5 Signs You Need AC Repair in Santa Fe Springs
At 15.98 cents per kWh, Santa Fe Springs’ average residential electricity rate is over 4% more than that of the state. In fact, it’s almost 35% greater than the national average rate of 11.88 cents per kWh!
But you know what? If your air conditioner is running inefficiently, then not only are they making less money off of each kilowatt that’s used but also the whole system as a whole suffers. And who can afford those extra costs when living in Santa Fe Springs??
The good news though- there are plenty ways for us all to cut down on our energy bills!
That’s what we’re here to share with you today, so be sure to keep reading!
1. Weak Air Flow or Air isn’t Cool Enough
If you notice that there’s not enough cool air coming out of your AC’s vents, check the filter first. You may have a dirty or clogged one which is stopping its flow- so change it every three months and also keep an eye on those temperatures to make sure they don’t go too high!
If you recently changed your filter though, damaged fan blades may be to blame. These not only cause weak air flow, but can also lead to a faulty condenser. Condenser unit problems are some of the top causes of AC failure, so be sure to get that fan fixed ASAP!
If the problem is that your AC isn’t producing cool enough air, a bad compressor may be the culprit. The compressor is the part of your AC that turns the refrigerant into gas and then back into liquid. It needs to do this in a constant cycle so that you can keep enjoying cool air.
So, if the compressor is on its last legs, it may no longer be able to complete that cycle. Or, it may not even be transforming the refrigerant into gas anymore.
Either way, it’s best to call an HVAC repair pro in Santa Fe Springs to inspect your air conditioner. The experienced technician will determine the exact cause of the airflow issue.
2. Your AC Blows Out Warm Air Instead
You don’t want your AC producing warm instead of cool air! But a more dangerous cause is refrigerant leak. Especially if you have R22 or Freon in there, it can lead to an explosion and fire hazard- so be sure that any repairs are done by professionals who know what they’re doing before this happens!
Air conditioners manufactured on or before 2015 use Freon, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). CFCs are chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, which is why this refrigerant is nearing a phase-out. Come January 01, 2020, production and supply of R22 will stop.
Refrigerant leaks also often produce hissing sounds, so if you hear those, call an AC repair pro. Better yet, consider replacing your air conditioner if it’s using Freon.
3. Skyrocketing Electricity Bills
12% of your electricity bill already goes towards AC use, so you wouldn’t want that to jump any higher. The thing is, a broken air conditioner part (like a failing motor) requires more energy to run. In most cases, it’s the unit’s attempt to compensate for its inefficient performance.
Let’s say your AC’s condenser motor is already dying. Since it’s failing, it’ll have a hard time removing heat from inside your home. So, it’ll make up for that inefficiency by running longer, thus consuming more energy.
The longer you put off having your AC repaired, the higher your electricity bills will be. Also, even if the unit is still working, it won’t be long until that motor completely dies. Wait until it does, and you’re looking at even more expensive repair expenses.
4. Powers On and Off
Your air conditioning system is more than just a bunch of cooling coils and an evaporator plate. In order to work, it needs certain components that are integral for proper operation: A thermostat – which you can find on most systems under the dashboard or inside near your windows; fans –to move hot outside air through them so they cool down before entering our homes’ walls etc., but these same devices provide relief when we need fresh
If your thermostat malfunctions, it can’t read the room temperature right. This then leads to shorter cooling cycles, or “short-cycling”. If you run into this problem, you’ll notice your unit powers on or off by itself or it cycles on and off more quickly.
Either way, you’ll feel that the room doesn’t seem to be cool enough or that it warms up too fast. Call an AC repair expert to check your thermostat as it may already need replacement.
5. Foul Smells Coming from the Vents
The AC unit you bought may be causing a stench that smells like moldy bread or wet socks. This could just come from your condenser pan, which sits water and leads to development of the molds thus producing those off odors in your home’s atmosphere!
A simple fix is draining this part but if there are other issues arise such as burning wire insulation then call an HVAC technician right away because they’ll know what needs done next
Other Signs You Need AC Repair in Santa Fe Springs
Air conditioners, even the most “quiet” ones, still produce a gentle humming sound. But if you hear odd noises, such as squeals, scraping, and grinding sounds, that’s a different story.
A common culprit behind this is a loose or broken fan belt. The rubber may be rubbing or slapping against other internal parts of the AC. A grinding sound often indicates two metal parts rubbing against each other.
Whichever the cause of the sounds, contact an experienced AC repair technician ASAP. Delays in repairs can cause bigger damages to more sensitive internal parts of the unit.
Get Those AC Problems Fixed ASAP
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, pick up that phone to request AC repair in Santa Fe Springs. Especially if you smell exhaust-like or burning odors. Not only are they telling signs of a broken AC, but they can also signal poisoning and fire hazards.
If you need immediate HVAC repair services, know that we can help. Don’t hesitate to connect with us now so we can get your AC or furnace back to excellent working order!
