Signs You Need AC Repair

Home | Blog | Published on September 26th, 2022

Air conditioning maintenance isn’t an optional expense. It’s an important investment in your HVAC system and your entire home. But when everything is working and nothing seems to be wrong, it’s easy to put off maintenance appointments. But something will inevitably go wrong with your air conditioner in the future – whether it’s next week or six months from now or even a few years from now. Staying consistent with routine HVAC maintenance benefits your system and helps avoid surprise breakdowns.

But when you stick to a scheduled maintenance plan, you reduce the chances of surprise repair bills and system problems because you address problems before they even begin. If you’re ready to schedule air conditioning repair in Simi Valley, our team can help. But how do you know when something is wrong and it’s time to call for repairs? Learn the signs that you need AC repair and stay ahead of HVAC breakdowns.

What are signs you need heating and cooling repair?

Weak or inconsistent airflow coming from vents
Warm air blowing when cooling or heating is expected
Strange noises like banging, grinding, or screeching from the unit
System frequently turns on and off (short cycling)
Sudden spikes in energy bills without increased usage

Warm Air from Vents? It’s a Sign You Need AC Repair

This may seem pretty obvious. You’d be surprised by the number of homeowners who ignore this sign because it’s not that bad. If warm air is blowing instead of cool air, something is wrong. Ignoring this just means that the damage will get worse with each passing day. You may be tempted to tinker with the unit and its settings to troubleshoot yourself, but any achievements will likely be a bandaid on a larger problem. Common AC repair needs like this should always be addressed by a professional.

High Energy Bills Could Mean AC Trouble

Some seasons cost more to heat or cool your home, and that’s reflected in your energy bill. But are you seeing bills that are more than you expected them to be? Before you panic, take a look at recent energy usage or even compare your current bill to the previous year.

If you notice that your usage is increasing, your air conditioner may be losing efficiency. As it works harder to cool your home, your energy bills get more expensive. Scheduling a maintenance appointment gives our team a chance to tighten loose parts, clean out your air ducts and get your AC unit back to running more efficiently.

Strange Noises from Your AC? Here’s What They Mean

Some AC sounds are completely normal to hear. For example:

The fan blowing
Ductwork rattling occasionally
The compressor clicking on and off
The hum of the motor during a cooling cycle

These sounds aren’t worrisome, and you may not even notice them at all because they are so quiet. But if you hear loud or unexpected noises coming from your air conditioner, something is definitely wrong. Some loud noises happen once or twice, while others are persistent and don’t stop. Any unusual noises call for an expert inspection. Left unaddressed, the problems can get worse and damage can spread.

What Short Cycling Means for Your AC System

Short cycling is a process that happens when your air compressor turns on and off repeatedly in an effort to cool your home. These cooling cycles should last at least 15 minutes with a good amount of time between each one. But if you hear your compressor clicking on and off frequently, then your unit is short cycling. This may not seem like a huge problem if your home is staying cool, but short cycling signals AC upgrade time and can put a major strain on your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the common signs that my AC needs repair?
Answer: If your AC makes unusual noises like banging, grinding, rattling, or persistent clicking, that’s a clear red flag. Bad or musty odors, lukewarm air from vents instead of cold, weak airflow, or a sudden spike in energy bills are also common signs that your AC needs repair.

Question: What does “short cycling” mean and why is it a problem for my AC?
Answer: Short cycling happens when the compressor in your AC turns on and off repeatedly in quick succession instead of completing a full cooling cycle. This puts extra strain on the system and often signals underlying issues, representing a clear indicator that service is needed.

Question: Can increased energy bills signal AC problems?
Answer: Yes. If your electricity costs jump noticeably even though your use hasn’t changed, it could mean your AC is working harder than necessary, often due to reduced efficiency from wear, leaks, clogged filters or duct issues.

Question: Should odd smells or poor air quality ever prompt an AC checkup?
Answer: Absolutely. Musty or moldy smells might point to mold growth in ducts or moisture build up. Chemical or refrigerant like odors can signal leaks. Burning smells may indicate electrical faults. Any unexpected smell should prompt a professional inspection.

Question: If my AC sometimes works but cooling is uneven, is that worth repairing?
Answer: Yes. Uneven cooling, for example some rooms stay warm while others are cool, often indicates issues like duct leaks, airflow problems, or a failing blower. It’s a valid reason to call for repair rather than ignore the problem.