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Blog

10 Warning Signs YOUR AC IS ABOUT TO FAIL

6/1/2021

42 Comments

 
​You probably don’t think about your trusty HVAC system often. It’s kind of like breathing, your lungs are always working to pull new air into your body but it’s not something you think about. Just like your HVAC system runs behind the scenes to keep you comfortable in your home. As long as you’re comfortable, it’s just not on your mind. But the minute dull, hot air wraps around you like a blanket while watching TV – you instantly think, “Uh oh, what’s wrong with the AC?”. 
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What to look for when your HVAC system starts to fail.

Luckily, you don’t have to wait until your HVAC system stops working on a 95-degree day when your friends and family are coming over in an hour to celebrate your Son’s Birthday (that’s always when it happens, right?)
 
Be on the lookout for signs that your HVAC system might be reaching the end of its life:
 1. No cool air. Period.
If you keep turning down your thermostat lower and lower and no cool air comes out at all, it’s pretty much a dead giveaway something is wrong. It could be that you need a Freon refill or something more troublesome like a blown compressor.
 
2. Wacky thermostat.
One second your thermometer reads 72-degrees, the next it reads 80-degrees. If your thermostat is set to one temperature but you keep noticing a fluctuation throughout the day, it could mean your thermostat needs replacing or it could be signs of a larger problem to come.
 
3. Run Forest Run.
If your AC is running all day long and never stops it could mean a multitude of things – anything from a dirty air filter, to your unit being undersized, to your ducts being clogged, to your unit simply being old. Usually, it is a combination of any of these. Like a beloved dog, HVAC units have a life span of around 15 years. If your AC is running all day, it’s a good idea to have it checked to see what’s up.
 
4. This room’s hot – this room’s cold.
If you feel like Goldilocks going from room to room trying to find the temperature that is just right for you – your AC might be ready to call it quits. An AC that isn’t working efficiently might not be able to pump cool air to the parts of the home that are further away, resulting in rooms that are cold and rooms that are hot.
 
5. Something doesn’t smell right.
Did that pesky squirrel hit the dust in the attic or What. Is. That. Smell?! If you’re picking up something stinky it could mean your unit’s wiring has burned out or there could be a build up of mold and/or mildew in the duct work, AC unit or both. This growth can have negative health implications for your family so if something smells bad, it’s time to have a professional come inspect your HVAC system.
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6. A decline in the quality of air.
Last summer the house felt crisp, brisk and comfortable all summer long, like taking in a breath of fresh mountain air. This summer, the air feels heavier, almost like taking a deep breath on an ozone warning day in downtown Houston. Somewhere along the way, you feel like the air quality in your home has declined. This could be due to your ducts needing a good cleaning or it could mean your compressor or capacitor is failing. Either way, it’s time to get your unit checked out.

​
7. That doesn’t sound right!
If you start hearing bangs, clanks, screeches, whistles, grinding or grating from your HVAC unit, something’s up – usually broken motor bearings, slipped belts, or the system just needs a good tune-up with lubrication.
 
8. Is that a damp spot?
Woah – that area is supposed to be dry! Maybe your refrigerant is leaking or your conduit that disposes of condensation is broken or blocked. Don’t let obvious signs of dampness go unchecked – it can lead to mildew and mold growth that will cause even more complications down the road.
 
9. Higher energy bill.
Ouch – that energy bill hurt to pay! If you notice your energy bills climbing at a rate that is not normal for the time of the year, it could be that your HVAC unit is not running as efficiently and needs to be inspected.
 
10. Multiple Breakdowns.
If your HVAC system is being maintained as it should twice a year by a professional – it shouldn’t be randomly breaking down as most common AC issues are caused by a lack of maintenance. If you notice multiple instances where you’ve had to get repairs on your unit, it’s probably a sign that your system will need replacing soon. Talking with your HVAC professional will help you determine if it’s better to replace your unit now or continue risking costly repairs in the future. ​
​When it comes to replacing your unit – nothing goes in the same way it came out. There are always newer, more efficient units on the market and better options for your home. Our specialists at County Air will help fit a system to your home and budget’s needs so you can stay comfortable year round.
 
Give us a call at 281-356-8564 for any questions you may have. We are happy to provide free quotes and second opinions on HVAC system replacements. 
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42 Comments
kate hansen link
6/7/2021 02:27:26 pm

It's good to know that you should get our AC checked if it is running all day. My husband and I noticed last night how our AC has been running all day for the past couple of weeks, and we were wondering if that was a bad sign. We'll have to look into hiring an HVAC contractor to come and repair the issue for us as soon as possible!

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Country Air
6/28/2021 01:16:54 pm

So glad to hear this article helped, Karen. You will notice your AC running more often in the summer especially when it gets above 95 degrees but when you notice a difference in the way it ran say this summer compared to last summer and it seems to never turn off then it is a good idea to get it checked out. Take care!

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Best Access Doors link
6/28/2021 05:44:04 am

This is a good article. It is a combination of fun and informative. Thanks for sharing this!


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Country Air
6/28/2021 01:17:46 pm

Thank you so much, Best Access Doors! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Take care!

