1) Your air conditioner is not working at all. Before calling in a professional to address this issue, you may want to check a few things yourself. Check to see if your thermostat is set to “cool”. Confirm that your designated cooling temperature is less than the temperature of the room or home. If everything is set correctly, check the electrical panel to be sure you do not have a tripped breaker. If these things all check out and your air condition unit is still not working, it is time to call in a professional.
2) You hear the unit running, but there is little or no cool air coming out of your vents. If your thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature and your home is still uncomfortably warm, your air conditioner is not doing its job correctly.
3) Your air conditioner is making strange noises. You are likely familiar with the typical noises your unit makes as it cycles. In fact, if you live in a warmer climate, your unit’s normal noise is a steady part of the background music of your life. So, when you hear noises that sound different from the norm, it is time to call for repairs.
4) Your air conditioner smells bad. Unusual odors coming from your unit indicate there is dirt, mold, or mildew inside your unit which can circulate contaminated air through your home. Bad smells are more than just a nuisance. They indicate a problem which needs to be addressed right away to avoid health issues for your family.
5) Your air conditioner is short cycling. It is perfectly normal for your air conditioner to cycle on and off to maintain a set temperature throughout your home. However, if you notice that it is turning on and off more frequently than usual and the outside temperature is not particularly warmer than normal, it is possible that your unit is malfunctioning. Short cycling puts extra stress on your air conditioner, and can cause it to fail entirely if not handled quickly.
6) Water is leaking in and around your unit. While a small amount of condensation is normal for your unit, excessive water is an indication of problems. Because your air conditioner has electrical components which must be protected from water damage, you will need to contact an HVAC repair person for help.
7) Your unit is icy or frosty. Just as excessive water indicates a problem, so too ice or frost in your air conditioner is problematic. Blocked or restricted airflow can lead to ice buildup, which can literally cause your unit to freeze.
If you detect any of these signs that your AC is malfunctioning, it is wise to call a professional AC repair pro. After all, the reason you have an air conditioner is for your comfort. If you are uncomfortable, it is time to call for help.