It’s the middle of summer and your air conditioning unit has stopped working. Do you try to troubleshoot it yourself or do you call a professional? For a quick and reliable fix, you may want to just call us up right away. After all, lack of air conditioning can contribute to serious health issues or even death when a heat-wave strikes.

However, in other cases, trying to troubleshoot the issue yourself may be possible, at least until we can get out to help. In this blog post, we will discuss knowing “when to say when” (calling for help vs. doing it yourself).

1. When your air conditioning unit stops working in the middle of summer

A broken air conditioner during a heat wave can be a serious health hazard. Without the AC, the temperature in your home will quickly rise, potentially reaching dangerous levels.

This can be especially harmful for young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions. In addition, the lack of AC can lead to dehydration, as people perspire more when it’s hot and may not drink enough fluids.

To avoid these health hazards, it’s important to have your AC checked regularly and to call a repairman immediately if it breaks down. Taking these precautions will help you stay cool and safe during the hottest days of summer.

2. When you can’t seem to get the temperature just right, no matter what you do

There are a few reasons why your HVAC unit might not be keeping your house at the temperatures you’re setting. One possibility is that the air filter needs to be changed.

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and lead to poor performance. Another possibility is that the thermostat is not set correctly. If the thermostat is not set to the correct temperature, it can prevent the HVAC unit from heating or cooling the house properly.

Finally, it is possible that the HVAC unit itself is not working properly. If this is the case, it will need to be repaired or replaced. In any case, if your HVAC unit is not keeping your house at the desired temperature, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem so that you can maintain a comfortable environment in your home.

3. When strange noises are coming from your HVAC unit

Strange noises coming from your HVAC unit can be cause for concern. After all, the last thing you want is for your unit to break down in the middle of a heat wave or cold snap.

However, not all strange noises indicate a serious problem. In many cases, they can be easily fixed with a bit of troubleshooting. Here are some of the most common strange noises coming from HVAC units, and what you can do about them.

• Rattling noises: it could be that something has come loose inside the unit. This is usually not a major problem and can be fixed by simply tightening any loose bolts or screws.
• Hissing: it could be that air is leaking from one of the connections. This can be fixed by simply tightening the connection.
• Loud banging: this could be indicative of a more serious problem and you should contact a professional immediately.

Whatever strange noise you may be hearing from your HVAC unit, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact a professional if you’re unsure what to do.

4. When there is water leaking from the unit

When your HVAC unit is leaking water, it can be cause for concern. However, there are some instances when this is normal and nothing to worry about. For example, if the unit is leaking water during a heavy rainstorm, this is likely due to condensation from the humidity in the air.

If the leak is small and only happens occasionally, it’s probably nothing to worry about. However, large or persistent leaks could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a faulty condensate pump or a clogged drain line. Diagnosing and seeking help early can help you avoid costly damages and prevent HVAC down days when you really need that extra boost of air.

5. When the power bill spikes for no apparent reason

Did your energy bill suddenly spike? First, check to see if your energy company has changed anything on the itemizations. It’s also possible your family’s energy use has increased without you realizing it.

This can happen if someone starts using space heaters or if there are new appliances in the home. If you’re unsure of the reason for the increase in your bill, you can always contact your energy company for more information.

That said, it’s always possible that your unit could use a tune-up. As with cars, an HVAC system can experience wear and tear, causing it to work harder to maintain the same temperatures. Pay close attention to how long it’s running, as well as many of the other warning signs we’ve presented.

If your air conditioning unit stops working in the middle of summer, don’t suffer in silence. Superior AC & Heat is used to dealing with these types of emergencies and we can get your unit up and running as quickly as possible. 

We will diagnose the problem and make any necessary adjustments. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help or to set an appointment!