6 signs you need an AC repair

by | Jan 23, 2025 | Air conditioning, HVAC

air conditioning repair, air conditioning replacement, HVAC repair

It’s important to know when to call in the professionals for AC repair in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania

In most cases, it’s no great mystery that your air conditioner isn’t working and is in need of AC repair. But some people might just resolve themselves to live with it, or they might convince themselves that it’s all in their head — either way, they aren’t getting the HVAC repairs they need, when they need them. In many cases, air conditioning problems will just get worse over time and more expensive to fix, so getting prompt repairs is in your best interest.

At Tri-Elite Advisors, we know how much money that procrastinating the repairs you need can cost you. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of signs that you need to get your air conditioner repaired:

#1 Your energy bills are higher than normal.

In this day and age, we are reliant on energy for everything from cooking our dinners to doing our laundry, so a spike in your energy bill isn’t necessarily due to a problem with your air conditioner, especially if it’s a minor one. However, heating and cooling costs account for nearly half of the average American’s energy bill, so it’s not out of the question to assume that your air conditioner is to blame during the summer. Paying attention to your energy bills pays off when it comes to catching HVAC issues.

#2 Your unit is making weird sounds.

There are a lot of moving parts inside your air conditioner, and any unusual noise is a sure sign that something is going wrong with those parts. For example, if the moving parts inside your system need to be lubricated, it can cause a squealing noise. Your unit could also squeal if its belt slips out of place. If your system is making a grinding noise, it indicates that the motor bearings are likely broken. Getting your air conditioner serviced right away is important if it’s making these kinds of noises. If you fail to get it repaired in a timely manner, it could lead to a system failure.

#3 Your unit is emitting a strange odor.

Any strange odor coming from your air conditioner is a red flag that something could be seriously wrong. If the odor is kind of musty, there’s a high likelihood that there is mold growing inside your unit, or possibly even in your duct-work. If anyone in your home has respiratory problems, then it’s important to make sure that you get it taken care of as soon as you can, because mold can exacerbate respiratory problems. If the odor is especially strong or foul, there’s a good chance that the wire’s insulation in your unit has burned out.

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#4 Your unit is leaking

If there is moisture sitting around your air conditioner, there could be two main causes:

Drain tube problems – Is there water pooling adjacent to your air conditioner? This could be a sign that the drain tube is either broken or clogged. Drain tube problems are much less serious than refrigerant leaks, but you should still get them taken care of right away because they can lead to mold growth in your unit.

Refrigerant leak – Refrigerant leaks are a serious issue and should be repaired by a professional right away. If the unit is low on refrigerant, it will create bad airflow and will cause the compressor to fail.  The refrigerant needs to be replaced promptly.

#5 Your air conditioner’s air flow is poor

Does the air coming out of your vents seem incredibly weak and half-hearted? Over time, debris can build up inside of your ducts, restricting the flow of air in your home. However, it’s fairly rare for ducts to get so dirty that they actually require cleaning, so there’s a much stronger chance that the problem is originating in your air conditioner. Poor air flow is commonly a sign that your system’s compressor is on the brink of failing.

#6 Your unit is not putting out cool air

This is the most obvious sign that your air conditioner needs to be repaired, because, well, what’s the point of your air conditioner if not to keep your home cool? If, regardless of what you set your thermostat on, the air coming out of your vents just isn’t very cold — or not cold at all —there could be something seriously wrong with your unit.

This could indicate that your air conditioner’s freon levels are way too low, which may mean that your system needs to be replaced. It could also mean that the compression has reached the end of its life.  Either way, it’s important to get your system serviced as soon as you can when the air that it’s pumping out isn’t cool.

Let Tri-Elite Advisors HVAC handle all of your AC repairs and maintenance needs

When it comes to AC repairs and maintenance, Tri-Elite Advisors HVAC is the trusted choice for reliable, professional service. Our experienced technicians quickly diagnose and resolve issues, ensuring your system operates efficiently and effectively. Regular maintenance from our team prevents breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your unit, and helps reduce energy costs.

With 24/7 availability, competitive pricing, and discounts for veterans, seniors, and military members, we are dedicated to keeping your home cool and comfortable all season long. Servicing Kent and New Castle County Delaware, Chester and Delaware County Pennsylvania, and Cecil County Maryland. Contact us today!

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