How important is it to get AC repair when you have a minor problem with your air conditioner? Well, that can vary widely, but the bottom line is, you don’t want to take any risks. An air conditioner is an expensive piece of equipment, and you should protect that investment. If you have AC issues, you need qualified professional repair ASAP. Learn more about why AC maintenance is worth it before problems escalate.
What AC problems require repair service right away?
When your air conditioner hisses, shows ice buildup, rattles, cycles rapidly, or struggles to cool, these signs point to serious internal damage, refrigerant leaks, or compressor strain, and require professional urgent repair before the issue worsens.
How Common AC Issues Reduce Cooling Efficiency
The majority of problems your air conditioner can encounter will cause it to struggle. Either it will have to run more of the time, or it will be working harder when it does run, or both. Even worse, if the problem causes it to start and stop more frequently—which is called short cycling—it will consume a large amount of extra electricity because startup is the thing that requires the most energy. In some cases, issues like ice buildup on your AC can signal trouble that leads to these performance problems.
Wasting energy you don’t need can release additional CO2 into the environment, which is never good. But the impact you’ll notice first is the rising cost of your electric bill. Heating and cooling already account for the largest chunk of energy use in American homes. You do not need to be paying extra without getting anything more for it! Here are five summer tips to stay cool without overworking your system.
Small AC Problems That Can Lead to Major Failures
Frequently, a problem with an air conditioner is quite minor. Imagine that a tiny section of the refrigerant coil has been damaged, perhaps by a windblown tree branch. A tiny amount of refrigerant begins to leak out, and you begin to hear a hissing or bubbling sound, or smell a strange, sweet chemical odor. It’s time to get those repairs! But what if you don’t? Knowing what new AC systems are available can help if the issue escalates and replacement becomes necessary.
As more refrigerant leaks out, the air conditioner is able to absorb less and less heat from inside your home. Without the heat it should be absorbing, the evaporator coil is super-chilled. Layers of ice begin to form from condensation freezing on the coil. This causes it to have an even harder time absorbing any heat from the air. If this sounds familiar, here’s why there’s ice on your AC and what to do next.
For another example, what if the sound you hear is a rattle? Perhaps it’s something as tiny as a slightly-loose screw allowing a component to wobble. With no repair, the vibration of the AC causes it to keep loosening until the screw falls out. The component, perhaps a fan blade, flies out of position and hits other parts of the system! Major damage can occur.
Compressor Damage: Why Fast AC Repairs Matter
The component that is most likely to determine the lifespan of your air conditioner is the compressor. Once it has burned out, you’ll be looking at AC replacement, not just repair. Anything that causes the air conditioner to work harder, spend more time running, or go through the startup cycle more frequently will put significant stress on the compressor. If it’s time to upgrade, start by reviewing our guide to choosing your next AC to make an informed decision.
Keep your compressor in good condition, keep your AC system running for as many years as possible, and avoid major breakdowns and skyrocketing electric bills. At the first sign of a problem, get AC repair in Grand Rapids, MN.
Reach out to Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning today. Service to you is success to us!