Simple air conditioner fixes like tightening loose bolts or removing debris don’t require much expertise. If you live in a small Midwest town, you could probably toss a rock blindly in any direction, and it’ll hit someone who can fix it. But just because Uncle Danny is a nice guy with some experience working on cars doesn’t mean he’s qualified to deal with complex electrical issues.
Serious A/C issues, like frayed wires, broken gas lines, or leaking coolant, require serious attention. But how do you know the difference between something serious and something subtle? In this blog, we teach you how to spot serious A/C issues before they become an even bigger problem.
How to recognize a gas leak:
If your air conditioner starts giving off a smell similar to sulfur or rotten eggs, it’s likely a sure sign of a gas leak. The only other possible cause might be a dead animal trapped in your system.
What to do:
If you suspect a gas leak, immediately turn off the gas supply and evacuate the premises.
Once you’re at a safe distance, contact your gas provider and a trained HVAC technician to assess and repair the issue. At Brea Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, our technicians are trained to detect and effectively deal with problems like gas leaks.
If, after a quick inspection, you find a dead animal in the outer ducts, you can remove it if you feel safe.
How to know if there’s an electrical problem:
If you detect a burning scent or smell smoke coming from your A/C unit, it’s probably a sign of an electrical malfunction caused by overheating components or possible motor issues. Similarly, a persistent clicking sound may point to a faulty thermostat or malfunctioning control panel.
What to do:
Immediately switch off your A/C to prevent further damage.
Check the surrounding area for debris, change the thermostat batteries, and reset the unit. If none of these steps resolve the problem, call in a professional. Electrical repairs can be hazardous and should always be left to someone with the right experience.
Loud banging or clanking noises coming from your A/C can signal loose or damaged components inside the unit. This could point to something serious, such as issues with the connecting rod, piston pin, or crankshaft.
What to do:
Shut off the unit right away and contact a professional technician. Although you can try tightening loose screws or clearing any visible debris, loud and continuous noises usually indicate a bigger problem. An HVAC technician can inspect your system and fix the issue before the damage worsens.
How to detect a refrigerant leak:
Listen for hissing or bubbling noises, look for ice forming on the evaporator coils, and monitor for a sudden spike in your energy bills without any change in usage. These are typical indicators of a refrigerant leak.
What to do:
Refrigerants are dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals.
Avoid trying to fix the problem yourself and instead contact Brea Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning. Our team has the expertise to find and repair leaks safely and effectively.
Not every air conditioner issue can be fixed with a do-it-yourself approach. While basic household fixes may be within your skill set, more serious A/C problems require professional attention. The Brea Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning team is experienced in handling refrigerant leaks, gas issues, electrical problems, and more.
If your air conditioner is showing signs of a serious malfunction, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (714) 459-5673.
Brea, CA 92821 | (714) 919-3992
