As the summer arrives many Australians turn on their AC units without a second thought. Despite the fact they have been sitting dormant for many months and may not have been serviced, people simply expect them to do their job.
The great thing is that in many cases they do. But, this doesn’t change the fact that you should have the unit serviced every year to ensure they work and to extend their lifespan. The last thing you want is to have to pay for replacement industrial air conditioning, no matter how good the latest systems are.
As well as regular servicing you should ensure you are aware of the most common warning signs that your AC system has an issue and needs help fast.
- Unusual Sounds
When any appliance makes a different noise to normal you should have it checked and the issue verified and resolved. Air conditioning units are usually quiet, you’ll hear the sound of air moving and not much else.
If you notice grinding or squealing noises it needs to be checked.
- Smells
Another thing that you should be looking for is a strange smell. The most common smell associated with any electrical appliance is electrical burning. This is a distinct aroma and tells you there is a problem with the electrical components.
Your AC may also smell like rotten eggs, this means there is a gas leak that will need to be rectified as quickly as possible.
- Lack Of Cold Air
Your Ac is supposed to pump out cold air, this effectively reduces the temperature of the space and ensures you are comfortable at your chosen temperature.
If you notice that the AC unit isn’t putting out cold air then you have an issue. This could be simply connected to a thermostat set wrong or becoming faulty. However, it can also be a refrigerant leak or a problem with the coil. You’ll definitely need professional help.
- Poor Air Flow
When the airflow is reduced your AC unit will struggle to cool the space and this will place strain on the unit. In turn, this will shorten its lifespan. Reduced airflow is often a result of dirty or blocked filters, something that can be quickly and easily resolved. Of course, if left they can cause the entire system to fail.
- It’s Age
No matter how well you look after your AC unit the fact is they are not built to last forever. After 10-15 years they are likely to start failing. At the same time, you will probably find it hard to locate replacement parts, making a new unit the most sensible and cost-effective option.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your AC unit means it will last longer and that’s better for your wallet. However, this does mean regular servicing should be seen as essential and you still need to be aware of these warning signs, they can help you to plan the replacement at your convenience.