10 Signs Your AC Needs Repair

Close up image of an air conditioning unit fan.

Nowadays, almost every home in Michigan and across the country is well-furnished and equipped with essential electrical appliances for the comfort of its residents.

Air conditioners also need proper care and repairs like any other electrical unit.

Knowing and understanding different air conditioners and their signs of malfunction so you can get their repairs done by a professional company like Finzel’s Heating & Cooling can save you from trouble.

In this article, we will highlight the essential signs that you should notice that your air conditioner needs immediate repair, and you should contact a professional for repair.

Sign #1: Little airflow than usual

The reduced airflow indicates a problem with the air conditioner in the compressor or the air ducts inside it. Contacting a professional for a tune-up is recommended because they have all the knowledge and experience to rule out the problems.

Sign #2: AC is blowing warm air

AC is always supposed to blow cool air all around, but warm air coming from the air conditioner’s vents is one of the signs that your Macomb air conditioning unit needs immediate repair. It could indicate a problem in the compressor or that your AC is low on refrigerant. So, it needs to be fixed.

Sign #3: Bad odors coming from the AC

The air conditioner is supposed to smell pleasant, but foul odors indicate multiple issues. If there is a strong burning smell, then there is a problem with the wiring in the unit.

At the same time, if there is a musty smell from the AC, there is an obvious chance of mold contamination in the air conditioner, and blowing these spores into your home will make your family sick. A professional is required to detect this problem as soon as possible.

Sign #4: Unusual sounds from the AC

Unusual, strange sounds from the air conditioner are also a prominent sign that the AC needs repair. Different issues make different sounds.

For example, the clicking sound from the outdoor unit could mean an obstruction in the fan, and a bubbling or gurgling sound could mean a refrigerant leak in the unit. A banging sound from the outdoor unit is likely an indicator that the fan is hitting something, and a squealing sound from the indoor unit indicates a problem with your fan belt.

A metal-on-metal screeching sound is likely coming from your outdoor unit and can often be caused by the fan motor bearings on your outdoor unit. A high-pitched hissing or screaming sound is likely from your compressor and can indicate a high-pressure build-up in the unit, which can be very dangerous. All these sounds are indicative of serious AC malfunction and need urgent repair.

Sign #5: Thermostat malfunctioning

The thermostat is the command center of the air conditioner and is at fault if the system is not turning on properly. It only runs for a short duration before shutting off. Check your batteries first; if that doesn’t help, the thermostat may need to be replaced to ensure your system can run accurately.

Sign #6: Frequent repairs required

Every appliance requires maintenance and repairs, and so do the air conditioners. But if the one you have had gone through multiple repairs over the past three to four months, it may be the time to go for an AC replacement as soon as possible. Your Finzel’s Heating & Cooling technician can tell you about the detailed condition of your system, and you should decide accordingly.

Sign #7: Humidity in the home

Air conditioners help reduce the humidity, but if your system is not reducing the moisture in your space, it is the right time to call the repair company. Humidity aids in mold and mildew growth inside the system and can cause many issues for your family’s health.

Sign #8: Leakage in the system

Any leaking in or around your AC system is a big problem. The leak could be caused by a refrigerant like Freon, which is quite poisonous, or just water from a blocked or broken tube that disposes of condensation.

Sometimes, water leaks out of the system, while other times, water freezes as ice inside your AC unit on copper refrigerant lines outside the condenser. You should contact your AC professional to solve the issue in both conditions.

Sign #9: High spikes in utility bills

The rise in electricity bills without extra usage is another vital sign that the AC needs repair. The cause of this problem may be one of many factors, including leakage in your system, a broken thermostat switch, or the life span of the air conditioning unit. Regardless of the cause, your unit will need repair or replacement.

Sign #10: Age of air conditioner

The age of your current air conditioner unit is another factor on which repair and replacement depend. Usually, 15 to 20 years is a reasonable life expectancy for an air conditioning unit.

Still, if your AC has adequately worked for at least ten years, you should be very thankful it has worked this long and start shopping for a new one. The replacement expense could be huge, but a new unit will also function more efficiently, save money on utility bills, and avoid the headaches of repairs.

These 10 significant signs are handy reminders of how to quickly detect a problem and get it solved without the system replacement. Keeping your home at a soothing summer temperature takes many properly functioning mechanics. 

Call Your Macomb AC Repair Experts Today

If you are worried about improving your air conditioner’s performance and life expectancy and decreasing the utility costs and the quality of air indoors, prioritize the maintenance and repair of your air conditioners.

These systems are complex and require detailed care and repairs, but you should know the alarming signs that warn you to call your system’s expert to help you accordingly.

If you witness any of these signs, contact Finzel’s Heating & Cooling at 586-209-3756 or request service online because trying to handle the repairs independently can lead to unnecessary costs if something goes wrong.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Finzel's Heating and Cooling.

Call us at 586-292-3917!

Read More of Our Articles

View other articles.