Air conditioning is necessary for summertime comfort, but it can cause many headaches when something goes wrong. Therefore, knowing what indicators to look for and the optimal way to avoid costly repairs is essential whenever an AC system fails.

Here are some warning signs to consider to prevent an HVAC disaster:

Burning Smells

Burning smells can indicate a severe problem with an air conditioner, and trying to operate the unit regardless can cause further problems, including damaged circuitry or an electrical fire. To reduce the fire hazard, it’s good practice to shut off the power to the AC unit. The next step should be to call the emergency services if the burning plastic smell doesn’t subside.

Unusual Noises

Unusual noises from the AC system could indicate a failing unit, leaking refrigerant, or electrical damage. Some common types of worrying noises from an air conditioning unit may include hissing, banging, grinding, or squealing. If any of these noises are present, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help, especially if they are persistent.

BLOCKED DRAIN LINES AND AIR VENTS

If the air conditioning system is having trouble, it could be due to blocked drain lines or air vents. These problems may cause the AC unit to work harder than usual, leading to overload and eventual breakdown. Therefore, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC service rather than try to unclog the lines and vents manually.

Circuit Breaker Trips

If the air conditioner is frequently tripping the circuit breaker, it’s a problem that needs to be inspected by a professional. The purpose of circuit breakers is to trip when there’s an overload of electricity, and a short circuit is usually the cause. A short circuit occurs when there’s a break in the electrical current, which can be triggered in various ways. Maybe there’s a loose wire somewhere, or something is wrong with the compressor. Either way, it’s a serious problem that merits immediate attention.

Leaking Refrigerant

There are a few telltale signs that the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant. The first is an unusual hissing noise coming from the unit itself. Strange noises are usually followed by a drop in performance, as the AC will struggle to maintain a consistent temperature. In some cases, frost or ice may also form on the evaporator coils. Leaking refrigerant can cause severe damage to the air conditioning system and pose a serious health hazard if inhaled.

Get Expert HVAC Assistance

If one notices any of the warning signs outlined above, contact emergency HVAC services as soon as possible. Experienced technicians will quickly locate and repair leaks and electrical failures, getting the system back up and running in no time.

Hacienda Air is a locally owned HVAC company offering air conditioning, heating, ductwork, air quality, and more to residential and commercial customers in North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (702) 707-4953.