Summers may only last for a few months in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean the temperatures can’t soar well above the 80s. You definitely don’t want to go without your AC in the summer. So when temperatures start rising and it’s time to blast the AC for the first time, expect to hear a little noise from the unit.

However, some noises mean it’s time to schedule AC repair Centennial, CO services. But, how do you know if your AC is just settling down or needs a service call? Here are some signs indicating your AC needs repairing.

Common Signs of AC Problems

The last thing you want when summer hits is for your AC to go out. Hopefully, all you need is a quick repair. Replacing an old unit can be pricey and usually takes a day or so. However, a replacement may be in the cards if your air conditioner is ten years or older. Even though a new air conditioner isn’t what you call cheap, you can still see a return on your investment. You can look forward to lower energy bills, new ACs are energy efficient, and this can help cover some of the replacement costs.

All You Get is Warm Air

Your furnace should blow out warm air, not your AC. If warm air is blowing out of the vents, check the thermostat. The thermostat is the brain of your AC, meaning it’s responsible for controlling the room’s temperature.

Check the thermostat’s setting. Yep, sometimes all that’s needed is to reset the thermostat. Lowering the setting may be enough to get cold air blowing out of the vents. Don’t feel too silly if this is the issue. After all, Colorado winters are long, and it’s easy to forget to readjust the temperature setting.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you may have a problem with the compressor or a blockage restricting airflow.

Your AC is Making Odd Noises

Air conditioners tend to make some noise after sitting all winter. This is normal and usually not a reason to start panicking. These noises can go on for a couple of days. However, if the odd sounds don’t stop, it’s time to schedule an AC service call.

If you start hearing loud or sudden noises, this may indicate a more serious problem.

Buzzing and rattling sounds can indicate there’s a loose part banging around. If you hear grinding noises, it’s a good idea to shut the AC unit down. Grinding and whistling sounds typically mean you’re dealing with something that may be more expensive to fix. When repair bills start going up, it may be more cost-effective to consider replacing your AC.

Strange Smells Are Becoming Common

You should expect a slightly musty smell coming out of your vents the first time your air conditioner turns on. During the winter, dust and dirt get into the vents and air ducts. Normally, the slightly musty smell goes away after your AC runs for a couple of minutes. Changing out the filter can help with this issue. It’s something you should already be doing, at least once every season. Duct cleaning is something else you should regularly schedule.

Cleaning the ducts helps improve AC efficiency and reduces allergens.

When you start smelling unpleasant odors, turn your AC off. This usually means you have a serious problem.

Your AC Won’t Stop Cycling

When your AC turns on and off, this is referred to as cycling. The thermostat setting and outdoor temperature control how often your AC goes through a cycle. If your air conditioner is constantly turning on and off, with only a few minutes between each cycle, this can indicate a problem with the unit.

Issues with AC cycling can pop up for several reasons. Your thermostat may need recalibrating. This is usually a pretty inexpensive fix. This may even be the time to upgrade to a smart thermostat, if you haven’t already. Another reason your air conditioner may be constantly cycling is that it’s the wrong size unit for your space. If the AC is too small, it may not be able to keep up with rising temperatures. Too large ACs can run into similar problems.

Staying Cool In Colorado Summers

You should expect to have at least one AC repair during the unit’s lifetime. It may be something as simple as replacing a broken belt or more extensive like dealing with a faulty compressor. You can cut down on repairs by scheduling routine maintenance. However, if your AC starts acting up, contact a repair technician.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com