Denver is well known for its freezing winter temperatures but summers can be uncomfortably hot. When temperatures hit 80 degrees and higher, there’s a good chance you’re heading for your thermostat.
You bump the temperature setting down and wait anxiously for the air conditioner to kick on. You hear the rumbling, but only warm air is blowing out of the vents. You definitely know it’s time to call an AC repair Denver company.
However, sometimes it’s not as easy to know if your ac needs servicing. If you’re not sure if your ac needs repairing or just time to get used to running, here are some common signs to watch for.
Signs Your AC May Need Repairs
You already know if your air conditioning system is only blowing warm air, something’s wrong. The issue can be anything from a minor issue like a clog in an air duct to a malfunctioning blower fan.
At this point you probably don’t care what’s wrong, you just want cold air blowing out from the vent. You also know it’s time to schedule an ac repair. So, what are some of the signs your ac needs repairing?
The Thermostat Isn’t Working
How do you know if your thermostat isn’t working? There are a few ways to tell if the thermostat isn’t communicating with your air conditioner. Your thermostat controls your AC, it lets the air conditioner know when to turn on and off. Yes, if your AC isn’t responding to the thermostat, regardless of how low the temperature is set, there’s an issue.
If you have a digital thermostat, maybe the display screen is blank. Now you have no clue where the temperature is set. Maybe this doesn’t seem like a big deal. You just wait until the air conditioner kicks on, see if the room temperature is comfortable, and check to see how long the AC keeps running.
You may still be able to make minute adjustments without calling for a repair. The only problem with this approach is your blank screen is probably only the start of bigger issues. If your air conditioner is constantly cycling on and off, this is often an indication your thermostat isn’t working properly.
Loud Noises Coming From the Air Conditioner
Most air conditioners make some noise when they kick on. Rumbling in the vents can be normal, especially when you first turn your air conditioner on after a long, cold winter. Sometimes the fan can be a little noisy.
However, if the noises grow louder or don’t go away, it’s a good idea to shut the AC off. You may have a loose belt or a bent fan blade and this can lead to more expensive problems. Calling for repairs now is better than waiting until other parts are also damaged.
Weak Airflow Coming Out of the Vents
Cold air is coming out of the vents, the only problem is it’s not enough to cool the room. Think of it as turning a faucet on and only getting a few drops of water instead of a steady stream.
You don’t want to keep running the air conditioner. Not only is it extremely energy inefficient, but it also places a lot of strain on the unit. Just imagine what your utility bills will look like if your air conditioner never shuts off
There are a few reasons why airflow from the vents is weak: your compressor may be on its way out or there’s an issue with your ductwork, or the ducts may have developed a leak or a clog. To properly diagnose and repair the problem, you need to schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician.
The AC Unit Isn’t Removing Humidity
Even though Denver isn’t known for its high humidity levels, the air can still get oppressive in the summer. The moist air is more than uncomfortable, it can also cause breathing problems and even damage some of your belongings. Some items like books and artwork do best in low-humidity areas.
Along with keeping your home comfortably cool, your AC also helps remove moisture from the air. If the air coming out of the vents is cool but humidity levels inside are high, it’s time to contact a Denver air conditioning repair company. The problem may be a minor fix but ignoring it can lead to more expensive repairs.
Strange Odors Coming From the Vents
After being off all winter, you should expect a slight musty odor when your AC first turns on. Similar to a few noises, it can take a minute or two for the air conditioner to push the accumulated dust out of the vents. If you’re wondering if scheduling regular duct and vent cleaning can help eliminate the musty smell, the answer is yes. However, you will still probably have a slight smell after several months of not being used.
If the odor is strong, doesn’t go away, or you notice a smell similar to rotten eggs, shut off the air conditioner and call for immediate repairs. You may have a gas leak and this is dangerous. If there’s a burning smell, follow the same steps.
Moisture is Pooling Around the Air Conditioner
Regardless of whether the moisture is freon or water, if you notice pooling around the air conditioner it’s time to schedule a repair.
Since freon is being phased out, the liquid is an environmental hazard, so this might be a good time to think about replacing your unit. This can also apply if your air conditioner is ten years or older since you’re already pushing the average lifespan of an air conditioner and it may be time to start looking for a more energy-efficient unit.
Water pooling around an air conditioner can be just as serious as freon. Even though you don’t need to worry about chemicals, it can still indicate a serious issue with the unit.
Keep Your AC Running Efficiently
Some issues with air conditioning units might appear minor and tempting to overlook. However, disregarding even small problems is not advisable. A small issue left unattended often escalates into a larger, more costly problem down the line.
If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t functioning as well as it should, it’s wise to reach out to a reputable Denver HVAC repair company. Getting professional help early can prevent more significant damage and save you money in the long run.
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