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Access Doors and Panels link
6/28/2021 05:53:13 am

The way you discussed the topic with ease and completeness is really amazing. Thanks for this article!


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Country Air
6/28/2021 01:18:59 pm

We are glad to hear that you enjoyed this article, thank you for reading it and stay tuned for more blogs coming soon. Take care!

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Afton Jackson link
7/12/2021 10:27:48 pm

The part of your article that mentioned a decline in air quality was really helpful to read about. Usually, our house is very soothing and relaxing to stay around in when we use the AC, but it's gotten stickier and stickier as time has gone on. If this is truly a problem of the unit, I better find an HVAC expert right away before summer begins.

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Country Air
9/1/2021 11:10:29 am

Hi Afton, thanks for reading our blog! Yes, it sounds like you have noticed that your air quality isn't what it used to be and that is definitely a sign that you should get it checked out. It could be a problem with the unit or it could be that your air ducts need a good cleaning. Either way, your HVAC professional should be able to lead you in the right direction. Take care!

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Always Air link
7/20/2021 08:35:48 am

You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!!

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Country Air
9/1/2021 11:11:45 am

Thanks so much Always Air for stopping by and reading our blog, feel free to share with anyone who needs the same information. Take care!

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Henry Killingsworth link
8/11/2021 01:28:12 pm

Thank you for helping me to understand that a climbing energy bill can indicate that an HVAC unit isn't running efficiently. If you are wanting to get a new air conditioning unit, it seems like you would want to get one that isn't too small or too large. An air conditioning unit that is too small or too large for your home probably wouldn't be very energy efficient.

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Country Air
9/1/2021 11:15:00 am

Hi Henry, thanks for reading our blog and for the comment! Yes you are right, you want to get an AC unit that fits your home perfectly. This is for energy efficient reasons and also to help prevent possible mold and mildew problems that can come from having a unit too large for your home which over humidifies your home. Your HVAC professional should be able to lead you in the right direction when it comes to making a decision. Take care!

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Hailey Miller link
8/23/2021 07:06:45 pm

Thanks for pointing out that if there is no cool air coming from the ac unit, it may be because of a blown compressor. My brother is hoping to be an HVAC expert by December so I will definitely share this with him at our dinner on Sunday. He is also hoping to find an HVAC test preparation that will help him pass the test in one take.

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Country Air
9/1/2021 11:16:36 am

Hi Hailey, thanks for stopping by and reading our blog! We wish your brother good luck on his upcoming test! We will have more blogs coming out as the year goes by so feel free to come back and see if there is any other useful tips he might want to know. Take care now!

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Zachary Tomlinson link
8/25/2021 01:01:09 am

My friend noticed that his air conditioning unit isn't cooling his remote work room recently. I find it alarming that this can indicate a failing AC part or a leak. I'll probably help him find an expert that could take a look at the unit if the issue persists.

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Country Air
9/1/2021 11:18:46 am

Hi Zachary, thanks for reading our blog! Yes, you are right, noticing a room not cooling properly where it had been previously is a telltale sign that something is up. An HVAC professional should be able to identify the problem and provide a solution. Take care!

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Charlotte Fleet link
9/15/2021 01:42:54 pm

I am very glad you mentioned that your AC unit may need to be repaired if you notice the cost of your energy bills climbing higher than normal. My dad mentioned that his energy bills have been quite a lot higher the past couple of months than they should be. I'll suggest that he hire a professional and get his AC checked out and repaired if necessary.

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ac installation link
9/28/2021 03:11:44 am

The size of your air conditioner isn't determined by the size of your home. It is dependent on the load, which is a phrase used by HVAC professionals to define the amount of heat in an area. Heat can come through the windows, walls, and roof in a house, and those things don't alter much. What does alter, however, is the number of people inside the house, how the space is used, and the type of heat-producing equipment in each room.

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Tex Hooper link
10/6/2021 05:47:19 pm

I think you are right about how lack of maintenance will lead to breaking units. I need to get a contractor to fix my outdoor unit. It has been leaking a lot of fluid.

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Access Doors and Panels link
10/8/2021 07:41:49 am

Good article with an excellent way of presentation. Keep it up. Thanks for sharing.


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Olivia Smart link
10/19/2021 09:54:46 am

I liked how you brought up how the unit could be leaking. My sister has noticed that her current unit is leaving some damp spots on her carpet. I'll be sure to mention that she should get that repaired soon.

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Bend Oregon Heating and Cooling link
10/19/2021 08:13:36 pm

This is very informative and useful. These signs are really the cause of failure in Heating and cooling unit.

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Greta James link
10/26/2021 08:15:20 pm

Thanks for explaining that an AC unit that runs all day might need to be repaired. Mine ran all summer long, and I only thought that was because it was so hot. I might need to contact a repair professional who can take a look and fix any issues with my unit.

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Henry Killingsworth link
12/1/2021 04:36:24 pm

It was really informative when you talked about how clanking and screeching sounds can indicate a problem with your HVAC system. My furnace makes a loud clanking sound every morning when it gets running. It might be a good idea for me to get a new furnace so that I can keep my family warm during the winter.

