5 Issues That Require A Call To An AC Repair Service | Fort Worth, TX
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Years ago, Fort Worth, TX homeowners used fans to stay cool during the summer. In 1985, Sears had a medium-capacity window air conditioner with 80s faux-wood paneling in their catalog for $300. This may not seem like a lot of money today; however, in 1985, $300 in 1985 is the equivalent to $771 today. This was a lot of money back then, and many people didn’t want to spend that kind of money on an air conditioner that would cool just one room and cause their energy bills to increase significantly. Back in the ’80s, energy efficiency wasn’t a thing, and the more appliances you had in your home, the more expensive energy bills were.
Fortunately, air conditioning technology has evolved over the years, and most families can afford to have a central air conditioning system in their homes. In addition, modern air conditioning systems are energy-efficient and are designed to keep your energy bills down.
Ever since air conditioners have become more affordable and popular, we have become spoiled. Most people cannot deal with the summer heat without a properly functioning air conditioner. Summers in Fort Worth are hot; therefore, you need your air conditioner to be functioning properly to keep your home cool and comfortable. The last thing you want during the hottest time of the year is for your air conditioner to stop producing cold air or for the system to fail to turn on at all. The best way to prevent this from happening is to recognize the symptoms of issues early, so the system can be repaired before it ceases to function.
If the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home is experiencing any of the following issues, it is best to schedule an appointment for AC repair right away.
#1 The System Is Producing Warm Air
When your air conditioner is running, you expect the air coming from the vents to be cold. If the air is warm, you may need to call for AC repair. Before you make the call, check the thermostat. Human error is one of the most common causes of this problem. You don’t want to waste money on a useless AC repair service call; therefore, you should first make sure the thermostat is set correctly.
First, make sure the thermostat is set to the cooling mode, and the fan is on. Next, check the temperature setting. The temperature in the house has to be warmer than the setting on the thermostat for the system to produce cold air. If the thermostat is set correctly and the system still produces warm air, it is time to call an AC repair company.
There are several possible reasons why your system isn’t producing cold air, and you will need an HVAC tech to inspect the system to find the cause. The possible issues include:
- Dirty air filter: This is one of the most common causes of this problem. A dirty air filter will put excess strain on the system, making it difficult to produce cold air.
- Frozen evaporator coils: The evaporator coils are an essential part of keeping your home cool. The evaporator coils extract the heat from your home to begin the cooling process. When moisture forms on the coils, they can freeze and cannot do their part in the cooling process.
- Low refrigerant or refrigerant leaks: The air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home relies on refrigerant to produce cold air. If the refrigerant level is low or the refrigerant is leaking, the system won’t be able to produce cold air.
- Lack of power to the outdoor unit: The indoor and outdoor components work together to keep your home cool and comfortable. If there is no power going to the outdoor unit, the system cannot produce cold air.
When you schedule an appointment for AC repair, the tech will inspect the unit to determine which of the following issues is causing the problem so it can be repaired.
#2 Reduced Air Flow
If the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home is functioning properly, you should feel a strong rush of cold air when you stand by a vent. If the airflow is poor, your system will need to work harder to keep your home cool, increasing your energy bills and decreasing the lifespan of the air conditioner. It is best to call for AC repair as soon as you discover the problem.
There are a few issues that can restrict the airflow, and you will need an HVAC tech to determine the cause.
- Clogged air ducts: This is the most common cause of restricted airflow. You can have the cleanest house on the block, and dirt, dust, and debris will still end up in the air ducts. In just one year, up to five pounds of debris can clog the air ducts, reducing the airflow. Clogged ducts can also affect the air quality in your home. When your HVAC system is running, the debris will circulate through the air, which can cause allergy symptoms.
- Broken air ducts: The air ducts are responsible for delivering cold air from the system to the vents throughout your Fort Worth, TX home. If there is a crack or break in the air ducts, the cold air will escape before reaching the vents, resulting in poor airflow.
- Broken blower: The blower helps the cold air produced by the air conditioner reach the vents. If the blower isn’t working properly, the cold air will have trouble reaching the vents, resulting in poor airflow.
An AC repair company will send a tech to inspect the system and the air ducts to figure out why the airflow is restricted so they can solve the problem.
