Serving Round Lake & 
When the summer heat arrives, you want the AC in your Round Lake, IL, home running at peak efficiency and capacity. To keep it that way, it’s essential to learn the key warning signs that indicate a need for AC repair. The most obvious among them is warm air from your vents or a lack of airflow. However, these issues typically occur only after your AC displays one or more other signs of trouble that go unnoticed.
Here are five things to look for that can tip you off to the need for AC repair.
1. Steadily or Suddenly Rising Operating Costs
One of the most common and subtlest signs of a struggling AC unit is a gradual or sudden increase in operating costs. This happens when your AC malfunctions in a way that decreases its output. That forces the system to work harder and longer than it once did to deliver the same level of comfort. The good news is that some of the problems that cause this symptom have simple solutions.
Often, a gradual loss of efficiency that increases AC operating costs stems from a problem with the AC’s evaporator coil. This is the component in the indoor unit responsible for extracting heat from the air in your home. One of the most common evaporator coil issues is the buildup of dirt on the coil’s fins. That interferes with heat transfer and reduces system efficiency. The good news is that thorough coil cleaning should solve the problem.
A similar issue may impact your AC’s outdoor condenser coil. It’s the component that expels the heat collected inside your home into the outdoor air. With exposure to the elements all year round, it can become dirty enough to reduce its efficiency.
2. Vibration or Buzzing Noises
Whenever your AC runs, it’s normal for it to make some noise. Most of what you hear comes from three components. One is the blower motor in the AC’s indoor unit that circulates air through the system and your home. Another is the large fan in your AC’s outdoor unit, as well as its compressor. However, if your AC starts making strange sounds in addition to the normal sounds, it needs repair.
One concerning noise you may hear is a vibration noise from your AC’s indoor unit. It can indicate a loose component in the system’s blower fan. In extreme cases, it can happen if the blower fan’s mounts fail, allowing the motor to move as it runs.
You may also hear a buzzing sound coming from your AC’s outdoor unit. When this occurs, the outdoor unit’s fan may stop running or operate at a reduced speed. The sound indicates a failed capacitor. This is a component that stores energy to boost the outdoor unit’s fan on startup. Fortunately, a capacitor replacement is a simple repair for a qualified HVAC technician.
3. Hissing Sounds
Another type of sound that indicates a need for AC repair is a hissing noise. However, unlike the two prior sounds discussed above, hissing is a sign of a serious problem. Most of the time, the sound indicates a refrigerant leak. It occurs because your AC’s refrigerant operates inside a sealed system that’s under pressure. If a leak develops, the pressure can force the refrigerant out, producing the noise. If your AC starts hissing, it’s essential that you turn it off immediately.
A loss of refrigerant will have multiple effects on your air conditioning system. First, it will gradually reduce the system’s cooling capacity. At the same time, it will cause your AC’s evaporator coil to work at an abnormally low temperature. That can lead to the coil freezing, further reducing the system’s cooling capacity.
Eventually, if your AC’s refrigerant level drops too low, its compressor can suffer severe damage. The reason is that AC refrigerant also carries lubricating oil, which keeps the compressor from overheating. Without it, friction doesn’t take long to destroy the compressor. If that happens, you may have little alternative but to replace your whole AC. A compressor replacement is usually prohibitively expensive unless your AC is relatively new.
4. Water Leaking From the Indoor Unit
You may not realize it, but your AC dehumidifies the air in your home as it cools it. This is a consequence of warm, humid air coming into contact with the system’s cold metal evaporator coil. Eliminating excess humidity helps you feel cooler in your home, making it a crucial function of your air conditioner. As the moisture builds on the evaporator, however, your AC must remove it to prevent the coil from icing over. That job belongs to your AC’s condensate pan and drain line.
Ordinarily, condensation drips into the pan and leaves the AC’s indoor unit by way of the drain line. If you ever see water leaking from your AC’s indoor unit, it’s a sign that it needs repair. The most common reason for this problem is a blocked condensate drain. An HVAC technician can inspect and clear an AC’s condensate drain very quickly. However, another issue that can cause a leak is damage to the condensate pan.
Over the years, exposure to constant moisture can lead to rust in your AC’s condensate pan. It’s a problem that often affects older air conditioners. However, it can happen to a newer AC if it operates in an environment that is frequently humid. To solve the problem, it’s necessary to replace the condensate pan with a new one.
5. Short Cycling
Finally, short cycling is another sure sign that your AC needs repair. The term refers to an AC that seems to turn on and off much faster than it should. Generally, a properly sized air conditioner should run for approximately 15 minutes three times per hour on a hot day. If your unit runs more frequently than that or seems to shut off almost immediately after it turns on, it likely needs repair.
If your AC starts short cycling, you should immediately check its air filter. A dirty filter is a frequent cause of short cycling. If that doesn’t apply to your system, you will need help from our team. There are several issues that can cause short cycling. One of our expert HVAC technicians can identify the problem with your system promptly and offer the proper repair.
Trusted AC Repair Specialists
If the AC unit in your Round Lake home is displaying any of the symptoms above, Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling can help. We’ve served local homeowners since 1988. Our team of HVAC technicians undergoes continuous training and possesses the skills to repair all makes and models of AC units. We even offer 24/7 emergency service for AC problems that strike on nights, weekends, and holidays. Additionally, we’re a Better Business Bureau-accredited business with an A+ rating, ensuring you can trust our quality of service.
Our extensive and growing list of positive customer reviews provides further evidence of that. If the AC unit in your home malfunctions, call our cooling services team at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling in Round Lake immediately for professional support.
