Summers tend to be relatively short in Denver. Snow isn’t uncommon as late as May, and temperatures start falling, sometimes as early as September. This means your air conditioning unit can sit unused for several months throughout the course of the year.
When you finally need a blast of cool air, it’s not uncommon for ACs to make a little noise the first time they kick on. Some rattling and louder-than-normal motor noises can only be a sign your AC is settling down. However, sometimes it can indicate you need AC repair Denver services.
Common Signs Your Air Conditioning Needs Repairs
When temperatures start climbing the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to go out. Sometimes, all you need is a repair instead of replacing the unit.
However, if your AC is ten years or older, it may be time to replace it. Yes, a new air conditioner isn’t cheap, but you can get a return on your investment in the form of lower energy bills.
Only Blowing Warm Air
You expect your furnace to blow out warm air, not your air conditioner. If warm air is blowing out of the vents, head to the thermostat.
The thermostat is the brain of your AC, meaning it’s responsible for controlling the room’s temperature. It lets the air conditioner know when to kick on and turn off.
Your thermostat may be at the wrong setting and this is an easy fix; try lowering the setting and see if cool air starts coming out of the vents. You also want to make sure the thermostat is set to cool and not warm. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget to change the setting after a long, cold winter.
If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you may have a problem with the compressor or a blockage restricting airflow.
Continuously Cycling
When an air conditioner cycles, this refers to the unit turning on and off. How often an AC cycles depends on the thermostat setting and the outdoor temperature. For example, if it’s 90 degrees and sunny outside and your thermostat is set to 70, you should expect long cycles with short periods of off time.
If your air conditioner is constantly turning on and off, with only a few minutes between each cycle, this can indicate a problem with the unit. Hopefully, it’s a simple repair but often frequent cycling is a sign it’s time to replace an old unit. Another reason your air conditioner may be constantly cycling is it’s the wrong size unit for your space.
Weird Noises
You expect your air conditioner to make some noise when it first turns on in the summer. Even after a few days of running, it’s still common to hear some noise as the unit powers on and off. When the noises are loud and sudden, this can be a sign of trouble.
Buzzing and rattling sounds can indicate there’s a loose part banging around. If you hear grinding noises, it’s a good idea to shut the AC unit down. Grinding and whistling sounds typically mean you’re dealing with a more serious problem.
Water Leaks
Some condensation around your air conditioner usually isn’t a reason to panic. If water starts pooling around your AC or you notice refrigerant leaking out, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with an air conditioner repair service.
Leaking coolant can pose a health risk for both humans and animals. The refrigerant is toxic. Even water leaks can cause significant damage. If the moisture gets inside your home, you may end up dealing with water damage. Now, you need both an AC repair and water damage restoration specialist.
Strange Odors
A slightly musty smell coming out of the vents the first time your air conditioner turns on is normal. During the winter, some dust and dirt can get into the vents and air ducts. The musty smell usually goes away after a couple of minutes.
If the smell is unpleasant or it doesn’t go away, you may have a serious problem—and this means scheduling an AC inspection and possibly a repair. Did you know you can help prevent musty odors in your vents with regular duct cleaning? Cleaning your air ducts at least once a year can also help improve airflow while also reducing allergens.
Keep Your AC Running All Summer
Unfortunately, most air conditioners need repairs at least once during their lifetime. Sometimes the repairs are minor, and other times, they can be expensive.
If your AC isn’t running optimally, don’t wait to schedule a service appointment. You may be risking turning a minor repair into an expensive project. Prompt attention can prevent further damage, ensuring your air conditioner operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.
