Summers in Texas are notoriously hot and many people begin turning on their air conditioning as early as March. With average Summer temperatures above 90 degrees, the worst thing that can happen in the dog days of summer is your air conditioner breaking down. Because the weather can be so hard on HVAC systems it is important to be prepared and know what to look for before you start searching for air conditioner repair in Arlington.
Before the Unit Breaks Down
The best time to call an AC repairman is before your unit stops working. By scheduling regular routine maintenance with an HVAC technician you can prevent your air conditioning unit from breaking down at the worst possible time. During a routine maintenance call, the technician will clean the condenser coil and inspect the different parts of the unit. By scheduling routine maintenance prior to the summer months you can expect an AC unit that runs more efficiently, is much less likely to break down, provides better quality air, and in some cases keeps the warranty intact.
Unusual Noises
Air conditioning units operate relatively quietly so if you begin noticing noises when your unit is running you may want to call an HVAC technician to get ahead of the problem. Loud banging or grinding noises are a sign that the unit is having a problem and could break down. If you hear scratching or scurrying you may have a household pest in your ductwork which should warrant a call to a wildlife expert and then a search for air conditioner repair in Arlington to have your unit inspected for damage. Even if the noise was the product of a loose screw in the unit you will be able to rest easy knowing that it was fixed properly.
Uneven Temperature
If you notice that some parts of your home are unusually hot while others are cold there are a few steps you can take prior to calling a technician. First, you should check the filter in your HVAC unit and ensure it doesn’t need to be replaced. Next, you should check your outside unit and clear away any debris such as grass clippings, dirt, or sticks. Lastly, make sure that all of the vents in your home are open and move any furniture that may be blocking them. If these steps don’t solve your problem you should call an AC repairman as one of the ducts may be leaky, disconnected, or clogged up or you may have a faulty blower motor.
Unpleasant Odors
Air conditioners work by removing the humidity from the air and if your unit isn’t operating correctly you may begin experiencing unpleasant smells inside your home. A malfunctioning AC unit can cause the humidity in your home to rise which can lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Additionally, it may cause metal objects to start rusting. Even if you don’t see any of these problems they could be occurring inside your attic, ductwork, or walls which can still lead to unpleasant smells. Some individuals are allergic to mold and even those who aren’t allergic can experience difficulties breathing. If you believe your air conditioning unit isn’t operating properly you should call a repair technician.
If Unit Goes Out
If your unit goes out there are a few steps you should take to keep yourself safe until the technician can fix it. Begin by creating a cross-breeze with portable fans, cracking your windows, limiting the use of heat-producing appliances, getting out of the house, or using a portable AC unit. If these options don’t help and it is after business hours you should consider calling a 24-hour AC repair service.
