Signs Your AC System Needs Repair

There are two main ways an HVAC unit will let you know it needs AC repair: it won't feel right, or it won't sound right.

Be on the lookout for these common signs your AC may be experiencing some mechanical issues or other problems:

How does your home's air feel when the air conditioner needs servicing?

• Warm air is blowing through the vents.

• The air is stagnant and not moving through the system.

• It feels sticky or humid inside.

What does an AC that needs repair sound like?

• You might hear banging, grinding, or whining inside the unit.

• You'll hear an intermittent whistling if you have a refrigerant leak.

• It will cycle on more frequently.

Some additional signs that you need to schedule AC repair could include strange smells in the air coming from your vents, more frequent problems (which indicates it might be time for a replacement), or lots of buildup inside the unit around the coils or in the drain line. Do any of these sound familiar? Scheduling AC repair early can stop major problems from developing.

Common Air Conditioning Repairs

Just like there are common indications that your AC unit needs maintenance, some AC problems are far more common than others. Some of the most frequent air conditioning repair service calls we see around San Jose are:

• Problems with your outdoor unit: Your home's outdoor condenser has a lot of mechanical and electrical parts. They can fail over time, leading to poor performance. An AC repair professional can inspect the unit and zero in on the problem.

• Low refrigerant: ACs loop refrigerant in a closed system, but many units will develop a very small leak. Over time, this decreases the refrigerant available to cool your home. You may hear whistling or feel warm, stifling air. HVAC services can top off your refrigerant and track down the leak.

• Clogged drain line: Your AC collects condensate around the cooling coils, and that water has to go somewhere. However, the water will have microscopic bacteria, mildew, mold, and organic debris. It can eventually form a clog.

• The blower motor goes out: This motor is responsible for moving air around your home, and it does a lot of work. If you don't change your filter regularly, the unit is old, or the unit is the wrong size for the property, the motor might overwork and fail.

Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance

Some problems, like refrigerant leaks, can't be stopped by good maintenance, but regular AC maintenance and care can actually prevent most problems before they start. Scheduling regular service appointments, cleaning the coils and drain line, and replacing the filter are simple tasks that relieve a lot of strain on ACs and help them last longer. These tasks are also much cheaper than major air conditioner repair services or replacing your system, so it's a budget-friendly way to keep your home comfortable year-round.

The Pros at HVAC Gurus & I are Here to Help you Every Step of the Way

The HVAC Gurus are here to help maintain, inspect, and repair AC systems across the San Jose area. Whether it's been a while since your last service or some of these problems sound familiar, schedule a service appointment today!

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