Summers in Austin get very hot, with temperatures getting well above 100° with high humidity. The last thing you want to fail during the sweltering months of the year is your air conditioner.
Aside from your air conditioning unit completely failing, it can be difficult to know when it needs to be repaired. Knowing the signs ahead of time will help you avoid a total failure.
This guide will go over where you can find reliable AC repair in Austin, Texas. We’ll also talk about the common AC problems you should look out for and what you can do about them.
Little to No AC Airflow
Not having enough air blowing out of your unit can be a problem, especially on a hot day. To test if there’s enough airflow, place your hand in front of one of the vents. If you discover there’s little to no air blowing out of the vents, it could be caused by a variety of issues.
Some of these problems include:
- The blower is broken or stuck
- There’s a blockage in the system preventing the proper amount of airflow
Both of these issues require a professional to come and repair.
Warm Air
Warm air is the last thing you want blowing out of your air conditioner during the summer. If warm air is blowing out of your unit, that’s a guaranteed sign that it needs repairs.
A common problem is a frozen air conditioner, which can happen on humid and hot days. Ice will form on the coils and stop the cooling process from functioning. This results in warm air being blown into your house.
Leaking Water
Condensation will typically appear when you’re running your AC. It’s all part of the removal of moisture process. There’s a drain pan under your unit that’s designed to catch and dispose of dripping condensation.
If you start to notice pools of water under your unit, that’s a major problem. You should address it immediately with an HVAC repair company.
High Humidity
While the outside of your home may feel humid during a Texas summer, the inside of your house should not. If it feels uncomfortably humid, there might be a problem with your unit.
A natural side effect of the AC process is moisture removal. If you’re experiencing high humidity, that means your system might not be cooling properly.
Frequent Cycling
A cycle is the process of your air conditioner running and then turning off. Your unit cycles to maintain the temperature set by the thermostat.
You may be used to the rhythm and sounds of your air conditioner’s cycle, but if you start to notice it happening more often, then that’s a problem. You’ll want a professional to come in immediately to avoid undue wear and tear on the unit.
Unusual Sounds or Odors
Any odor that comes from your unit is a sign of mildew and mold in the ductwork. That can be harmful to your health. A professional needs to address that immediately.
If you start to notice loud or unusual sounds coming from your AC, that could signify other issues. Below are some of the common sounds that you could hear that could signal that your unit needs repairs.
Screeching
This sound typically means your fan motor is malfunctioning in the outdoor condenser unit. The fan is designed to eliminate the heat from the refrigerant in your unit. Another cause of screeching or shrieking could be that the compressor in the condenser system has a broken motor.
Banging
Banging could also indicate a problem with the compressor. The compressor is supposed to distribute refrigerant through different parts of your air conditioner. That process will remove any excess heat from inside your home.
As your air conditioner starts to age, it’s not unusual for different parts inside of the compressor to loosen. Once this happens, you might start to hear a rattling sound when your air conditioner kicks on. This is caused by detached parts hitting the exterior framing of the compressor.
If you start to hear banging or rattling from your unit, you need to call a local technician. This problem isn’t easily fixed by the average homeowner.
Humming
A defective contactor relay switch can cause a humming sound. That part starts the outdoor unit when the thermostat sends it a signal. The bad part about this problem is that you can’t turn on your unit until a technician comes out to repair it as it can cause serious damage.
Rattling
We talked a little bit about rattling sounds earlier but there are additional causes for hearing that sound. Dirt, leaves, or loose sticks may be stuck in your outdoor condenser unit. If that’s the problem, you can disassemble the unit to get rid of those items.
Another cause of rattling is your electrical contractor may be damage. You’ll need to have that problem fixed as soon as possible so your compressor doesn’t get damaged.
Buzzing
This sound is definitely something that shouldn’t be ignored. Unbalanced or loose fan blades could be causing this issue.
Buzzing might also be caused by:
- Dirty condenser coils
- Loose components
- Faulty outdoor fan motor
- Obstruction near the lines connected to your unit
- Refrigerant leak
Don’t ignore a buzzing sound coming from your unit. Hire a professional to inspect your unit.
Clicking
You may hear clicking near the beginning or at the end of your air conditioner’s cycles. It isn’t normal to hear clicking sounds continuously. This could indicate that your thermostat is malfunctioning.
The process of repairing and/or installing a new thermostat isn’t easy. Contact a technician to do this repair for you.
Contact Texas Reliable Services for AC Repair in Austin, Texas
If your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for AC repair in Austin, Texas. Waiting too long to repair an issue can cause damage to your unit and will also result in you suffering in the heat.
Contact us today for HVAC services in Austin Texas.
