How To Determine if Your AC Needs Emergency Service

If you have lived in the greater Charlotte area for a long time, you know how crucial a reliable air conditioning system is, especially during the summer months. Working air conditioning systems are great, but every homeowner experiences an issue with their air conditioner at some point in time.

While these problems are quite common, it is hard to tell when your AC needs emergency repair. It is difficult to know whether it’s just a little inconsistency with the AC or a serious problem that needs a professional’s assistance. In this article, we will tell you what to look for and the signs that indicate you need emergency service.

1. Poor Airflow

Insufficient airflow is one of the most common signs that your air conditioning system is not working efficiently. It might also indicate a blockage that’s preventing air from moving through the ductwork of your home. A broken motor, clogged air filters, or something more serious might be contributing factors to poor airflow. If inadequate airflow is common in your home, investing is a suitable energy-recovery ventilator might be the best option.

An energy-recovery ventilator can give your AC a quick boost by exchanging the stale air in your home with fresh air each time your air conditioner cycles. Your AC might also benefit greatly from zoning systems. These systems can ensure that you are getting the right cooling and airflow power, especially when you need it most.

2. High Indoor Humidity

The main benefit of having an air conditioning system is that it regulates humidity inside your house, even when the humidity and heat are raging outdoors. Generally, indoor humidity should range between 30% to 50%. If the humidity level is higher than that, your home may feel quite stuffy. On the other hand, low levels of humidity can also be a big problem, potentially leading to sinus and eye irritation.

Your air conditioning system should automatically moderate humidity levels in your home. If the cooling system cannot keep moisture levels within comfortable ranges, you need to find an emergency air conditioner service. AC technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and let you know whether the AC requires a simple recalibration or a new whole-house dehumidifier that will serve you better.

3. Blowing Warm Air

For many homeowners, indoor temperatures higher than normal are the first signs that something is wrong with the HVAC unit. The cause of this problem could be that your AC needs its coolant levels recharged. There might also be slow leaks in the coils, and the coolant is gradually escaping. Furthermore, if the vents on the outdoor unit are dirty, the cooling coils can’t properly release heat. This will make the coolant warmer, and the air blowing out into your home will feel warm.

Having these problems fixed early can make a big difference in your AC unit operating efficiently. If you realize your home is not cooling, start by checking the air originating from the registers. Inspect your thermostat to ensure that you have set the unit correctly. If your thermostat is working properly and the AC is still blowing warm air, do not try solving the issue yourself. Instead, contact an HVAC service professional immediately. Whether your air conditioning system needs a new part, a complete replacement, or more refrigerant, your HVAC service professional will get to the root of the problem.

4. Unpleasant Odors

Strange odors coming from your AC unit will immediately get your attention. Luckily, having a diagnostic visit right away will tell you whether your air conditioning unit needs professional cleaning, a tune-up, or a more advanced solution. Ultraviolet lamps can work well to eliminate constant microbial growth in the air conditioning system. Your ductwork may also need a complete cleaning session or replacement to address odor problems that might have accumulated in your property’s ductwork.

One of the most effective ways to avoid unpleasant smells indoors is by regularly having air conditioner repair technicians perform routine maintenance on the unit. Periodic maintenance can help spot AC problems early before they cause musty odors in your home.

5. Strange or Unusual Noises

HVAC systems make some noise during operation due to the inbuilt compressor. However, sudden loud or strange noises indicate that the cooling system is experiencing serious issues or is getting ready to stop working altogether. The gurgling noises do not go away on their own, which means that having professional AC tune-ups is important.

Do not ignore unusual noises from your cooling system. It can be one of the first indicators that the unit requires an emergency repair service. An HVAC technician will find the sources of the issue and recommend a suitable solution to keep your home comfortable and cool throughout the year.

6. Tripped breakers

If you are constantly resetting the air conditioner’s breaker when the system is in operation, you might have an electrical problem. This issue should be at the top of your emergency AC repair list. Electrical issues will not only affect your air conditioner’s operation but can also lead to a fire hazard, particularly if you can smell burning in your house. Electrical problems are not among the DIY tasks. Contact an AC service professional with the expertise and experience to work on different electrical components.

7. Water Leakage

A faulty air conditioning system is prone to inadvertent leakages and can disrupt other functions of your AC. If you notice any water or moisture leakage from your HVAC unit, then you need to contact an emergency AC repair service right away. The sooner you deal with this issue, the sooner you will restore the AC to good working condition.

8. High Utility Bills

Many homeowners expect higher energy bills when the weather is humid and hot. However, if your energy bills are extremely higher than usual or they have risen drastically, there is a high chance that something has compromised the efficiency of your air conditioner.

From outdated technology and malfunctioning parts to serious ductwork problems, a wide array of HVAC issues might be contributing to your high utility bills. Like air quality problems, you need to leave all your efficiency issues to the right professionals instead of solving them on your own.

Conclusion

Many homeowners wait for their cooling systems to exhibit aggravated and prominent signs before considering investing in the unit’s repair costs. If you live in the greater Charlotte area and notice any of the above signs, you should not ignore them. You should opt for an emergency air conditioner repair service professional right away, especially if you have young children, older citizens, or a family member with a prevailing medical condition.

Our highly qualified and experienced technicians at Integrity Heating & Cooling will diagnose the problem fast and let you know whether your AC requires a simple recalibration, repair, or replacement. We also offer other services such as furnace repairs, furnace replacements, heat pump repairs, heat pump maintenance, AC maintenance, heat pump replacement, furnace maintenance, indoor air quality tests, and commercial HVAC service. If you suspect you require emergency AC service, call us today. We’ll be glad to supply all your HVAC needs.