Your air conditioning system will give you warning signs that it needs service, repairs, or replacement. You can count on the professionals at Helms Heating & Air Conditioning to help you recognize these signs and avoid a breakdown during our sizzling Carolina summers!
Hot & Cold Spots
Are you experiencing hot and cold spots around your house? This could be a sign of an inefficient air conditioner, leaking ductwork, or poor airflow. These issues could cause your system to run longer resulting in shorter equipment life.
Higher Than Normal Power Bills
If your electric bill keeps rising each month, your air conditioner may be working harder than it should. This could mean it's not running efficiently due to age, a need for maintenance, or more severe issues.
Weird Odors
Odd smells coming from your air conditioning system are never normal. They can indicate problems with your system or lead to indoor air quality problems.
MOLD/MILDEW - A traditional air conditioning system takes indoor air, removes the moisture from it, and cools it down. A moldy odor may indicate an issue with the process of removing the moisture and humidity causing mold or mildew growth.
DIRTY SOCK - Dirty sock syndrome refers to air conditioner smells that are similar to a pile of dirty gym socks or dirty feet. The smell results from bacteria growth within the system, often on the evaporator coil.
BURNING SMELL - A burning odor, electrical smell, or gunpowder scent from an air conditioning system can indicate overheating or damaged components such as a motor, circuit board, or electrical wiring.
ROTTEN SMELL - A rotten smell coming from your cooling system is usually due to an unpleasant issue such as a dead rodent in your ducts. Small animals and insects can make their way into your ductwork in the attic or crawlspace.
CHEMICALS - The smell of chemicals can be traced to chemicals in your home, nearby vehicles, and even refrigerant leaks. Fumes from cleaning products, paints, adhesives, and other substances can linger within indoor air and be cycled through your air conditioning vents.
If you air conditioning system blower (furnace/air handler) is located near your garage, an idling car's exhaust fumes can make their way into the air supply. Always open your garage door before running a vehicle.
Older air conditioners may produce a sweet, chemical smell if a refrigerant leak is present. When leaked freon mixes with indoor air and spreads through the home, air quality will decline significantly.
Strange Sounds
If you're hearing strange sounds - grinding, squealing, or banging - it's a clear sign that something is wrong. Parts could be loose, off-balance, or failing. Get it checked out immediately.
Lukewarm Air
If your a/c is blowing out air that's lukewarm, something is off. It could be a number of things including a lack of refrigerant, too much refrigerant, a clogged filter, or failing component. Either way - you need to get it checked before it turns into a failure or expensive repair.