It is easy to ignore a faint whistling sound coming from your vents when you are busy with your daily life. You might think that a tiny drip of water near the furnace is just condensation or that a strange smell will eventually go away on its own. However, air conditioners are complicated machines where one failing part quickly puts a significant strain on every other component. It is extremely stressful when what could be an easy fix turns into a full-on replacement because of a few weeks of procrastination. By staying alert and listening to what your cooling system is trying to tell you, you can protect your wallet and your home from a total meltdown.
The Danger of a Clogged Drain Line
When most homeowners think of an air conditioner, they think of a system that cools their homes. However, air conditioners do more than lower indoor temperatures. They also remove water from the air to reduce humidity. This moisture exits your home via the condensate line. If this pipe gets clogged with algae or dust, the water backs up and begins to overflow into your house. It can drip down into your system and ruin components, which can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. In addition to compromising your cooling equipment, the water can damage the wall and floor and cause mold to grow.
Strange Noises and Worn-Out Bearings
Generally, you should only hear a low hum when your air conditioner runs. When you hear a screeching or grinding noise, there’s an issue. This sound may mean that the bearings in your fan motor are drying out, or it could be that a belt is beginning to fray and snap. If you call a technician immediately, they can often lubricate the parts or replace a simple belt for a very reasonable price. If you wait until the motor fails completely, the added strain can damage other components in the system, such as your compressor. The compressor is the backbone of the whole system. Once it fails, most people find it is cheaper to buy a new system than to try and fix the old one.
Frozen Coils and Restricted Airflow
Your air conditioner should cycle on and off, working for 15-20 minutes before resting and beginning again. If your system runs continuously with no change in temperature, check for ice buildup on the indoor evaporator coil or refrigerant lines. A common reason for frozen coils is that your air filter doesn’t allow for enough airflow, usually because it’s dirty. In this case, the system cannot breathe, and it will work harder to try and cool your home. The motor will eventually overheat and can even fail. Regularly checking your filter and swapping it out when necessary can save you from the agony of a broken system during the hottest week of the year.
As soon as you notice any signs of trouble, call for help straight away. To restore your comfort and beat the heat of Athens, GA summers, contact Jordan Air for AC repair.
