Top 7 Warning Signs of a Faulty Air Conditioner

Modern air conditioners are a true marvel of engineering. They’re extremely energy-efficient, significantly more affordable than the older models, and – with regular maintenance – can be expected to last for decades.

That being said, ACs are still mechanical devices. Even a premium-quality model will eventually start acting up in some way as a result of normal wear and tear. Luckily, most air conditioning malfunctions can be identified and addressed before they turn into major problems.

In the following article, we’ll take a look at 7 early signs of a faulty air conditioner. If you notice any of these at your property in Murrieta or other cities in San Diego and Riverside Counties, you should contact experts in AC repair as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more.

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What are the signs of air conditioner problems?

Taking an active role in keeping the key systems at your home running smoothly is something every homeowner is advised to do. Luckily, you don’t have to be a HVAC technician to identify most of the problems we outlined below.

Always be on the lookout for these 7 signs of a faulty AC:

  1. It’s blowing warm air
    This can be caused by a number of different issues. First, check the thermostat to ensure it’s using the correct settings and is working properly. If it’s switched to cooling mode and is in good order, you may have a refrigerant leak or a compressor failure on your hands. Call in AC repairers and don’t use the air conditioner until the problem has been resolved.
  2. It takes a long time to turn on
    At most, your AC should take a few seconds to start working after you adjust the thermostat. If the unit takes several minutes or longer to turn on, you may be dealing with an old or damaged capacitor.
  3. It’s cycling a lot more often
    In mild weather, a properly sized air conditioner should cycle once every 15 minutes or so, or about 2-3 times per hour. More frequent cycling can occur if the weather is especially hot. However, if your AC runs for 10 minutes at a time, it’s probably too large for your space or faulty in some way.
  4. High moisture levels
    Regulating indoor humidity is one of the most important functions of an air conditioner. If you experience high humidity levels in your home while the AC is working, your air conditioner’s evaporator coil may be broken or frozen. Other causes of high indoor humidity include cooking without proper ventilation, too many people being present in the room, or high moisture levels outside (such as during a thunderstorm). In these cases, your AC may simply not be able to keep up despite being in a good condition otherwise.
  5. Improperly positioned thermostat
    As a general rule, a thermostat should be installed away from any sources of heat or cooling, and out of direct sunlight. Failing to do this may cause the sensors inside the thermostat to get a wrong temperature reading. This can cause an AC that is otherwise in good working order to provide insufficient cooling or to cool more than necessary.
  6. It isn’t blowing enough air
    Low or weak airflow can stem from a number of different problems. Typically, this is caused by a clogged or dirty air filter inside the AC. Try replacing the filter or washing it (if it’s reusable). If you have a central air conditioner, do the same with the filters in the air ducts. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may be dealing with a compressor failure. Call in the expert and refrain from using your AC until it’s been repaired by the pros.
  7. It’s letting out unusual noises
    Air conditioners, especially modern ones, are designed for quiet operation. At most, you should hear a slight hum from the motor. Any grinding, grating, squealing, or otherwise alarming noises indicate a mechanical problem that should be promptly addressed by a registered technician.

Is it worth repairing an air conditioner?

In most cases, fixing an AC rather than replacing it entirely is the more cost-efficient and eco-friendly option. However, there are some situations where it makes sense to replace even an otherwise healthy unit.

Consider these factors:

Age. A typical residential air conditioner lasts 10-20 years. If your unit is near or past this age, replacing it is usually a more sound investment than paying for frequent repairs.
Technology. Modern air conditioning systems are equipped with high quality components and cutting-edge features that make them considerably more energy-efficient than their older counterparts. In these cases, replacing an old AC with a newer counterpart can provide huge long-term savings and added functionality.
Type of malfunction. Some breakdowns are significantly more difficult and costly to fix than others. If the total price of your AC repair is very high, it usually makes more financial sense to have the entire unit replaced.
Refrigerant type. Although the R-22 (Freon) refrigerant is no longer being produced in the US and has therefore become difficult (and expensive) to replace, there are still some ACs around that use it. If your AC uses Freon, replacing it completely rather than investing in repairs may be the more sound decision even if it isn’t at the end of its life.

Where in Murrieta and the nearby cities can I book professional AC repair?

Action Air Conditioning & Heating Installation is an established provider of air conditioning repair, replacement, installation, and maintenance services that operates throughout Murrieta, Del Mar, Lakeside, Escondido, La Jolla, San Diego, and other communities in San Diego and Riverside Counties.

Our expert technicians are well-versed in both the older AC models and the bleeding-edge advancements in air conditioning technology, making them supremely qualified to meet your every AC-related need. Contact us today.

Reviews

“Complete HVAC system install was done – very professional and clean workmanship. The techs were very communicative during the whole process. I am very pleased with the results . Thanks Action and your team for doing it right the 1st time.”

-John M., Google Review

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