The last thing you want during the dog days of summer is no AC. We all know that air conditioners tend to break down at the worst possible
Time. Thankfully, there are actually things you can look and listen for that may be able to alert you to a potential problem ahead of time! If you’ve already noticed one of these signs at your home in the Bessemer, AL area, don’t ignore it, give us a call so we can make sure everything is in good condition and you don’t need AC repair. Then, if something is wrong, we can get it fixed quickly so you don’t have to be without crisp, cool air during
These are some of the warning signs you should be aware of:
Rising Energy Bill
It’s normal for your energy bill to go up during the summer and to be lower during the winter months. However, these changes should not be occurring inexplicably, continually, or so drastically that you are caught off guard. You should have a way to monitor electricity usage and compare the weather, the amount of electricity used, and your bill amount. This doesn’t have to be scrutinized every time, but mainly when you suspect something’s going on. If everything else remains fairly steady but your bill is still rising, it is likely that your system is not performing at peak efficiency.
Reduced Indoor Air Quality or Airflow
A properly functioning system with clean air ducts and fresh filters should provide high-quality indoor air throughout your entire house.It is a critical component to the healthy environment of your home. A warning sign is a decrease in air quality. What does that look like practically? If you suspect that the air quality in your home is getting worse, pay close attention to any symptoms, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, mental fatigue, headaches, or even coughing, as they can be an indication. Your unit may need some minor repairs or the ductwork may need to be cleaned out so you can breathe easy (and breathe in healthy air). For an official diagnosis of poor indoor air quality, contact us.
Unusual Smells
Something smells fishy… hopefully not literally, or you might want to make sure no one dropped a tuna sandwich into your vent. But if something smells “off”, it can be a definite warning sign that something is wrong with your HVAC system. Be wary of the following smells:
- Rotten Egg Smell – If you smell rotten eggs, you most likely have a natural gas leak, as the smell is intentionally added in order to warn you of leaks. This can be incredibly dangerous and should be handled by your gas company immediately. Evacuate your home and do not return until the situation has been addressed.
- Electrical or Burning Smell – If it smells like something is overheating, there is a good chance that something really is. Go ahead and cut off the power to your unit and contact us so we can check for any electrical issues that can occur with the motor in your unit. If neglected, it could be detrimental to you and your home.
- Moldy or Musty Smell – If you smell a general musty or moldy smell (not just specifically in one area), it could be mold. Moisture can sometimes escape from the unit into the ducts, so it’s possible for mold to accumulate. Since mold is unsafe to breathe, it is important that you contact us to inspect and clean the air ducts. We can get rid of anything we can find, then take measures to reduce the risk of it happening again.
Unusual Noises
If your car makes a weird noise that sounds concerning, you take it to a mechanic. Do you ever have the issue where it “magically” doesn’t make the sound for the mechanic so they can’t tell what’s wrong? Well, similarly, odd noises coming from an HVAC unit signify a problem, so we recommend making a video or audio recording of the sound(s) so that we can hear it for certain and try to pinpoint the problem. Grinding, grating, and/or squeaking need to be investigated. Sometimes the unit in your Bessemer, AL home needs an AC repair, and other times it must be replaced. We can determine which option you’ll need, and will only recommend a replacement if completely necessary.
Water Accumulation (Puddles)
Water accumulation around your HVAC unit is never a good sign…unless you spilled a cup of water near it (if that’s the case, go clean it up!). Whether it is a small leak or a noticeable puddle, it can create serious issues for your HVAC system and belongings/furniture near your unit. If you are unable to find the leak, contact us!
Hot or cold spots (temperature imbalances)
If one room seems freezing cold yet another is warm and stuffy, you may be dealing with temperature imbalances caused by poorly designed and installed ductwork and/or returns. These imbalances can be a warning sign that your HVAC system is not functioning efficiently. This is more common among older HVAC systems. We can make changes to your ductwork or recommend other repairs that will truly bring you comfort in every corner.
Have you noticed one of these warning signs?
Please contact us if you have concerns about your AC. The goal is to find and prevent these smaller issues in order to save you money and frustration. Here at Autumn Air Home Services, we want you to better understand your AC system and be able to catch any noticeable differences in air quality, sounds, or smells before something happens to your unit, your home, or yourself.