Be proactive

You wouldn’t ignore grinding and squealing noises coming from under the hood of your car. The same should apply when it comes to your appliances—specifically your air conditioner. Residents of Sarasota, you know how hot and humid the weather gets. With the incoming summer heat, you’ll want to be as knowledgeable as possible about the symptoms of a failing air conditioner, so you can spend less time worrying about problems and more time enjoying life at places like Myakka River or Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Here are some of the signs to watch for:

Where’s the air?

You say, “last year’s airflow was so much better”. If you notice that there is little to no air coming from your air conditioner when it cycles on, you may be dealing with a system on the fritz. It is vital to address the issue promptly. The cause of the problem is most likely associated with failing air compressor motor or clogged ducts.

Why is it not cold?

The air is coming out fine, but it’s not as cold as it once was. Lukewarm air coming out of your vents is a sign that your air conditioner system is low on the refrigerant Freon. It’s advised to not deal with refrigerants of your cooling system unless you’re a trained HVAC serviceman. But you probably wouldn’t be reading this if you were. This air conditioner problem will likely need the help from a professional, so don’t hesitate to call.

What’s that noise?

It’s surely not Mickey Mouse. That squeaking, squealing, or grinding noise may be coming from a failing air conditioner. You may find yourself looking for an AC replacement at the local wholesale air conditioner outlet store if you ignore these noises for long. The sounds can imply a variety of problems with your system. Worn out belts need replacing, bearings need lubrication, and other moving parts need grease. If you’re not mechanically savvy, you’ll want to have an expert to take a listen at the noises coming from your air conditioner.

What’s that smell?

Do you smell mildew or mold every time you run your air conditioner? If this is the case, you’ll want to look at the ducts for any buildup of debris. Having clean ducts is vital for the proper functioning of your system AND your health. Are there any other foul odors coming from your vents? This could be a sign of wires that have burnt off their casing. This is a potential hazard and will certainly require the help of a trained serviceman to avoid needing an AC replacement.