Emergency Repairs for Air Conditioning: What You Should Know

It’s understandable to be reluctant to pay money for ongoing HVAC maintenance. However, the last thing you want is to have to shell out a lot more money than necessary to pay for emergency HVAC repairs, and the best way to avoid this is to make sure you stay on top of routine maintenance.

Still, there are some circumstances in which you might need emergency repairs for air conditioning or heating, even if you’ve been good about performing preventative maintenance. Here are just a few signs that you should call in a professional for emergency HVAC repairs:

  • Strange noises: Every furnace or AC unit will make at least some degree of noise during its normal operation. However, if you are noticing excessive noise coming from the unit, this could be indicative of a major problem with the mechanics or with certain components of the system. If you notice loud hissing noises, this could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, which must be addressed before it can cause further, even more significant damage within the system.
  • Rapid cycling: Does your air conditioner turn on and off more frequently than usual? This is either a problem with your thermostat or a problem with the electrical connection to the unit. This is a problem you’ll want to have looked at by a skilled HVAC professional as soon as possible to get it corrected.
  • Ice forming on the system: Visible ice forming on the air conditioning unit is generally a sign that your evaporator coils are malfunctioning. Usually this is a result of a clogged filter, a buildup of grime somewhere within the system or a refrigerant leak. These issues must be resolved immediately, because ice buildup could result in more significant damage to the rest of the unit that will be very expensive to repair.
  • Strange smells: Have you noticed weird smells coming from your vents or from the AC unit while the air conditioning is running? Have a professional come out and investigate the source of the smell. It could be grime or debris buildup, a problem with mold or dead animals that got trapped somewhere in the system. All of these issues must be resolved quickly to ensure the health and safety of people within your home.
  • High indoor humidity: When the air conditioning is working properly, you should experience consistent indoor humidity levels of between 30 and 50 percent. This will keep your home comfortable and also prevent the formation of mildew and mold, which thrive in the presence of excessive moisture. If the system is not functioning properly you may start to notice elevated humidity levels, even when the temperature is low. It’s important to have a professional come out to inspect your system when this problem manifests itself.

These are just a few examples of some of the signs you need emergency HVAC repairs to your air conditioning. To learn more about the services we offer, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling.