< Back to Blog

Warning Signs of AC Failure

The summer months in the Kansas City area can be brutally hot, humid, and uncomfortable, making it very important that your AC system is in perfect working order. In addition to scheduling routine AC tune-ups, you should keep your eyes open for a few warning signs that may signal that your unit is on the verge of a breakdown.

Four AC Failure Warning Signs

The expert AC technicians at Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing have identified four warning signs you should look out for:

Takes Long to Cool

While it may seem like just a minor inconvenience, if your AC system takes longer than usual to cool your home to a comfortable temperature, your unit may be on the verge of failure. This could be caused by low coolant levels, but it may also signal corroding or rusty piping, which means that you’ll need a new system. If your system does seem to take a long time to cool your Kansas City home, call us or contact us online. We’ll send one of our expert technicians to troubleshoot and determine whether the problem can be fixed or if AC replacement is necessary.

Blows Warm Air

You rely on your AC unit to blow cool air whenever it is in operation. If warm air is blowing, you’re unit may be on the verge of failure. Is your thermostat turned to heat mode? It may sound simple, but it happens more than you think—always check your thermostat first! It’s also possible that your unit may have a dirty filter, which will choke off the air flow to the coil, causing incorrect unit performance. Remember to replace the unit’s filter every 30-60 days.

A more serious problem is that the unit’s compressor, which controls the flow of the refrigerant through the cooling circuit, is faulty or overheating. AC compressor replacement is a bigger job that’s best left to a professional—call us today if you think your unit requires compressor replacement.

Excessive Cycling

Does your AC unit seem to cycle on and off more than usual? It could mean that the unit’s thermostat is faulty and malfunctioning. It may also signal that cold air is escaping or hot air is entering from the outdoors.

Strange Smells

An AC unit should never give off odd odors. If yours does, it could be a sign of mold or damaged duct work. You should replace the air filter to see if it solves the problem. If it doesn’t, check to make sure that there’s no clog in the exit hose, contamination in the condenser, or dirt in the evaporator.

If you observe any of these AC failure warning signs, contact Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for AC repair. Don’t suffer through the heat this cooling season in an uncomfortable home. You and your family deserve an AC unit that performs optimally.