Signs You Need Emergency AC Repair
AC problems can go from bad to worse faster than you can say, “is it hot in here?” Air conditioners require proper care and maintenance to run efficiently. When they aren’t well taken care of, or when they start to get old, they can encounter a myriad of problems. It’s important to call for HVAC service as soon as you notice any kind of issue – big or small.
Searching for ‘emergency services near me’? Look no further. The team at Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC is ready to take on any challenge you throw our way. Visit our website to schedule an appointment:httpss://strittmatters.com
If you’re unsure as to whether your problem requires emergency AC repair, read on.
Blowing Warm Air
If you have your air conditioner set to cool and it starts to blow warm air, you’ve got a big problem. Before you call for emergency AC service, first check to see if your air filter is clogged. If it is, replace it and wait an hour. This should get your unit back to normal. If the air filter doesn’t seem to be the problem, you should call a technician.
This problem typically occurs when there’s a blockage of airflow. Your AC works when the blower fan pushes warm air over evaporator coils. These coils contain refrigerant, which pulls the heat out of the air. The result is that cool air is sent throughout your home. If there’s a lack of airflow, your evaporator coils can’t effectively function.
A technician will be able to assess what the problem may be. The issue could be a blockage in the ductwork or a broken blower fan. Either way, don’t attempt to fix it yourself.
Unit Won’t Turn On
This is probably a no-brainer: if your AC unit won’t turn on, call an HVAC expert. An unresponsive air conditioner is a sign of a serious problem in your system. Here are a few reasons why your unit won’t turn on:
- Blown fuse
- Dirty evaporator and condenser coils
- Water damage
- Refrigerant leak
- Broken motor
The sooner you contact an HVAC specialist, the sooner you can get your AC repaired and back up and running again.
Making a Strange Noise
Air conditioners make all kinds of noises. Some of them should be concerning (others are nothing to worry about). Sounds like humming and the occasional grinding noise or clang are probably unimportant.
These are the sounds, on the other hand, that should motivate you to call an air conditioning expert:
- Hissing: could be leaking ductwork
- Repetitive banging or rattling: may result from debris located inside of the machine
- Screaming/whistling: could indicate a refrigerant leak or built up internal pressure
- Clicking: may be a bad capacitor
If you hear any of these noises, be sure to call for AC repair and, if possible, turn the unit off. You may have to deal with discomfort, especially if it’s hot outside, but doing this will ensure your unit doesn’t sustain any more damage.
Leaking Refrigerant
Have you started to notice puddles around your HVAC unit? Or a hissing noise emitting from the evaporator coils? These are signs of a refrigerant leak. The evaporator coils of your HVAC system use refrigerant to pull heat from the air. If the coils sustain damage, they can begin to leak refrigerant.
Don’t attempt to clean up refrigerant, as it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. A licensed professional will have the proper tools needed to clean it up and fix the leak. Unfortunately, if the coils are in bad shape, you may need to get them replaced. Some technicians may suggest a full AC replacement instead.
Electrical Problems
This is one of the most dangerous problems that an air conditioner can have. If your breaker trips as soon as your HVAC cycles on, there’s a serious issue. This kind of problem indicates an electrical malfunction that needs to be fixed right away. If it’s not fixed, you may end up with major damage or even an electrical fire.
Never attempt to repair an electrical problem on your own. This problem could be caused by damage to the unit’s wiring—in which case you need an AC technician—or a problem with the circuit breaker, in which case you need an electrician. Contact a licensed AC technician to complete an assessment and determine whether they can fix it or if you need an electrician.
Bad Odors
You should always be wary of bad odors coming from your unit. The most dangerous is the smell of burning plastic. This means that your unit is overheating and internal components are beginning to burn or melt. When you smell this, shut your unit off completely and call for emergency HVAC services. Here are more odors to be on alert for:
- Mold/mildew: this is a sign that your condensate drain line and drain pan are clogged, dirty or overflowing.
- Dirty laundry: if there’s a smell of dirty socks, it probably means that the unit needs to be thoroughly cleaned.
- Rotting: this is more common in outdoor units, where rodents and other animals can find their way into the unit. If they die while in the unit, you’ll start to notice a pretty heavy stench.
When it comes to knowing which odors need immediate attention and which can probably be put to the side for a week or two, just remember that smoke and burning smells are the most worrisome. Anything else can be left for a little while, but not more than a couple of weeks.
Hvac Installation Service in Highland Village, TX
No need to search ‘emergency HVAC services near me’ – Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC has got your back. Whether you need HVAC installation and replacement or maintenance and repairs, we’re the team for you.
When you encounter an emergency HVAC problem, you want a company that will prioritize your safety and comfort. At Strittmatter, we are dedicated to providing quick response and quality service so that you can feel confident knowing your HVAC unit is in the right hands.
To schedule an appointment with the Strittmatter team,contact us online or call us at 940-246-2075.
