Decatur, AL AC Repair  

How to Know When Your AC Needs Repairs

Some air conditioner issues are more obvious than others. If your AC won’t turn on, or if it’s only blowing warm air, you know you have a problem. But what about those strange noises coming from your AC unit? What about those times when you have to keep adjusting the thermostat to stay cool? What about that unpleasant odor coming from somewhere in the ducts? 

Below are some of the most common—and some less common—signs that your AC may need professional repairs: 

• Strange Noises: Strange noises could be caused by a variety of issues, such as loose or broken parts, a malfunctioning compressor, missing isolation feet, or even refrigerant leaks. If you hear loud, unusual noises—such as buzzing, rattling, screeching, or grinding noises—coming from your AC unit, contact the pros at Valley Heating & Cooling right away.
• Unpleasant Odors: In most cases, a strong, unpleasant smell could be the result of mold or mildew growth in or around the AC unit or vents. Sometimes, mold, mildew, or even fungi can get into the ductwork, causing a musty smell to arise from the vents. This can pose a health risk to you and your family; we strongly recommend that you contact our team right away.
• Poor Airflow: Some of the most common causes for little to no airflow include clogged air filters, blocked air ducts, leaking air ducts, frozen evaporator coils, and problems with the air conditioner’s blower. Our technicians can take a look at your system and diagnose the problem; then, we’ll carry out the necessary repairs to restore your home’s comfort.
• Warm Air: If your AC is only blowing warm air, it’s likely because the refrigerant levels are too low. This could indicate a leak, which is a serious issue that should be addressed right away. An AC that only blows warm air will also work extra hard to try to reach the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat, which may lead to excessive wear and tear.
• Uneven Cooling: Blocked or dirty vents, improper AC settings, and air duct leaks are all common culprits when it comes to uneven cooling throughout your home. However, warm spots could also indicate that it’s time to replace your air conditioning system with a newer, more energy-efficient model that’s capable of handling your comfort needs.
• High Energy Bills: If you’ve noticed higher-than-usual utility bills, it’s likely because your air conditioner is not as efficient as it could be. This might be due to clogged or dirty filters, air duct leaks, low refrigerant, failing components, and even improper installation. Our team can inspect your system and help improve its efficiency or recommend a replacement.
• Leaks Around the Indoor/Outdoor Unit: If you see pooled water around your AC unit, you have a leak. Leaks are commonly caused by clogged drain lines, as well as damaged drain overflow pans. Sometimes, a leak means that the pump is faulty or that the air cleaner is dirty or clogged. In other cases, it might mean that the AC was not properly installed.
• Excessive Condensation: Excessive condensation throughout your home is a sign of poor indoor air quality. High humidity can be caused by improper drainage, which may be the result of improper or inadequate AC maintenance. Often, excessive condensation is accompanied by water leaks near the air conditioner.
• Frozen Components or Ice Buildup in the AC Unit: Believe it or not, frozen parts or ice buildup can indicate low refrigerant levels. When there is not enough refrigerant, or when it’s incorrectly charged, the refrigerant coils can become too cold. This problem is often exacerbated with the air inside your home is especially humid or when the coils are dirty.
• Frequent Cycling: Short cycling occurs when the AC turns on and off more frequently than usual. This could indicate a wide range of issues, including an incorrectly sized system, clogged filters, frozen evaporator coils, or low refrigerant. If your AC is short cycling, reach out to our team to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible. A qualified technician can diagnose the problem, make sure your system is running optimally, and help you decide whether to repair or replace the unit. Don’t wait until your air conditioner fails completely before getting it serviced – the sooner you address these issues, the less likely you’ll be to run into serious problems down the line.