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Braden Bills link
12/15/2021 11:30:08 am

My home has been really hot, and I'm not sure how to fix it. It makes sense that this could be a sign of some future damages. I should get a professional to fix it for me.

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Jamie Wilson link
12/28/2021 09:57:05 pm

I like point 6 - "A decline in the quality of air" the most as it can be quite hard to observe/feel the decline in the air quality but it sure can be a direct tell-tale sign of a possible AC unit failure. Do you have more tips on how to gauge that accurately?

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John Carston link
1/28/2022 06:52:49 pm

I never took into account the fact that the higher bill is a sign of an HVAC problem. I believed the strange noise coming from our heating system was normal until it broke down. I appreciate your assistance in learning more about prevention to resolve our concerns, I'll be sure to seek the guidance of a reputable heating system installation service.

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Dryer Vent Cleaning Greenville link
1/29/2022 06:09:03 am

Dryer vent cleaning is an often overlooked component of general home maintenance that can have a number of adverse effects on your life. If you are experiencing anything from a wet basement to unexplained levels of electric bills, it is likely due to buildup in the dryer venting system. Clogged dryer vents not only make your clothes dryer take longer, costing you more money, but they also can cause structural damage to your home.

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Victoria Addington link
2/21/2022 11:13:57 am

I liked it when you discussed that ducts probably need thorough cleaning if the air quality in your home has declined. I realized that our ducted heating has never been checked since we installed them. I should call an HVAC contractor now to have them check the clean if needed.

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Smarterair link
3/12/2022 04:46:40 am

Thank you so much for your great information, It is too useful for me. Thanks again!

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Michaela Hemsley link
3/24/2022 05:34:13 pm

My husband and I have noticed that our AC doesn’t seem to be cooling our house evenly because some rooms are really cool and some are still hot. Thanks for mentioning that this could mean it’s time to get a new AC unit since uneven cooling is a sign it’s about to call it quits. We’ll have to look into HVAC professionals that can help us get a new one installed soon so that we can finally make sure our whole house is comfortable again.

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Eli Richardson link
3/30/2022 11:25:08 am

It really helped when you talked about AC units and how to identify a faulty one. Last night, we turned our cooling unit on but through the night, we noticed that it didn't cool as it should. We think something's up with our AC, so we'll be sure to look for a professional to help us out. We appreciate your insight on what it means if our air conditioner's thermometer keeps changing.

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Olivia Smart link
5/3/2022 01:49:07 pm

Thank you for explaining that a high energy bill could mean that your HVAC isn't running as efficiently as it should be. I've noticed some higher energy bills this last month, and I've been wondering what could be causing it. I'll be sure to talk to a technician soon to see if they can help us with getting this fixed sometime this week.

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Max Jones link
5/27/2022 01:53:18 pm

Thanks for the info about AC units. My home's AC is not working properly. I'll look for an HVAC contractor in my area.

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Afton Jackson link
7/4/2022 09:44:58 pm

We've been noticing a large decline in air quality around here, and we started to wonder what might be causing it. I noticed that this is only happening when we use our cooling unit, so reading that this could be a major cause of it really helped me learn what I need to do. I'll ask an HVAC expert to assist us with fixing this so the dust in the air can be solved.

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Aircond Installation Cyberjaya link
8/12/2022 05:57:17 am

Great! It’s really amazing article and with lot of knowledge sharing. thank you lot for you guys such a great work you guys are working on and please keep it up. Regards Aircon Repair kuala Lumpur

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Owens Heating and Air link
8/31/2022 07:34:57 am

These warnings are helpful to find the fault, and to understand when the hvac need to be fixed.

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Mia Evans link
9/6/2022 03:03:24 am

It really helped when you said that the unit might be at the end of its life when the thermostat keeps fluctuating even if you have set the temperature to a certain level. I guess I should start looking for new units if I really have to replace the old system in this house that I inherited from my parents. Personally, I wanted to try a ducted air conditioning system, because it seems more efficient and would cool or warm the house equally in each room.

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Millie Hue link
10/4/2022 10:52:08 pm

Thanks for pointing out that lubrication is probably needed when there are bangs, clanks, screeches, whistles, grinding, and grating noises form the unit. I have been hearing screeches earlier which is why I woke up earlier than my alarm. Because of that, I should probably hire an HVAC system repair professional tomorrow morning to get the problem addressed as soon as possible.

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American Air Conditioning & Heating - Mission Hills link
11/1/2022 01:37:11 pm

Interesting post, can't wait to read more of your post. Thank you for sharing!

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comfortspecialistsservices link
11/15/2022 06:21:25 am

I agree. In short, proper installation of an air conditioning system is extremely important. A shoddily installed system will certainly quickly develop expensive problems, even with the best equipment. A properly installed system that is regularly maintained will keep a residence comfortably cooled for year after year.

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Olivia Smart link
1/16/2023 12:33:45 pm

Thank you for pointing out how strange noises could mean that you need a tune-up or something needs to be replaced. I've been hearing some really weird sounds from our HVAC lately that have made me concerned. I'll be sure to call someone up soon to see which of these we'll need.

Reply



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