Is it Hot in Here? 10 Signs of a Broken Air Conditioner

Nevada consumers paid 0.10 cents less for every kilowatt-hour of electricity they used in May 2018. That’s from 12.15 cents in May 2017.

Although that’s a considerable reduction, it’s still quite a hefty price, especially considering that U.S. households consume about 897 kilowatt hours (kWh) every month.

This means the average Nevada bill came up to about $108 per household during that month.

And you know what? Almost half of that came from your space heater/cooler. More if you have a broken air conditioner (or heater)!

That’s right. A malfunctioning AC eats up even more energy than usual. What’s more, it still can’t give you the cooling you need even as it brings your electricity bills higher.

All these said, it’s best you know the signs your air conditioner needs repair. This way, you can get it fixed ASAP before it gives you even more headaches.

1. It’s Become More Like a Heater

If your air conditioner starts to blow warm air rather than refreshing cool air, take that as a sign it needs repairs. A common reason for this problem is a faulty compressor.

Whichever the case is, you want to have the issue fixed. Especially before the Vegas summer’s 100-degree (or even higher) Fahrenheit temp rolls in.

2. Little to Almost No Air Out of the Vents

Homeowners in the U.S. spend somewhere around $3,700 to $7,200 to have a new AC installed. Whether your expenses fall on the lower or higher end of this range, it still means you spent thousands of dollars for your space cooler.

Now, you didn’t shell out that kind of money to have weak to almost no cool air coming out of it, did you? As such, if you notice weak airflow from your air conditioner, it’s time to have a pro look at it.

Don’t worry if it’s the dead of the night or the wee hours of the morning. You’ll find reputable AC repair specialists on call, round-the-clock.

3. AC Turns Off on Its Own

A ghost isn’t the culprit when this happens. However, you’d want to have an HVAC technician check out the unit. It’s possible the thermostat can no longer gauge whether the unit works or not.

A thermostat needing replacement requires know-how of the AC’s mechanical and electrical components. This is one task you shouldn’t DIY as one slight mistake can damage the rest of the equipment’s sensitive parts.

4. Unit Doesn’t Power On

Say that the power is on but your air conditioner still doesn’t turn on. It’s possible that you’re dealing with a busted wall outlet, so see if you can plug the AC somewhere else. If it still doesn’t power on, then you may have a broken thermostat.

Again, this is one of the signs your AC needs repair. Have an expert HVAC tech give the unit a careful inspection to determine what’s causing the problem. From there he/she can figure out the cause and apply the necessary repairs.

5. Loud and Weird Noises

Hear squeals or grinding noises from your air conditioner? Or maybe odd scraping sounds? Whichever the case, your AC shouldn’t produce them.

A possible cause is a broken belt or one that has come loose. It’s a serious issue that needs addressing right away. That’s because a busted belt can slap away at other parts, causing even more serious damage.

6. Bad Odors

If your air conditioner reminds you of the unpleasant smells of a gym’s changing room, then you have a major issue in your hands. The same goes true if it gives off the odors of burning rubber or moldy bread.

A broken AC unit that produces smells like these needs repairs ASAP. If you smell burning, that may indicate burnt wire insulation. Pungent, musty odors can mean mold that may put you and your family at health risk.

Contact an HVAC repair technician right away before your entire air conditioner goes out or starts causing health issues.

7. Freon Leaks

Older air conditioners (those manufactured before 2003) make use of the R22 refrigerant. You most likely know this as “Freon”. It’s responsible for generating the cold air your AC blows.

But not without a price.

Freon, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), has contributed to the destruction of the ozone layer. By that, we mean the 65% depletion of this layer protecting us from the sun’s deadly ultraviolet radiation.

It’s for this reason that the Montreal Protocol now exists. It’s a law phasing out Freon amongst other ozone-depleting substances.

If your AC starts leaking out this substance, it’s time to call in the repair experts. In fact, you should already consider having the unit replaced.

For starters, because the refrigerant’s production and importation will come to a complete halt by January 01, 2020. But the biggest reason is the environmental and health hazards associated with it. Remember, it’s toxic both to Mother Nature and humans.

8. Shocking Electric Bills

During the warmer season, it’s normal for your electricity bills to go up due to increased and prolonged AC use. However, if your bill gives you a complete shock even with only regular use, then it’s time to contact an HVAC tech.

There are many possible reasons for this greater energy consumption, such as a busted thermostat or leaks in the ductwork. It may also mean that your space cooler has reached the end of its service life.

Whatever the case, it’s best to have a pro diagnose the problem. This way, you can determine whether a repair or a replacement is the better choice.

9. Too Humid Inside Even When You Have the AC On

Air conditioners cool the air inside buildings by also minimizing humidity. With Vegas’ hot and humid weather conditions, this is a necessary feature. So, when you notice that even with the cooler on, it’s still humid inside your home, take that as a sign it needs repairs.

10. Old and Cranky

Typical ACs can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Now, say your air conditioner is about to celebrate its 10th birthday without giving you any major issues. That doesn’t mean you have to replace it right there and then.

It does mean you should have it tuned up by a pro though. Failure to do so can give rise to all the issues we’ve mentioned above. Through proper maintenance and servicing, it can perform at its peak efficiency, giving you even more years of service.

A Broken Air Conditioner Won’t Fix Itself

A broken air conditioner doesn’t always warrant a replacement. But you need to address these issues right away since delays in repair will only make the problems worse. Remember, ACs are electrical equipment, which means they can cause hazards like fire and electrical burns.

If you notice any or many of the symptoms above, please feel free to connect with us. We can help you have your air conditioner working at its best again.

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