Knowing when to call for an emergency visit from a contractor can be a stressful process. For many homeowners, it's hard to tell if the added costs of an emergency visit will ultimately be worthwhile. Since many people still view air conditioning systems as a luxury, this decision can be even more challenging when dealing with this particular HVAC system.
Unfortunately, not every problem with an air conditioning system can wait for a more convenient moment. If you're experiencing issues with your AC system, an emergency visit might save you money over the long run or even help keep your family safe. Keep these three signs of an emergency failure in mind before you put off your next AC service visit.
1. There's Visible Water Damage
Cold air has a lower moisture carrying capacity than warm air, and water will condense when hot air contacts a cold surface. You can see this effect in action when you take a cold glass of water outside on a sunny summer day. Since your evaporator's job is to pull heat from the air, the coils should be chilly enough to condense water. This effect has the added benefit of reducing humidity in your home.
Most systems use a drip tray or drainage pipes to direct this water safely away from occupied parts of your home. However, drainage problems can lead to leaks, which can be especially problematic for air handlers located in attics. If you notice visible stains or water around your evaporator or air handler, it may be time to make an emergency HVAC call to avoid further damage.
2. There's a Heat Wave Coming
Modern homebuilders often construct houses with functional HVAC systems in mind. These designs can include high-efficiency insulation and tight building envelopes to reduce utility costs and save energy. Unfortunately, these design features can also make it challenging to use natural ventilation to keep your home cool when your AC system isn't working.
Extreme heat can be incredibly dangerous or even fatal. If you know that forecasters are predicting high temperatures in your area, you shouldn't try to defer your AC problems. Instead, contact an HVAC technician for an emergency visit to get your system functional before the worst of the heat arrives.
3. There Are Electrical Issues
Faulty wiring is one of the top five causes of house fires in the United States. If your air conditioner keeps tripping its breaker, that's a good indication that you may have an electrical fault in your system. Continuing to use the air conditioner can lead to equipment damage or may even put your home at risk of fire.
Any indication of a severe electrical problem is an excellent reason to call an HVAC technician for an emergency AC repair visit. If you decide to wait to fix the problem, stop using your AC system immediately and cut power at the breaker to avoid a potentially hazardous situation.
Share21 January 2022
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