#3 Foul Smells When the AC Is Running
If the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home is functioning properly, it will produce clean, odorless cold air. If you smell something strange when the system is running, you should call an AC repair company. The odor in your home can help point the HVAC tech in the right direction.
- Mold: A moldy smell is a major cause of concern. The air ducts in your home are hidden; therefore, they are dark. In addition, the humidity in your home can create moisture in the ducts, which creates the perfect environment for mold growth.
Mold in the air ducts is very serious. When the air conditioner is running, mold spores will circulate through the home, which can be hazardous to your family’s health. According to the CDC, breathing in mold spores can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes, and skin rashes. If anyone in your home has asthma or a mold allergy, severe reactions are possible. In addition, immune-compromised individuals or people with chronic lung disease can develop lung infections from the mold. Finally, breathing in mold spores can affect your immune system, making it difficult to fight off disease and infection.
When you call an AC repair company, an HVAC tech will inspect the ducts for mold. If they find mold in the ducts, it can be eradicated with an antimicrobial fogger.
- If they don’t find mold in the ducts, it could be in the air conditioner, which is more difficult to eradicate. If the tech cannot eradicate all of the mold, you may need to replace the system.
- Burning: If you smell something burning in your Fort Worth, TX home but cannot find the cause, your air conditioner could be to blame. If there is a short or any other issue with the wiring, it can create a burning smell in your home. This is a very dangerous problem, and you should turn off the system immediately and call an AC repair company. If you continue running the system, an electrical fire could spark, which can destroy your home and put your family at great risk.
Any strange smells when your AC is running is a major cause for concern, and it is best to schedule an appointment for AC repair immediately.
#4 Strange Sounds
A properly functioning air conditioner should be relatively quiet. A low-level clicking sound is normal when the system cycles and any other sounds would require a call to an AC repair service. The sound your system makes can give the HVAC tech an idea of what is causing the problem.
- Banging: This often signifies a loose or broken part. It could also be that the indoor blowing is unbalanced, or the compressor may need to be replaced.
- Buzzing: There are several issues that can cause a buzzing sound, such as loose parts, the outdoor unit is loose or failing, the condenser coil being dirty, or the air filter needing to be replaced. These are just a few of the many issues that can cause a buzzing sound, and you should call an AC repair service.
- Screaming: This often signifies high internal pressure in the compressor, which is very dangerous. It is essential that you turn the system off right away and call an AC repair service.
#5 Moisture Or Leaks Around the Unit
The area around your air conditioner should be dry. If there is moisture or leaks around the unit, you should call an AC repair service.
Moisture around the unit often signifies a broken or disconnected condensate hose, which is a relatively easy fix but should still be repaired immediately.
If there is fluid pooling around the unit, there could be a refrigerant leak, which is a more serious problem. Your system relies on refrigerant to produce cold air, and if there is a refrigerant leak, the air conditioner won’t function properly.
An AC repair service can fix the leak and refill the refrigerant if you have a newer system. If you have an older system, you could have a serious problem. Older units use R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer available. The EPA deemed R-22 toxic and harmful to the environment and began phasing this refrigerant out. On January 1, 2020, the U.S. government banned the production of R-22, and it will be impossible for your HVAC tech to find it. An AC repair service and repair the leak, but won’t have R-22 to refill the system; therefore, you will need to replace your existing air conditioner with a newer model that doesn’t use R-22 refrigerant.
Why Choose One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth?
If your air conditioner is acting up and you need to call an AC repair service, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. We are a full-service HVAC company that has been in business since 1988. Thanks to the excellent service we provide, many of our customers have been loyal customers for as many as 20 years.
Our HVAC techs are professionally trained, skilled, and NATE certified. They are also required to receive ongoing training. HVAC technology is always evolving, and we want our techs to be able to install, maintain and repair the newest HVAC systems.
We want you to feel safe when you allow our techs into your home, which is why our techs must pass a background check, drug test, and register with the state of Texas.
We have been in the HVAC business long enough to know that issues can arise at the most inconvenient times. If your HVAC system begins having problems and we aren’t in the office, don’t panic. We offer emergency service and are here for our customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have an issue that cannot be repaired and a new installation is necessary, we will do whatever possible to stay within your budget. In addition, our knowledgeable staff can give you the latest information regarding programs and rebates to help save money on your new heating and cooling equipment.
To schedule an appointment for an AC repair service or any other HVAC service, give us a call today.