As a homeowner, it isn't always easy to pinpoint air conditioner problems, especially if you work during the day. Instead of being able to quickly identify issues and address them right away, you might have to deal with months of weird quirks before discovering a broken system component. To make your next fact-finding mission a little easier, here are two strange occurrences that could signal air conditioner trouble.
1: Weird Smells
Have you ever noticed a strange smell looming in the air after you return home from work? Although it might bother you a lot at first, over time that weird odor might just become a part of your normal environment. Unfortunately, friends and family members who aren't used to the smell might notice that your house smells terrible. Although foul home odors can be caused by cooking or poor housekeeping habits, the fact of the matter is that your air conditioner might also be making your place stink.
Believe it or not, your air conditioner does more for you than cool your home. Air conditioners also help to pull moisture out of the air, so that you don't feel like you are wrapped up in a wet blanket in the middle of the summer. After this moisture is collected, it is drained from your system. Unfortunately, the hoses that allow this liquid to leave can become clogged, leading to smelly mold and mildew growth inside of your system.
Your air conditioning unit can also start to smell if it becomes dirty. Because air passes directly over cooling coils, if they become covered in grime, your air might pick up an interesting scent on the way into your home. In addition to making your air smell musty, dirt and debris accumulation can inhibit airflow and make your system run harder than it needs to.
If you notice that your air smells a little strange when you walk in the door, work with an HVAC professional to inspect your air conditioner. They will be able to check your outgoing drain lines, make sure that dirt isn't causing any problems, and make sure that blockages aren't inhibiting airflow.
2: Extra Noise
Do you hear that rattle? Sometimes, it can be hard to decipher whether that electronic hum or subtle clanking noise is coming from something inside your house or the traffic outside. However, that loud air conditioner might leave an unmistakable impression in your memory when it clicks on when you or your fussy baby are trying to fall asleep.
Over time, air conditioning components can become worn, which can cause them to operate more loudly than they once did. Connectors like screws can come partially undone after awhile, which allows the system to move around slightly and raise a ruckus. Leaves, small twigs, or other debris that are sucked into your system can also cause little obstructions, which can create extra noise. Because some older air conditioners are belt-driven, a squealing noise could be a sign of a worn belt that is about to snap.
If your home seems noisier than normal, you might be able to isolate the noise by running all of your home appliances one at a time. For example, you could turn off your air conditioner, water heater, and dishwasher, and then turn them back on individually until you find the at-fault appliance.
If your air conditioner is the problem, contact an HVAC company like A Bailey Plumbing as soon as possible. A noisy system might mean that your air conditioner is close to calling it quits, which could put you in a bind. However, professionals can tighten loose screws, replace bad system components, and remove obstructions that are causing problems before you have to go without climate-controlled air.
Being familiar with some of the signs of a broken air conditioner might help you to seek help early, so that you can remain cool and comfortable all summer long.
Share30 October 2014
