Is Your AC On The Fritz? Don't Ignore These 2 Trouble Signs

Posted on: 19 August 2021

While you might easily take your AC for granted when it's working properly, it'll definitely catch your attention when it's out of commission. Without a properly functioning air conditioner, your home's indoor temperature and humidity can rise to uncomfortable levels. What's more, rising humidity can also make you sick. The best way to avoid AC breakdowns that will leave you battling hot temperatures during the day and even throughout the night is to watch out for signs of trouble. This way, AC problems can be dealt with before it's too late.

Below are some common warning signs of a malfunctioning air conditioner.

Loss Of Cooling Ability

An air conditioning system that struggles to keep your home cool and comfortable in hot weather conditions is an obvious sign of system malfunction.

To check if your air conditioner is cooling properly, place the back of your hand against the supply air grills in your house. If the air that blows out feels warmer than the desired temperature, this means something is wrong with your residential cooling system. 

Several factors can cause your AC system to lose its cooling capacity. Some common culprits include:

  • Broken thermostat
  • Incorrect thermostat setting
  • Clogged air filter
  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Frozen evaporator coils

Because many different factors can make your AC stop cooling properly or at all, it's recommended you let an HVAC specialist help you identify and repair the underlying problem.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

As part of your home's indoor climate control system, your air conditioner contributes to your indoor air quality. By design, all air conditioners include an air filter to help catch dirt particles drawn into the cooling system, along with the warm air. The air filter builds up dirt over time and will require regular replacements. Failure to stay on schedule with your air filter changes may result in impeded airflow within your AC system and home. This may lead to rising humidity levels, which may negatively affect the health of all your household members.

Filthy air filters can also lead to poor indoor air quality by letting airborne contaminants infiltrate your cooling system and enter your interior living environment. This may worsen the health situation of those who have severe allergies and people living with respiratory conditions.

If your AC system isn't cooling your home adequately or at all, or if you notice that it's making your family sick, don't hesitate to have an AC repair technician to address the problem.

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