Photo By Aja Koska at istock

Summers in Wylie, TX, can be brutal. On a summer day, it is not uncommon for the temperature to be in the 90’s. With temperatures this high, you rely greatly on your air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable. The last thing you want during the hottest time of the year is for your system to shut down completely. To keep this from happening, it is essential that you are able to recognize the signs that it’s time to call a professional for air conditioning service.

#1 No Cool Air

The most obvious sign that you need to call for air conditioning service is if the air coming from the vents in your home isn’t coming out cool. You should also schedule service if the air isn’t getting as cool as it usually does. Before you call for service for your air conditioner, you should take a look at your thermostat. First, make sure that the temperature in the home is warmer than what you have the air conditioner set to. Next, make sure that the thermostat is set to the cooling mode. If each of these things checks out, it is time to call a professional. There are a few issues that can cause this problem. The system’s compressor could be malfunctioning, or it could have failed. The issue could also be that the refrigerant levels are low. It would take the knowledge and experience of an HVAC tech to find the cause of the problem and then make the repairs.

#2 Poor Air Flow

If the airflow coming from the vents is poor, it can be hard on your air conditioning system. Because of the poor airflow, your system will need to work harder to reach the desired temperature. Not only will this put excess stress on the system, reducing its maximum lifespan, but it can also cause an increase in your energy bills.

There are a few issues that can cause poor airflow. It could be something simple like dirt and debris built up in the air ducts. If this is the problem, it can be easily fixed by having the air ducts cleaned. The problem could be something more serious such as a failing compressor or components in the system that could be worn.

The sooner your call for air conditioning service, the sooner your home will be cool again.

#3 Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat is your air conditioner’s brain. The system will do whatever the thermostat tells it to. If you have an old thermostat and you believe that it is failing, you should schedule an appointment for air conditioning service. If your thermostat is failing, you should consider having a programmable thermostat installed. With a programmable thermostat, you can set it to turn the AC up and down, based on when your family is at home, which can save you a lot on your cooling costs.

#4 Frequent Cycling

It is not uncommon for your air conditioning system to cycle on and off during the day. When the air conditioner reaches the desired temperature in the home, it will cycle off. When it starts to get warm in the house, the system will cycle on again.

If you notice that your air conditioner is cycling on and off constantly, it is time to call for air conditioning service. The problem could be something simple, like your system needs to be tuned up. It could also be something more serious, and your air conditioning system has reached its maximum lifespan. If this is the case, you will need to start thinking about replacing your air conditioner.

When you call for a service, an HVAC tech will visit your Wylie, TX home, to inspect that system and determine the best way to fix the problem.

#5 Strange Smells

When you turn on your air conditioner for the first time during the cooling season, it is not uncommon to smell a dusty smell. When your system is not in use, dust will fall into the vents causing the smell. After the first minute or two, the smell will fade. If you notice any other strange smells, you should schedule an appointment for air conditioning service.

If you smell mold or mildew, it could be time to have your air ducts cleaned. You could also have mold growth inside the system that would need to be cleaned out by an HVAC technician.

If you smell something burning, you should schedule an appointment for air conditioning service immediately. There could be an electrical issue within the system that can be dangerous if ignored. In this case, you should turn off your air conditioner and don’t use it again until the necessary repairs have been made.

#6 Moisture Around the Unit

There should never be water pooling or condemnation around the indoor or outdoor units. If you notice any moisture, you should schedule an appointment for air conditioning repair immediately. The problem could be something simple to fix, like a clogged or broken hose. The moisture could also be due to a refrigerant leak, which needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Refrigerants are toxic and can be harmful to your family and your pets. This is considered an emergency situation, and you should call for service immediately.

#7 Strange Sounds

When your air conditioner is functioning properly, you shouldn’t hear more than a low-level noise when it cycles on and off. If the AC system in your home is making strange sounds, such as grinding, squeaking, or squealing, you should schedule an appointment for air conditioning service. There are many issues that can cause these sounds, and it would take the expertise of an HVAC tech to determine the cause and make the necessary repairs.

If you are having any issues with your air conditioner, contact K&S Heating & Air. We are a family-owned and operated business that has been serving customers in Wylie and the surrounding areas for years. We are a certified Energy Star partner and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

At K&S Heating & Air, we understand that air conditioning issues can arise at any time, which is why we offer 24-hour emergency service. If you need air conditioning service on a Tuesday afternoon or a Sunday night, we will get a tech out to you. To schedule an appointment for service for your air conditioner, give us a call today.