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6 Signs You Need To Call An AC Repair Service | Fort Worth, TX

6 Signs You Need To Call An AC Repair Service | Fort Worth, TX

Photo By Dima Berlin at istock

Many people take their air conditioners for granted. As long as the system produces cold air and keeps your home cool and the humidity low, you probably don’t think about your air conditioner often.

It isn’t until something goes wrong with the air conditioner that you start to panic. Summers in Fort Worth, TX, are very hot. During the summer, many people spend more time in their air-conditioned homes to escape the heat. If the system isn’t functioning correctly, you will have no escape, and it won’t be easy to remain comfortable in your home.

Air conditioner issues can cause various problems, ranging from temperature issues to issues affecting your home and family. The best way to prevent air conditioning issues from causing permanent damage to the system and to protect your home and family is to recognize the signs you need AC repair early. Early detection can prevent a minor issue from escalating to a major one that will require a more expensive repair or an air conditioner replacement.

If your air conditioner is experiencing any of the following issues, you should call an AC repair company as soon as possible.

#1 Moisture or Leaks Around the Unit

The area around the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home should be dry. If you notice moisture or fluid pooling around the unit, you should schedule an appointment for emergency repair.

Moisture around the unit often signifies a broken or disconnected condensate hose. Although this is a relatively simple fix, allowing the problem to persist can cause water damage and mold growth in the area; therefore, you should have the unit checked as soon as possible.

Fluid pooling around the unit often signifies a refrigerant leak. Without an adequate amount of refrigerant, your system won’t be able to produce cold air. In addition, refrigerant is toxic, and the pooling refrigerant can put young children and pets at risk if they are in the area.

If the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home is relatively new, an AC repair company can repair the leak and replace the refrigerant, and your system will be up and running again.

If you have an older model, there is a good chance the unit cannot be repaired, and you may need to replace your air conditioner. Older units use R-22 refrigerant. In the early 2000s, the Environmental Protection Agency deemed R-22 highly toxic and harmful to the environment, and manufacturers began phasing out R-22. On January 1, 2020, the United States government placed a ban on the production of R-22 refrigerant. Although an AC repair service can repair the leak, they won’t be able to find R-22 refrigerant to refill the system; therefore, a replacement will be necessary.

#2 Thermostat Issues

The thermostat in your Fort Worth, TX home is your HVAC system’s brain. It tells the HVAC system whether to produce cold air or warm air. It also tells the unit how much heat or cold air to produce to keep your home at the desired temperature. If the thermostat fails, your HVAC system won’t function properly.

A few signs will let you know that the thermostat isn’t working, and you should call an AC service.

  • The thermostat is unresponsive after the batteries have been changed.
  • The system cycles too frequently.
  • The HVAC system shuts down on its own.
  • The temperature in the house doesn’t match the temperature in your home.

An AC repair service will inspect the thermostat to determine whether it can be repaired or if a replacement will be necessary. If you have an old thermostat, a replacement can be more beneficial.

Thermostat technology has improved significantly over the last several years. You can have your existing thermostat replaced with a newer model that can help save money on your heating and cooling costs and are more convenient to use.

  • Programmable thermostat: Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature at different times of the day. For example, you can set the air conditioner to increase the temperature regularly when nobody is home, and the home doesn’t need to be cool. You can also set the thermostat to decrease the temperature before heading home, so your house will be cool and comfortable when you arrive. If your HVAC system isn’t on full blast all day, you can save a significant amount of money on your heating and cooling costs.

 

  • Wi-Fi thermostats: Wi-Fi thermostats can be adjusted using an app on your cell phone. You can adjust the temperature and turn the system on and off from anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection. The ability to adjust the thermostat from anywhere can save money on your energy bills.

 

  • Smart thermostats: You can only use a smart thermostat if you have a Google Home or Amazon Alexa. The thermostat connects to your smart device, allowing you to adjust the thermostat setting using the sound of your voice when you are home. When you aren’t home, you can use the smart device app on your cell phone, allowing you to control your air conditioner from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

When you call an AC repair service, the HVAC tech that comes to your home can discuss your thermostat options, helping you choose the best one for your home.

#3 Strange Sounds Coming From the Unit

Any strange sounds coming from the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home will require a call to an AC repair service. The systems available today are quieter than ever. Your system will make a low-level clicking sound when the system cycles on and off, and this is normal. Any other sounds need to be checked by an HVAC professional. The sound your system makes can help the AC repair company determine what is causing the problem so that the necessary repair can be made.

  • Banging: Banging sounds often signify loose or broken parts in the compressor. As your system gets older, the internal components can become loose and will need to be tightened. Ignoring the problem could cause damage to the compressor and could cause it to fail. It is best to call an AC repair service to inspect the unit and make the necessary adjustments or repairs.

 

  • Screeching: A screeching sound signifies either an issue with the fan motor in the outdoor condenser unit. It could also indicate a problem with the blower inside the house. An HVAC tech can find the source of the noise and make the necessary repair.

