What is Considered an Air Conditioning Emergency?

Burning odors often indicate an electrical issue or an actual component has overheated and may actually be burning. In that case, switch the unit off and get an HVAC professional out fast. Unusual noises could have a variety of causes from loose fan belts to a damaged component like a compressor. A noisy compressor is especially hazardous. It means the compressor is working at high pressure. Also, anytime outside temperatures are excessively hot and you have seniors or young children in the house, you definitely have an emergency situation on your hands. Whenever you are in need of emergency air conditioner repair in Riverside, CA, turn to the experienced professionals at Aire-Rite Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. We act promptly on your emergency calls. If you have an emergency situation, give us a call at (951) 336-1541.

How do you tell if your AC is broken?

Several issues can alert you that your air conditioner is broken. Among the most common issues include:

• Hot air is blowing: This could indicate you need a refrigerant recharge or your compressor is malfunctioning.
• Leaks or moisture around the system: Leaks or moisture build-up could mean anything from a blocked drain tube to a refrigerant leak.
• Strange noises: Loud noises like grinding or squealing are not normal for your AC, and could mean anything from loose belts to a malfunctioning compressor.
• Unusual odors: Any pungent odor, particularly a burning odor, could indicate that the AC has an electrical problem or that a component is overheating. A musty smell could indicate mold or mildew.
• High humidity levels in the house: The AC is supposed to manage humidity levels in the home. If it seems humid or moisture is building up around windows, your AC is not working well.

Any of these problems could require an emergency air conditioner repair, especially if you have young children or seniors in the home whose health could be seriously affected by extreme temperatures.

How long do AC units last?

With regular maintenance, most air conditioners last about 12 to 20 years, although many HVAC professionals recommend that the system be replaced after about 15 years. The older an air conditioner gets, the less energy efficient it becomes, as components age and wear and take more energy to operate. Maintenance and climate may also affect the unit’s lifespan. The salt-air in coastal regions, for instance, can lower the unit’s lifespan by several years.

How do I fix my heat and air conditioner?

In busy seasons like the summer, you might have to wait a while for emergency air conditioner repair. There are a few things you can check yourself before calling a repair technician. The first thing to do is open all your registers and check your filter. If it’s dirty, you need to change it or clean it. Dirty filters can actually prevent the unit from turning on. 

Once the filter is changed or cleaned, you can go outside and check the evaporator coil. Reduced airflow may have caused the coil to ice up. If this is the case, to de-ice the coil, go inside, switch the thermostat off and switch the fan from Auto to On. Allow the blower to run for about half an hour, then test the AC by turning it back on. If the AC runs normally for about 12 hours, the problem should be fixed.  

You also want to make sure the condenser coils are clean. You’ll need to switch off the power to the unit by flipping the air conditioning and furnace breakers off and switching off the power switch at the furnace or air handler. You’ll then open the unit’s electrical box and pull out the disconnect box. Wash the coils, spraying away dirt and debris with a garden hose. Finish up by rinsing the coils and flushing out any remaining debris.

How to repair AC remote control

If you have a remote control for your air conditioner that stops working, the fixes are usually simple and do not require emergency air conditioner repair. Check the batteries first, and replace them if they are not working. Check to see if the infrared receiver is working. If the receiver isn’t working, you’ll need to replace the main control board. You can test the receiver with an infrared sensor card.

Can you claim AC repair on taxes?

Repairing or replacing your air conditioner is considered a home improvement under current tax laws and cannot be deducted. If you are planning to sell your house in the future, you still want to keep track of the expenses, as they may reduce your taxes when you sell the house.  

Emergency AC replacement

Sometimes an emergency air conditioner repair might not be enough to get your AC running again. The unit may need to be replaced. In most cases, any HVAC professional that provides emergency repairs will also be able to replace the unit in an emergency situation.