If you have a central air conditioner in your Gaithersburg home, it is important to be aware of the signs that it is about to break down. When it comes to your air conditioner, the repairs and replacements can become very costly. To avoid high costs with your HVAC system, be sure to take action with the following issues and utilize seasonal maintenance for your air conditioner.

Little to No Cool Air

If your air conditioner is not doing the same job it did last summer, you might be in need of repairs. Check the air filters and the unit itself. If these parts of the air conditioner look clean and free of debris, check the thermostat. If everything looks to be functioning correctly, then call your HVAC repair company. There may be a problem with the compressor or Freon levels, but there is a possibility you will have to replace your air conditioner.

Odd Sounds

Most odd sounds—grating, grinding, squealing—usually mean something is damaged within the air conditioner. Grinding noises typically mean that the motor’s bearings have broken. Squealing noises can mean that a belt has slipped or a metal part needs to be lubricated. Either way, you should call your HVAC company to look at the unit before problems become worse.

Odd Smells

Two common smells you may encounter when your air conditioner is going to malfunction are pungent or musty smells. Pungent smells could mean that the wire insulation has burned out. A musty smell may mean that you have mold in the unit or ductwork. This is a major potential health hazard, so have someone out to identify it as soon as possible.

Unnecessary Moisture

It is common to see moisture or water runoff, especially when the outside air has reached high humidity levels. However, if you find puddles or leaks within the air conditioner itself, then you need to call an HVAC repair company right away. These leaks could indicate a problem with the refrigerant or drain tube. If not repaired, these leaks could lead to possible health risks or mold growth.