What's That Smell? Odor And 6 Other Signs Your Air Conditioning System Might Be On The Brink
June of 2018 marked a record 402 months in a row that the average global temperature was above normal, and if you're feeling that heat in your home, it might just be your old air conditioning system telling you it's time for a replacement. Beyond the heat and wanting to feel comfortable inside the confines of your own home, you need to be as energy-efficient as possible to hopefully minimize your carbon footprint and contributions to global climatic chaos. Whether the weather is in a permanent state of rising temperatures or not, if your air-conditioning is on the brink, you're dealing with your own personal environmental challenges. Here's how to tell if your AC is about to crash:
1. That Funny Smell
A number of issues could cause an odd or even offensive odor to come from your AC vents, ranging from an (unfortunate) animal lodged in the unit to electrical issues. Since some of these smells could indicate danger, it's a good idea to contact an HVAC contractor, who can then rule out toxic fumes from internal chemicals or potential fire hazards from the wiring within the motor. A dusty smell, although unpleasant, isn't usually dangerous and should simply mean the unit needs cleaning; however, other smells, particularly those you can't identify or that remind you of a chemical, should be checked out by a professional.
2. Those Strange Noises
If your AC is making strange sounds, like a clank or a boom or a bang, there's likely something going on inside there that shouldn't be. While this doesn't automatically mean you'll need to replace the unit, it definitely warrants further investigation. An internal part might be disconnected, meaning it's haplessly clamoring around in there, or the thermostat may be about to conk out. Some noise can be expected when you first turn the system on, up, down, or off, but don't ignore noises at other times, as they're a warning sign of something.
3. Your Rising Energy Costs
When an AC unit is old or not operating as efficiently as it was designed to, there will be a noticeable difference in your utility bill. The machine is having to try harder to accomplish the task that it did much more easily when it was new.
4. A Lame Air Flow
Air not flowing freely from your system is also an indication that something is amiss, and in this case, it's most likely the compressor. This scenario, too, leads to a greater drain on power as the machine tries to compensate or someone in the house keeps making adjustments to the thermostat, which will all be reflected on your electric bill.
5. The Feeling That Your AC Isn't Keeping Its Cool
There might have been a time when you were able to enjoy the rapid cooling effect of your AC in just about every room in your house. When that love is gone and you're left a little bit warmer over here and even warmer over there, you might have a thermostat problem. The older your unit is, the more apt it is to need replacement when it simply can't keep up anymore.
6. Those Tell-Tale Water Drips
Water dripping from the main outdoor AC components most likely means the hose draining condensation is compromised somewhere, and while that could mean an easy fix, you'd want to have it repaired quickly to avoid issues with mold. Other drips and moisture buildup could be far more serious, but it's best to let the professionals make that call. If you're noticing more indications of moisture or a musty smell from your cooling system, don't put off contacting an HVAC specialist.
7. More And More Breakdowns
If you could write your own list of the symptoms of an aging or failing air-conditioning system based on recent experience, the reality you have to face is that it's probably time to call an HVAC contractor and talk about air conditioning replacement. Continuing with repairs, suffering through heat waves with inadequate cooling, and paying much more than you should for electricity is hardly worth putting off the inevitable for much longer.
Squeezing A Little More Life Out Of Your AC System
Unless your system is about to completely fall apart or is otherwise dangerous to keep running, you might be able to squeeze a little more life out of it, but it's not a good idea to do that without the guidance of a pro. You don't want the AC failing completely during warm weather (when HVAC contractors tend to be super busy) and it's more favorable to control when you replace any major system in your house, especially the more expensive ones. Ask the contractor how much longer they think your system will last, what you can do to extend the life of it, and if they have any other tips on economical replacement. They'll understand your need to save money or hold off on a major household project and will know the best way to go about patching your current system together in the meantime.
With record-breaking temps and climates seemingly out of control, you need to be able to keep a handle on the environment within the place you call home. It is, after all, your refuge and the place you run to when the outside world becomes overbearing, especially when the temperature soars. Protect your ability to keep your home cool by maintaining the system you do have well and knowing when it should ultimately be replaced.