AC Annoyances and How to Solve Them

1. Noisy Unit

You may not always pay close attention to how your AC system sounds, but a noisier than usual unit can still be a nuisance, even if the unit still keeps you cool. If your unit is making a banging or buzzing sound, it may have debris trapped inside that's hitting the fan. A professional can quickly clean this debris out and resolve the noise problem.

Other possible reasons for odd sounds include:

• A loose part inside the unit
• A failed compressor
• Parts rubbing against each other
• Failing electrical components
• Failed belts or motor bearings

These can all be reasons for annoying AC noises. As you can imagine, some of these causes (such as failing or loose, clanging parts) can mean you'll need AC repairs in short order. So if you're unsure what an annoying noise is from or what causes it, you should call your AC professional for a checkup.

2. Banned Coolant Use



If you have an AC unit that runs on R-22, a coolant type that's being phased out in the US, coolant top-ups are likely prohibitively expensive. Reclaimed R-22 can still be sold, but US companies aren't allowed to make more of the coolant. This can put a strain on your budget, which can be a big nuisance.

3. Steep Energy Bills

You may have heard that older AC units tend to become less energy efficient, but watching your electric bills creep upwards throughout the summer is still no fun. If you're not financially prepared to swap your unit out for a more efficient one this year, here are a few things you can do:

• Have the unit serviced to eliminate leaks and other inefficiencies
• Shade the unit and make sure it has plenty of airflow
• Get air ducts sealed to make sure cooled air gets where it needs to go
• Improve your home's air sealing and insulation to keep cooled air where it belongs
• Add passive cooling measures (such as window awnings) to reduce the need for AC cooling
• Change your system's air filters to keep dust from clogging the system

These measures can help you knock your high AC energy bills back down. Your AC contractor may have more ideas to improve efficiency as well.

4. Funny Smells

You probably know that a burning smell or a rotten-egg gas leak smell from any part of your unit should be considered an emergency. But other funny or abnormal smells may register as just annoying. Some common smells from AC systems include odd musty smells from the ducts and moldy or rotten smells from the ducts. 

As you can imagine, cleaning out your ducts well could resolve many of these issues. In the case of a pest infestation, you may also need to hire exterminating services.

These AC-related annoyances can all be solved with the right strategy, whether that involves improving your home's air sealing, removing debris from your AC unit, or having the unit repaired. For more information about AC unit care or to schedule a diagnostic or maintenance visit, get in touch with Comfort Technology Heating & Air Conditioning.