Keeping your home cool during the summer isn’t just a comfort thing. In fact, the best AC services prevent problems like heat stroke, dehydration, and even house damage by balancing your home’s temperature. To us, that’s critically important, so if your air conditioner starts acting up, and you’re just trying to sweat it out, it’s essential to get help. After all, you might have young children or older people in your home; they need that extra protection to stay safe. Let's take a look at why your home might need the help of AC services.

It's Getting Old

Everything in this world gets old and wears out, even your HVAC unit! Just how much time will you get from most units? Well, according to Today's Homeowner, a typical air conditioner system can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. That’s pretty solid, particularly if you call a contractor to check up on it regularly. So ask yourself this question: how old is my air conditioner? In our experience, if it’s over 15 years, you probably have a pretty big problem on your hands.

Air Flow Is Weakening

A new and strong air conditioner should pump out a steady, hard flow of air into your home when you need it! Sure, you can always adjust the speed and even the temperature to slow it down or speed it up. But let’s say that your system runs slower than normal and just keeps on weakening with time. Unfortunately, this problem isn’t likely to get better any time soon, meaning you’re probably going to need an HVAC team ASAP.

The Air Is Far Too Warm

When you turn on your AC unit, it might blow warm air for a few minutes until the system cools down. That’s normal and isn’t anything that you need to blow your top over, especially on very hot days. We have noticed in the past that when the temperature tops 80 degrees or ventures towards 100, your unit might even need three to four minutes to cool down properly. But what is going on if your system just keeps blowing warm air and never gets where you want it? Well, nothing good!

Leaks Keep Popping Up

Here’s a point that many people misinterpret when diagnosing their HVAC unit. After all, most AC systems get a little wet while operating or drip moisture out of the back. Is that the kind of leak we’re talking about here? No, because that’s not a leak at all but condensation, which happens when your unit converts warm air into cool air. Leaks are more persistent problems that might cause water to pool heavily or even trigger excessive Freon loss in your system.

Energy Bills Keep Rising

One of the most frequent reasons homeowners reach out to AC services like ours is skyrocketing energy bills that seem to rise uncontrollably. While it's normal for heating and cooling costs to increase due to inflation and other factors, a significant and consistent surge in your energy expenses often points to deeper issues with your HVAC system. In our experience, if your energy bills are climbing rapidly each month, it’s likely a sign of serious problems within your unit that need immediate attention.

Your Unit Stinks

Your AC unit shouldn’t produce any smell when it’s operating smoothly. Instead, it should be as odor-free as possible…so what’s going on if you notice a really bad odor coming from yours? Typically, you’ll smell this scent coming from your vents throughout your home, especially when running it at full blast. Should you panic about this problem and call us right away? Well, panic isn’t necessary, but you should be concerned because bad smells are never good.

Odd Noises Keep Happening

Yes, your AC unit will likely hum while it’s running, which actually sounds glorious on those hot days when temperatures skyrocket into the stratosphere! That said, it should never sound like a jet engine trying to take off or anything like that! So, what if yours sounds like a DC-7 landing whenever it runs? Well, you need to call our AC professionals immediately!

The Thermostat Fails

Your air conditioner is only as good as its thermostat: failure can cause some serious problems! For example, if your thermostat improperly measures temperature, your unit might start when the temperature is too high or fail to activate at all! In some cases, you might just need to replace your thermostat’s batteries. That’s a best-case scenario, for sure!

Mold Spreads Through Your Home

We can practically hear our readers scratching their heads at this one: HVAC problems causing mold to spread. How is this possible? Well, a malfunctioning air conditioner (including one with a bad air filter) may let mold grow rampantly throughout your air ducts. From here, mold can make its way just about anywhere and put your family at serious risk of problems.

Your House Isn't Comfortable Enough

Let’s be frank: you want and deserve a comfortable home, no matter what the temperature. However, serious problems with your air conditioner can make your house far too warm. If you simply can’t get your home comfortable, no matter how hard you try, there’s no better way to get that than working with an HVAC contractor. It’s a wise investment we think you’ll love making.

You Experience Allergic Reactions

Remember earlier when we mentioned mold spreading throughout your home due to air conditioner problems? Well, mold and other growths (like mildew) can cause serious allergic reactions! Even worse, they can trigger asthma attacks that put you or your family at risk. Those problems are huge, meaning you need a professional to get your AC back in working order.

Freon Keeps Escaping Your System

Most air conditioners use coolants like Freon to keep your home comfortable and relaxing. However, damage to your system could cause Freon to escape, triggering excessive leaks, poor operation, and much more. If you test your Freon regularly and notice your levels falling heavily, it’s important to get a contractor there right away to figure out what’s going on. We're more than ready to help you through this process.

Ice Forms on Your Unit

Ice forming on an air conditioner might seem unusual, but it's a common issue faced by many homeowners each year. This happens when problems with your AC coils cause the unit to overwork, leading to ice accumulation. If left unaddressed, this can result in significant damage and long-term issues. To prevent this, it's essential to contact a trusted professional who can diagnose and resolve the problem, ensuring your unit runs smoothly and efficiently once again.

If you notice any of these issues with your air conditioning system, it's crucial to contact professional AC services immediately. Ignoring these problems can lead to serious risks, especially if you have children or elderly family members at home. Beyond the immediate danger, a malfunctioning air conditioner can severely impact your indoor air quality, damage your home's structure, and lead to higher energy bills.

Don't wait for these problems to escalate. Our team is ready and available to provide the expert assistance you need. We offer comprehensive inspections and repairs to ensure your AC system is functioning optimally. Contact our team at John H. Coleman Co today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a safer, more comfortable home.