Are you a homeowner? Chances are, you have many issues to worry about even without putting your old air conditioning equipment into consideration. However, an old and faulty air conditioning unit can cause you serious problems including failing at the time you need it the most, and can also drain your pockets in numerous repairs. The truth is, many old air conditioning equipment were not designed to last more than 15 years.
This is why you should always be on the lookout for signs that your AC unit is failing and if you notice a problem, be sure to contact a trained HVAC technician to fix the problem as soon as possible before more damage happens. If you are in St. Louis and St. Charles areas, you can always talk to Superior Heating and Cooling servicemen to find out more information about service requirements and recommendations.
Let’s look at two of the most common problems you can expect if you own older air conditioning equipment and how you can prepare for them.
- The AC Will Not Turn On
Your home’s air conditioning unit is very important not just for your overall comfort but also for your health. If you live with older parents, adequate use of air conditioning can go a long way in preventing room temperatures from going too high and this can prevent heat stroke when indoors. So, when your old air conditioning unit won’t turn on, especially during the hot seasons, it can immediately send you into panic mode. However, this problem is fairly common in old AC units and there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
First, you can check and confirm that no one has accidentally bumped on the thermostat and moved it from cool to heat. This happens often and by checking, you can actually save yourself the trouble of calling an HVAC technician.
You also need to check if the fuses are working properly. If you have a multimeter, you can try doing a continuity test to check the fuses. If the multimeter does not beep then chances are you have a blown fuse. You can always purchase replacement fuses at the local hardware store.
Other reasons that can cause your AC not to turn on include; wiring issues in your home, refrigerant leaks, dirty condenser line, and dirty air filters. Some of these problems require emergency repair by a qualified technician, therefore make sure you call one right away.
- The Noise Problem
Your old air conditioning unit may be noisy and with time you have learned to block out the noise. However, loud buzzing noises and clicking sounds when the AC is starting up should not be ignored as they could be an indication that your old AC unit is malfunctioning.
Screaming and whistling sounds could be an indication that the refrigerant is leaking which can be very dangerous to your health and can also damage the air conditioning unit completely.
After keeping your home cool for more than ten years, the wear and tear can put a lot of pressure on the AC parts, and the noises you are hearing could be an indicator that you are due for service maintenance. Remember, ignoring the noises your Air conditioning unit makes could put it at risk for serious challenges in the future.
