There are some obvious signs that your A/C unit needs repair and some less noticeable ones. If you have little to no airflow from your vents, your house is not cooling as it should, or you notice unusual coolant leaks near the unit, there's likely a problem.
Some less obvious signs your AC needs repair include:
- A sudden increase in your energy bill.
- A funny noise, such as squealing or clunking from the unit itself.
- A foul smell coming from the unit or the vents.
- Unusual cycling, such as the unit coming on and quickly turning off or if it continues running after being shut off.
- Uneven temperatures from one room to another.
- Poor air quality inside your house.
Any one of these issues is a reason to call for service, and the sooner, the better. If you continue to use your A/C system despite a problem, it might worsen, leading to more costly repairs.
Types of AC Units
In Clearwater and the surrounding areas, there are a few different types of residential air conditioning systems, including:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
Most commonly, Clearwater homes have an HVAC system that works off a central outside unit, located either next to the house or on the roof. This unit is responsible for heating the home in the winter and air conditioning it in the summer. The HVAC unit is managed by a thermostat generally located in a central location, such as a hallway, that connects to the unit and signals when the air temperature requires cooling or heating.
Split System Air Conditioners
Split system air conditioners utilize both an outdoor unit with the condensing coil and an indoor unit with an evaporator coil, generally located in the attic or garage. They are designed to better aid temperature control in rooms that have an exterior wall. Like a central HVAC unit, a split system is also managed by a thermostat located on a wall in an easily accessible place.
Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Units
Increasingly popular, a mini-split ensures a single room receives proper air flow missed by the central unit. An outdoor unit is connected to another unit inside a common wall and is controlled by a remote or smartphone.
