While the rest of the country awaits the arrival of summer, it feels like it’s already arrived in Florida!
Spring is that time of year when Floridians start-up their air conditioners, hoping that the unit is ready for the season ahead. In the Orlando area, particularly, a typical air conditioner runs the equivalent of a car that’s been driven 100,000 miles in one year. Nevertheless, many residents forget about or postpone their yearly maintenance call. The wear and tear are cumulative—your system may not be working or it may not be operating at peak performance.
It’s obvious when an AC unit is flat-out broken, and there’s no airflow. But, how do you know when your air conditioner simply isn’t going that extra mile for you?
Look for Red Flags
Here are 5 warning signs that a homeowner’s air conditioning unit needs repair work:
Odd sounds. Unless you live on a farm, you shouldn’t hear squealing. Grinding, grating noises coming from your AC system can also be an indication that the unit is faltering. There may be a problem with a belt or parts of the motor may be loose or broken.
Burning smells. Is there a pungent, foul, or burning odor coming from your air conditioner vents? Don’t ignore it! It could mean that your unit’s wire insulation has burned out. A musty smell could also indicate the presence of mold or mildew inside the ductwork or the unit itself.
Weak airflow. Your air conditioner may be working, but it may not be working well. Weak or little airflow could mean that the unit’s compressor is failing. Or, the problem may be that debris or dust has built up in the vents or ductwork. It could be time for a good cleaning.
Thermostat problems. Is one part of your house very cold, while another area is very warm? Your AC may be fine, but there may be a problem with the thermostat.
Pooling of liquid. Your air conditioning unit should not be leaking. There may be some runoff of water, but there should also be a drain tube that disposes of air conditioner condensation. If water is pooling around the unit, it could mean that the tube is either blocked or broken. You’ll want to keep the unit and the surrounding area as dry as possible to avoid mold growth. More seriously, the liquid around the unit could be refrigerant. This is a health risk to you and your family, and you should contact a professional right away.
Of course, don’t risk voiding your AC’s warranty or injuring yourself during a do-it-yourself repair. Turn to trained and licensed professionals, like the American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical team.
Protection Against Murphy’s Law
You’re familiar with the adage: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” And AC units seem especially prone to Murphy’s Law when you rely on them during dire situations—like heat waves!
Over the last 30 years, we’ve seen it all. Our team understands that emergencies don’t always happen during normal business hours. That’s why we offer a 24-hour response service, so you can contact us day or night, whenever you need us. Just call our office at (407) 603-4410, and we’ll send out one of our professionally trained and certified technicians on the same day.
Even more, homeowners can also avoid sudden AC breakdowns by joining our Home Comfort Club. There are several advantages to membership, including annual maintenance on equipment, priority service, documented reports, and overall protection of your investment. Properly maintained equipment lasts longer, performs better, and saves fuel and power—so, you’re bound to see these savings reflected in the bottom line of your monthly utility bill.
To join, call the Home Comfort Club directly at (407) 603-4410 today.