 

  • Humming: The condenser relay switch is responsible for starting the outdoor condenser unit when it gets the signal from the thermostat. If the switch is defective, it can cause a humming sound. You won’t be able to use your air conditioner until the problem is resolved; therefore, you should call an AC repair service right away.

 

  • Buzzing: Buzzing sounds can indicate a number of issues, such as a loose or unbalanced fan blade in the outdoor compressor, a faulty outdoor fan motor, dirty condenser coils, and loose components. Because so many issues can cause a buzzing sound, you will need to call an AC repair company to determine what is causing the buzzing sound so you can start using your AC again.

 

  • Screaming: A screaming sound signifies high pressure in the unit, often caused by a refrigerant leak or insufficient refrigerant in the system. High pressure is a very dangerous issue; therefore, if the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home is making a screaming sound, you should turn the system off immediately and call an AC repair company. You should avoid using the air conditioner until it has been repaired by an HVAC professional.

Because the issues that cause strange air conditioner sounds can escalate if ignored, it is best to call an AC repair company as soon as the system starts making strange sounds.

#4 Strange Smells

If the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home is functioning correctly, it should produce clean, odorless cold air. If you smell something strange when your air conditioner runs, you should schedule an appointment for AC repair. The smell can give the HVAC tech an idea of what to look for.

  • Mold: The most common cause of a moldy smell is mold in the air ducts. The air ducts are dark, and the humidity in the home can create moisture in the ducts, creating the perfect environment for mold growth.
    Mold in the ducts is a serious problem because mold spores will circulate in the air when the AC runs, putting your family’s health at significant risk. Breathing in mold can cause allergy symptoms, respiratory issues, skin rashes, and a weakened immune system. If a family member has a chronic lung or respiratory condition, the mold will worsen their condition.
    An HVAC tech can inspect the ducts for mold. If they find any, the mold can be eradicated with an antimicrobial fogger. If there isn’t any mold in the ducts, it could be in the air conditioner, which can be challenging to eradicate. If the tech cannot reach the mold, an air conditioner may be necessary.

 

  • Burning: A burning smell signifies an electrical issue, and you should turn the system off immediately and schedule an appointment for emergency AC repair. The burning smell is likely the wire insulation burning, resulting in an electrical fire that will put your home and family at great risk.

Any strange smell coming from your AC is a major cause for concern, and you shouldn’t hesitate to call an HVAC company to resolve the issue.

#5 Poor Airflow

If your air conditioner is functioning correctly, you should feel a powerful rush of cold air when you stand in front of a vent. If the airflow is restricted, you should call an AC repair company right away. Reduced airflow will cause your AC to work harder to reach the desired temperature, which will cause your energy bills to increase. In addition, the added strain to the system can reduce its maximum lifespan. There are a few issues that can cause poor airflow.

  • Clogged air ducts: Clogged ducts are the most common cause of reduced airflow. The debris in the ducts will circulate in the air when the system runs and can cause allergy symptoms and respiratory issues. Blocked air ducts can affect the air quality in your home; therefore, you should call a professional immediately. An HVAC tech can clean the air ducts, restoring adequate airflow and improving your home’s air quality.

 

  • Damaged air ducts: If there is a crack or break in the air ducts, the cool air will escape from the damaged area, reducing the airflow. An HVAC tech can repair the damage, which will restore the airflow.

 

  • Broken blower: The blower is responsible for pushing the cool air from the system to the vents. If the blower isn’t working correctly, the air won’t reach the vents, resulting in poor airflow. A professional in AC repair can inspect the blower and make the necessary repair.

Because poor airflow can affect your energy bills, air conditioner, and your family’s health, you should have the system checked right away.

#6 The System Isn’t Producing Cold Air

If you feel warm air coming from the vents when your AC runs, you may need to schedule an appointment with a licensed HVAC tech. Before you make the call, check the setting on the thermostat. Human error is a common cause of this problem; therefore, you should make sure the thermostat is set correctly. First, make sure the system is set to the cooling mode and the fan is switched to “auto.” Next, make sure it is warmer in the house than the thermostat setting. If your thermostat is set correctly, it is time to call an AC repair service. A few issues can cause this problem, and you will need a professional to determine the cause.

  • Clogged air filter
  • Dirty or frozen evaporator coil
  • Thermostat issues
  • Low refrigerant level
  • Refrigerant leak
  • Faulty compressor
  • The system has reached the end of its lifespan.

The sooner you call an AC repair service, the sooner your home will be cool and comfortable again.

Why Choose One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth?

If you need to schedule an appointment for AC repair service, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. We are a full-service HVAC service that has been serving customers in the area since 1988. Many of our customers have been loyal customers for as many as 20 years, thanks to the excellent service we provide.

Our techs are professionally trained, skilled, and NATE certified. In addition, our techs must pass a background check, drug test, and register with the state of Texas. We have these policies, so our customers feel safe when they allow our techs into their homes and confident that they can handle the job.

If you have an issue with your HVAC system and we aren’t in the office, don’t panic. We provide emergency service and are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To schedule an appointment for AC repair service or any other service we provide, give us a call today.