How to tell if my AC is broken?

This is a question we get asked quite often, so we thought we would take a minute and share a few key symptoms, based on our experience.

Here are 4 key symptoms that your AC might be broken, and you may be looking at an AC repair:

1. This is the number one symptom that you’re in need of an AC repair. The temperature in your home is going up, instead of down, even though you have set the temperature lower than the room temperature. Some systems may be a little undersized and it may take hours for the unit to catch up during a heat wave. However, if you have turned it down and it’s been several hours, but the temperature is actually increasing, then you have an issue and should have the unit looked at by a professional.
2. You have little to no airflow coming from your registers. This is another key symptom that you have an issue with your air conditioner. Often when the unit is low on refrigerant the evaporator coil freezes causing a blockage in your ductwork, picture a giant ice cube above your furnace stopping any air from getting by. This indicates a leak in your system, often of R22 or 410A refrigerant, and requires a professional to look at your air conditioner to check the refrigerant levels and potentially repair the leak in your air conditioner.
3. Loud noises coming from your outdoor AC unit, also referred to as a condenser. Any unusual noises coming from the condenser are a sign that you should have it looked at. If you ignore these noises, it can often lead to increased damage to the system. A humming or ticking noise is often an indication that you could be low on refrigerant, which can damage the overall system and permanently damage your AC compressor. Replacing a compressor is one of the costliest repairs on a central air conditioner, so do your wallet a favor and listen to the warning signs.
4. You notice the condenser is starting and stopping frequently. Some units have safety devices in place to try and protect the AC compressor. So, if you notice the unit starting and stopping frequently, this would be a very good reason to call an AC technician and have your system checked. Again, the compressor is the last thing you want to replace.

Don’t ignore the little signs, they can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Scheduled preventative maintenance of your central air conditioner is the simplest way to reduce breakdowns and costly repairs.