The HVAC unit is one of the essential components of any home or business since it is what keeps the temperature of the building in an ideal range for resident and customer comfort. Like all major types of equipment, HVAC units need to be serviced and repaired regularly to keep them operating efficiently and to extend their service life.

To avoid having smaller issues turn into catastrophic breakdowns, knowing the warning signs of a malfunctioning air conditioner can help you get the repairs you need promptly.

Unknown Noises and Odor

If you hear banging, clattering or vibrating noises coming from your air conditioner, you must find out the source. A good start is to check the outdoor condenser unit. If you press slightly on the overhead grill and the sides and this eliminates the noise, a screw or clip may have come loose. Listen to the motor run when the unit is turned on during a cooling cycle. If you hear squeaking or grinding as it runs, there may be issues with the axle bearings, or other components that need to be lubricated.

HVAC fan motors cool themselves by using the ventilated air that circulates them. They are warm to the touch when running or if they have just been turned off, however, if the motor feels hot, there may be a cooling problem. Turn off the system and call Patterson Heating and Air to evaluate your HVAC’s motor. If left unchecked, over time, this can cause serious damage. A motor that is about to break may begin to smell like something is burning. In most instances, when a motor begins to smell, it will need to be replaced.

No Change in Temperature

If you change the temperature on your unit’s thermostat, but the temperature in your home or business doesn’t seem to go up or down, then your unit isn’t working properly. If you’re running the unit at its maximum capacity, but the building isn’t getting any cooler, chances are, your system compressor has failed, or the unit is low on refrigerant. Regardless, it is in need of repair to get it back to its optimum operating condition. 

Poor Air Flow

If there doesn’t seem to be sufficient airflow or it is less than it used to be, there are some areas to check before calling for a service repair.

Check the air filters. The cleaner the filter, the better the airflow. Check all the vents to make sure they are all open. There are other possibilities that could cause this situation such as a faulty indoor blower motor, a loose, worn fan belt, or the indoor coil is frozen due to malfunction, restricting the airflow. All of these require a service call. If after checking your air filters and vents, the airflow still is not as it should be, call a Patterson Heating and Air in Charlotte to troubleshoot the situation and get your system back up and running.

Residential and commercial heating and air service is available to homeowners and business owners to keep their HVAC systems working properly. Catching problems early and getting the ac repaired in Charlotte as soon as possible can help extend the life of your Charlotte HVAC units and save you time and money in the long run.

Source:

How to Troubleshoot HVAC Problems and Malfunctions, Home Guides SF Gate

Solutions for common HVAC problems, Angie’s List, November 21, 2011