Do I Need an AC Repair or Replacement?
As a homeowner, if your air conditioning system is no longer operating as efficiently as it used to, it can be difficult to determine whether it needs to be replaced or repaired. To help you make a more informed decision, we are going to take a look at the various situations in which you should either call for AC repair or replacement.
Thermostat Issues
Typically, you don’t need a new AC unit if the problem lies within the thermostat. In most cases, thermostat issues are linked to faulty wiring or an expired battery. Our AC contractors in Ottawa deal with thermostat problems on a regular basis. One of the most common signs that there is something wrong with your thermostat is if one section of your house is very cold or very warm, while other parts are at roughly the same temperature.
Foul Smells
If you’ve noticed a foul odor flowing through your home’s ventilation system, it is important that you have your AC unit inspected. If there is an unpleasant smell coming from it, most likely the unit’s wire insulation may have burned out. If the smell isn’t emanating from the AC unit, you may be dealing with mold and/or mildew infestation in your vents. If this is so, you need to get in touch with us as soon as possible to have your ductwork properly cleaned. Both of these issues are associated with pungent smells. However, it is relatively easy to differentiate the earthy, musty smells produced by mold, mildew, and other fungi from the “burning” scent of fried wires.
Unexpected Moisture
While it is common for condensation to form in/around the AC unit, particularly during summer, if what you find looks more like pools of water, it’s a sign that your AC unit most likely has a leak. Water pools around the AC system can be due to a blocked or broken drain tube. This is the tube that drains excess condensation from the unit. It is crucial that you have this issue addressed as soon as possible to prevent mold/mildew from developing. Even more serious, it could be that your AC unit is leaking refrigerant – a substance that is harmful to human health. This is an issue that you’d want addressed as soon as possible. We recommend calling in our experts right away to diagnose the problem.
No Cool Air
There is nothing more upsetting than turning on your AC unit during a hot summer day only to have no cool air coming out – even when you switch the setting to “full blast’. This issue can be due to a number of reasons – none of which are good. The first is that your AC unit is already past its expected lifespan and can no longer function properly. The second is that the system’s compressor has failed. In both instances, your only option is to get a new AC unit. In the best-case scenario, no cool air coming out may be due to the unit’s Freon levels being too low and in need of recharge/refilling. However, depending on the age of the system, you may decide to just replace the system.
Weird Noises
Let’s say, one day, while gardening in your backyard, your AC unit unexpectedly starts making grating grinding, or squealing sounds, have it inspected right away. While the problem could be due to something benign like a branch or rock stuck inside, a squealing noise may be due to a belt that has become dislodged, or one or multiple metal parts of the unit needing lubrication. Grinding noises may be due to broken metal bearings, which are a more serious issue.
Contact a Professional!
Regardless of the situation, we highly advise that you contact the AC experts at Furlong HVAC Services. We will carefully assess the issue and determine whether your AC unit is need of repair or whether it is best to buy a new system.
