.

Although you can do a few simple maintenance tasks like change filters and clean the outside of the unit, most AC repairs need a professional's touch. If you try to tackle complex problems without the know-how or tools they teach you to use in trade school, you could do the unit and yourself some serious harm. Not to mention, you could also be working in some way that voids your warranty. Because they're trained to deal with all kinds of refrigerants, resolve all kinds of leaks, and sort out any number of electrical problems, pros are your best and safest bet for any repairs that require more than a few simple tools and a little bit of elbow grease.

Your air conditioner can emit a number of unpleasant odors. Here are some of the most common:Moldy or Musty: If you smell a musty odor when the A/C is running, it could mean that mold or mildew is growing inside the unit or in the ducts. These particles can accumulate in the A/C due to excessive moisture—a situation that's more common than you might think. Burnt: If the A/C smells burnt, you could have melting insulation, overheating electrical components, or something else related to electrical shorts or overheating. Call in a qualified technician ASAP.Elimination: The best remedy is to have a pro clean and service the unit. If moisture is getting into the A/C somehow, you'll need to pinpoint the source.

Often a valid option is to repair a relatively new AC unit that is experiencing minor issues. These repairs can be cost-effective, and they extend the lifespan of the unit with a small investment compared to what replacing it would cost. Conversely, if the unit is older, if it breaks down more often than not, or if it needs extensive repairs, then replacement is generally the more economical choice. Furthermore, a replacement will be a better choice. The new units available today are far more energy-efficient than any older unit.

Enhancing your air conditioning unit's efficiency begins with routine maintenance, such as replacing and cleaning air filters. It is also crucial to maintain unobstructed airflow; this means your vents and ducts should be free of any debris and must be in good working order. Even with these precautions, almost all homes suffer some degree of air leaks. If your home is leaky, it doesn't matter how clean or efficient your air conditioning unit is—your home will still be warm. That's why sealing and insulating your home properly is the next step toward an efficient and effective air conditioning system.

If your home's air conditioner isn't working right, try some simple troubleshooting before calling in a pro. First, make sure the thermostat is set where you want it. Then, check the air filters; dirty or clogged filters can do a number on airflow (and your energy bills). And speaking of airflow, make sure that all the vents in your house are open and unobstructed; if not, you can have some serious trouble even with a fully functional AC.

Your AC unit making odd noises could signal any number of problems, from the not-so-serious to the potentially catastrophic. Rattling or banging sounds might mean you've got some parts that have come loose; if your AC is squealing, that could point to a motor malfunction or a belt that's gone bad. Hissing noises? Probably not good. You've either got an AC unit that is about to stop working or one that's about to start working very hard to cool without much in the way of refrigerant. You're going to want to get a technician in there pronto.

AC repair costs can vary for many reasons, but mainly because of the intricacies of the problems and the unit itself. If you have a repair that just needs a part or two replaced, or maybe an inconvenient duct fixed, you're probably going to pay in the low hundreds, maybe even the high 100s, for that service. If, however, you have a unit that just isn't going to function well anymore and needs a major part replaced, or if you don't have a well-functioning duct system in your house, or if you have a multiunit situation that needs to be rebalanced, you're probably paying into the low thousands for those services.