HVAC SHORT CYCLING AND OTHER SIGNS YOUR AC IS FAILING

Is Your AC Working Too Hard?

It’s that time of year again — residents of the sunny South take refuge in their living rooms in the hottest part of the day, thanking their lucky stars for the invention of air conditioning. Your AC works overtime during the summer, causing higher energy bills and more wear and tear on the unit. Is your AC working too hard? Warning signs like HVAC short cycling can alert you to minor problems before they become heated issues.

HVAC Short Cycling

HVAC short-cycling occurs when your air conditioning unit turns off before a cycle can be completed. This may be because your HVAC system is too large for your home. HVAC short cycling has several possible causes. Your compressor might be failing. Your air filter might be clogged. You might just need a refill on your refrigerant. HVAC short cycling puts serious stress on your system, so if you notice that your HVAC is turning on and off several times in an hour, call in the pros or it might be time to get an HVAC Maintenance Agreement.

Warm Air

If the air blowing through your vents isn’t cool, you’ve got an issue. Turn off the AC until you can get a repairman to your house. You may have a refrigerant leak or blockages in your refrigerant lines. It will become more severe if your system keeps operating.

Poor Airflow

If the airflow feels weaker than usual, it’s probably not just your imagination. Call a repairman and get it checked out. The problem could lie with your unit’s blower fan, or there could be more malignant issues like blockages in your ducts.

Water Leaks

Condensation is part of the air conditioning process. This moisture forms inside your air conditioner, and a drain tube shunts it away. (Learn more here.) If that tube is damaged or blocked, the water has nowhere to go, and will pool next to your unit. (If it’s on the roof, the first you’ll hear of this may be a leaky ceiling, so double-check your AC unit occasionally during the hot season to avoid those costly roof repairs!)

Bumps and Bangs

If you have to explain to your kids that the scary noise they hear is simply the AC turning on, you should probably call in the pros. Loose parts or a bad motor could be causing those spooky sounds. Address the problem before it gets worse and interferes with the operation of your AC unit.

Bad Smells

Wondering about that musty scent permeating your living room? Mold or other growth inside your air ducts may be to blame. If your air smells unpleasant, it’s probably not healthy to inhale, so call in reinforcements to diagnose the problem. (If you smell something even more unpleasant, like burning metal, turn off your AC and call a repairman immediately!)

Inaccurate Thermostat

Your air conditioner might be fine. But if your thermostat isn’t communicating correctly with your unit, it’s hard for even the most industrious blower to stabilize the temperature in your home. Run a few tests to ensure your thermostat isn’t the problem.

HVAC Repair in Raleigh & Wilmington

Newcomb and Company has been the Triangle’s most trusted HVAC experts in Raleigh and Wilmington for more than 60 years. If your system is acting up, we’ll cool you down. Schedule a service today because your comfort is our business!