Summertime is here and so are the hot temperatures that everyone expects. While summer is a popular time of the year because it opens up the possibility of more outside activities, it is the increase in heat index and humidity that can also make this time of the year miserable. Make sure that your home remains a haven for relief from the summer heat by knowing the signs that could indicate a problem and how to handle it.

1. No Cold Air

There are several factors that could be at play if you can hear your air conditioner running but the air that it puts out isn’t cold. It could be something as simple as a dirty filter. These should be changed at least once a month so if it’s been longer than that check the filter first.

Your thermostat might also be the problem. If you’ve set it to the lowest temperature possible and still aren’t feeling any cold air, you might need to replace it.

Head outside and look at the unit itself. All foliage and debris should be kept at least two feet away from the unit. Not only does doing this provide the ventilation the unit needs to work efficiently, but it also makes it easier for you to notice a refrigerant leak. If you suspect that a refrigerant leak is an issue, you’ll need to call a professional out to repair or replace the unit.

2. Unusual Noises

While many air conditioning units make some sort of noise during their normal operations, these are ones that you come to learn as being normal. Unusual noises, though, can signal other problems that can range from serious to mild. Any noise such as thumping, clanging, banging or rattling could be an indication that the blower assembly or the motor has an issue. Squealing or screeching noises might indicate that a belt needs replacing or that a motor bearing has an issue.

Other noises that need further investigation include clicking sounds which could be a relay problem and a smacking noise which might mean that there is something stuck somewhere in the air conditioning unit. Any unusual noises warrant a call to a professional HVAC company as they possess the knowledge and tools to diagnose the issues.

3. It Doesn’t Work At All

There are few other feelings as sobering as the sound of your air conditioning unit powering down on one of the hottest days of the year. The culprit could be something as simple as the thermostat’s batteries needing to be changed, a setting on the thermostat that’s wrong, or a circuit breaker that was triggered. If these three issues don’t result in your AC roaring back to life and cooling your home down, then it’s time to call in the professionals

Farnen & Dermer has been proudly serving the Baltimore, Maryland area for more than five generations. With a strong focus on customer service and building relationships, Farnen & Dermer provides emergency services as well as maintenance, installation and related services. Contact us today for more information.