The heat and humidity of summer can intensify the adjustment period of going from tenant to homeowner, especially when air conditioning issues arise. As a tenant, a non-working air conditioning system meant calling the landlord or property manager and then finding some way to stay cool until help arrived. As a first-time homeowner, however, an air conditioning system repair issue can mean understanding the problem and then finding and paying for an expert to address it. First-time homeowners who want to learn to recognize minor A/C system repair issues before they become larger and more expensive can use this information to help educate them. 

Visible signs

Air conditioning systems cycle thousands of times during each cooling season. If the coolant level is not adequate, the system must begin to work even harder as it attempts to compensate. 

Coolant leaks are the most common reason for falling coolant levels in residential central air conditioning systems. Homeowners who feel that their system is working harder but pumping out less cool air should immediately check to see if there are signs of pooled coolant near the condenser coils on the outside component of the system.

Another visible clue that your home's central air conditioning system is in need of repair is when ice begins to form on the tubes or lines that connect to the evaporator. While these will feel cold when working normally, the formation of ice on their exterior surfaces is the first sign that an airflow obstruction issue has occurred. If not corrected quickly, the blower fan is likely to overheat and fail as well as causing significant damage to other parts of the system.

Audible signs

When operating correctly, most central air conditioning systems create only minimal sounds that are barely noticed inside the home.

First-time homeowners who notice that their home's central air conditioning system seems much louder or begins to emit squeals or other loud noises as it cycles are likely hearing the effects of a worn or failing component. For example, a worn belt on the fan may suddenly begin to squeal loudly when attempting to start-up.

Another audible sign of a looming ac repair issue is when the motor capacitor is failing and begins to make increasingly loud humming sounds during operation. 

If you are beginning to see or hear any signs that your central air conditioning system may be struggling with a potential repair issue, contacting a reputable air conditioning repair service as quickly as possible will help you keep your system operating properly and minimize the cost and scope of repairs. To learn more about signs that an A/C unit is in need of repairs, contact an air conditioning repair service near you. 

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