Symptoms of a Broken Air Conditioner: How to Know When You Need Air Conditioner Repair

Your air conditioner keeps you cool and comfortable during the hot summer months-until it malfunctions. Then, unless you're a home improvement and repair expert, you're left to sweat it out until a professional can assess the problem. But what if you could spot an air conditioner that's on the fritz before it dies entirely? To deal with problems before they get serious, look for certain signs that you might need to have your unit or system examined.

Unusual Noises

Not only might an unusual sound mean that your AC is about to break, but it can also be extremely annoying. Pay attention to the type of noise, so you can describe it to a repair specialist. A buzzing sound can indicate that one of the electrical components within the unit is about to die. A strong clunking or vibration, on the other hand, might indicate that the air blowing mechanism is off-track or that the bearings need to be replaced. In general, when your unit begins to make a noise it's never made before, something is probably not right.

Leaking Fluids

Air conditioners are subject to condensation, as moist air passes across the cold evaporation coil. However, if your unit is visibly leaking fluid, you might have a mechanical problem that will require the attention of an air conditioning contractor. Water leakage inside or outside your home might mean that the coil drainage system-where the condensation is routed-is stopped up. If you notice oil leakage, you might have a rust problem that is lessening efficiency. Refrigerant leaks are another major sign that your unit is in need of repair.

Poor Performance

Many of the issues mentioned above go hand-in-hand with a drop in air conditioner performance. For instance, refrigerant leaks will lower the unit's efficiency, increasing the time it takes to cool a room. However, a broken air conditioner won't always manifest visible or audible symptoms; you might notice the performance issues first, before a noise or leak develops. If you suspect a problem, take a look at your utility bills. Abnormally high cooling costs can mean that your unit isn't working as it should. Hiring an air conditioning repair service to examine your system could cut those monthly costs down.

If you're lucky, your broken air conditioning unit can be fixed with a single replacement part. However, if the problem is due to a major system malfunction, keep in mind that your best bet may be to replace the unit entirely-particularly if your air conditioning system is many years old and has undergone prior repairs. Ask your repair technician about the benefits of air conditioner installation versus repair. Although it may be expensive in the short-term, a new system can be more energy efficient, and thus more cost effective in the long run.