Air conditioners are an essential part of any home or office today. From the moment they were invented, air conditioners have evolved into one of the most dependable cooling sources in homes and businesses worldwide. Yet, despite this fact, thousands of homeowners throughout the country suffer through oppressive summer heat without proper cooling systems. There is a simple reason for this. If your air conditioner is not working properly, you are at risk of dealing with the heat without proper cooling.

Signs Your AC Is Not Working

Before you get too far into the summer, look around your home or office to make sure everything looks normal. A few warning signs might indicate that you need AC repairs done quickly. If your AC is not working, you might notice one or more of the following warning signs:

Blowing Warm Air:

Of course, the most obvious sign that your air conditioner is not working properly is warm air. If the air coming out is only slightly cooler than the air outside, your AC unit is likely in need of repair or replacement. Also, look for open doors or windows that might be the root cause of the lack of cool air in your home. If you see something like this, close them quickly to avoid losing all of your cooled air. The same applies if you see that your AC unit is making a lot of noise, especially grinding noises.

Hissing Sounds:

A hissing sound could indicate one of several different problems with your system. Sometimes this noise might come from a loose or missing part, such as one of the protective grates on an outdoor unit. If you see any parts like this near your unit, make sure they are in place and fastened down securely. Another possible reason for a hissing sound is that there is dirt buildup in the motor vent. This usually means that it is time to replace the air filter or that you need AC repairs done immediately to avoid further complications with overheating and other problems caused by lack of proper cooling.

Leaking Water:

If you notice water leaking from your AC unit, it is important to look for the source of the leak. You never want a constant flow of water coming out of your air conditioner if it can be helped. Not only does this mean that there is an internal problem with your system, but it also means that mold and mildew are likely to form under normal conditions. That said, if you find the source of the leak and fix it, there might not be any need to call in professional help.

AC Unit Has Bad Odor:

A bad odor is one of the less common warning signs that your AC is not working properly. This smell could indicate mildew or mold formed because of excess moisture caused by a leaking AC unit. On the other hand, it could be caused by several things, such as dirty air filters or a clogged drainage system. If you notice this smell, for your health and safety you need to find the source of the leak and fix it as soon as possible before mold and mildew cause extensive damage to your home or office.

Higher Energy Bills:

Another warning sign that you might have a problem with your AC is a higher energy bill. This means that the system needs to be serviced or repaired in many cases. While this may not always be related to a faulty air conditioner, it could also indicate that the current temperature outside is particularly warm. This might be a good time to check for problems with your system so at least you can find out if they are the source of the problem before warmer weather returns and demands more cooling power from an AC unit that is less than 100%. In any case, it never hurts to have your system looked at by a professional before higher temperatures return.

While most of these warning signs can be taken care of on your own if you have some knowledge about air conditioners, it is always best to call in a professional if you are not sure what is wrong. Most professionals recommend having your AC serviced at least once a year, but you should check with your specific service provider to see what their recommendations are. Trying to fix something you don’t understand can often lead to bigger problems and more expensive repairs in the future. However, by catching these warning signs early, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and ensure that you stay comfortable during the summer.