How Do I Know If My AC Needs Repair?

Fort Collins has a reputation for having more than 300 sunny days a year. During the hottest months of summer, there are average highs of 85°F and average lows of 56°F. When hot days like this arrive, you don’t want to suddenly need air conditioner repair in Fort Collins. 

Fortunately, there are normally indications that your air conditioner (AC) is about to break down completely. Once you notice any concerning signs, you should reach out to our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals for help with AC repair in Fort Collins.

Do I Need AC Repair Services?

Whenever you notice symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it’s important to get professional help with your AC maintenance and repairs. Unusual noises, weird sounds, weak airflow, and cooling issues are just a few common signs you may notice. 

To learn more about air conditioner repair in Fort Collins and AC installations, check out our comprehensive AC guide today.

Unusual Noises 

Your AC shouldn’t make a lot of noise when you’re operating it. The following sounds are signs of a problem.

• Buzzing: If you notice a buzzing noise, it may be from a faulty condenser fan or electrical problems.
• Clanking: This type of noise often stems from an unbalanced or loose part. 
• Hissing: A hissing noise may mean you have a refrigerant leak. Because refrigerant is hazardous to your health and the environment, you should turn off your AC and call us right away for help. 
• Humming: This can occur because of a faulty condenser fan, frozen evaporator coils, loose parts, and electrical issues.
• Whistling: Whistling noises often stem from blocked vents, dirty air filters, and other airflow issues.
• Clicking: ACs often click when they’re first starting up. However, a constant clicking sound indicates electrical problems, thermostat issues, or faulty compressor components.

Inconsistent Cooling 

If your AC isn’t cooling every room to the same temperature, you may need air conditioner maintenance in Fort Collins. This problem can develop because of poor insulation, dirty air filters, and blocked vents. 

Short cycling can also cause your system to cool inefficiently. This can occur if you have thermostat problems, low refrigerant, a faulty compressor motor, or an oversized AC. 

Some cooling issues, like vent obstructions and dirty air filters, can be fixed on your own. For other problems, it’s important to schedule a visit from one of our HVAC professionals.

Weak Airflow

If your system has poor airflow, there are a few issues that might be to blame. A dirty filter can reduce airflow, so start by checking your air filter. Airflow issues can also stem from blocked or leaky ducts. Additionally, you may be dealing with blower motor problems or an obstructed return vent. 

Warm Air 

When your AC isn’t blowing cold air, it may be related to low refrigerant levels. Dirty condensers or evaporator coils are another common cause. Likewise, you may be dealing with a thermostat issue. 

To learn more about this type of air conditioner repair in Fort Collins, check out our blog on why your AC isn’t blowing cold air. We go into detail about 11 different causes of warm air and how to fix them, so you can learn more about what to expect.

High Energy Bills 

While it is normal for your energy bills to increase during the summertime, they shouldn’t go up by too much. Unexplained increases in your energy bill are a sign you may need Fort Collins AC maintenance. 

There are many different causes that can make your energy bill go up, but the underlying reason is the same. Something about your HVAC system is reducing your energy efficiency. As a result, your AC has to work harder to cool your home. In turn, this is causing higher energy bills. 

Higher energy bills are often related to the following issues:

• Dirty air filters 
• Low refrigerant 
• Short cycling 
• Duct leaks
• Faulty thermostat
• Blocked vents and registers

Unpleasant Smells 

Your AC shouldn’t make any unusual or unpleasant smells. If you notice one of the following odd scents, you may need AC repair in Fort Collins right away. 

• Sweet Smells: A sweet scent may mean that refrigerant is escaping your system. One of our HVAC technicians can find and repair the refrigerant leak. It’s also important to note that refrigerant doesn’t always have a scent, so you should schedule an appointment if you notice other indications of a leak.
• Burning Scents: Often, burning smells are related to your electrical components. There may be fried wires, a faulty circuit board, or an overheated motor. Electrical problems can lead to a fire, so it’s important to get professional help as soon as possible.
• Musty or Moldy Smells: If there is a problem with your AC, it can cause moisture and mold growth. Besides getting rid of the mold, you’ll also need to remove the underlying cause of the moisture. 

How Can an HVAC Company Help with Your AC Repair?

If you’re dealing with an unexpected AC problem, our Fort Collins AC maintenance and repairs can help. We offer same-day services, so you can quickly get assistance when you need it. Once you’ve scheduled an appointment, we can quickly diagnose the underlying problem and repair the issue. 

After we’ve finished your AC repair in Fort Collins, the next step is arranging for your future AC maintenance. Ideally, you should get an AC tune-up at least once a year. To make this easier, we have a membership program that includes five different plan options. As a part of your membership, you can get flexible appointment tune-up scheduling before the summer sets in.

Get Help with Your Fort Collins AC Repair

Once you notice signs that your AC is having problems, it’s important to schedule air conditioner repair in Fort Collins right away. If you don’t fix the problem, it can become worse over time. With prompt repairs, you can avoid more expensive issues. 
If you need help with repairs and air conditioner maintenance in Fort Collins, Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers same-day services and emergency repairs. To learn more about how we can help, fill out our online contact form or give us a call today.