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Summer will be here before you know it. Perhaps you’ve had a few warmer spring days already. Your home's air conditioning unit is your best friend during these hot months, providing you with much-needed relief from the heat.

However, if your AC unit is not functioning properly, it can make your life miserable. Now, before the milder warmth of springs turns into the dog days of summer, is the time to turn your attention to your AC unit. As the weather turns a little nicer, consider kicking on your AC and listening for any strange sounds. Make sure to take note of anything else that seems odd or unusual.

Need a list of what to look for? We’ve got you covered in this blog post with signs that you may want to get your air conditioner serviced.

Your air conditioner is blowing warm air

When the summer heat hits, you rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable. But what happens when your AC unit starts blowing warm air instead of cold? It can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but it's also a sign that something is wrong with your system.

Here are five common reasons why your air conditioner may be blowing warm air:

• Low refrigerant levels: Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioner. It's the chemical that absorbs heat from the air inside your home and releases it outside. If your refrigerant levels are low, your AC unit won't be able to absorb as much heat, and the air it blows out will be warm.
• Frozen evaporator coil**: The evaporator coil is another essential component of your air conditioner. It's the part that absorbs heat from the air inside your home. If the evaporator coil is frozen, it won't be able to absorb heat, and the air it blows out will be warm.
• Dirty condenser coil: The condenser coil is located outside your home. It's the part that releases heat from the refrigerant. If the condenser coil is dirty, it won't be able to release heat effectively, and the air it blows out will be warm.
• Clogged air filter: The air filter is responsible for removing dust, dirt, and other particles from the air before it enters your AC unit. If the air filter is clogged, it can restrict airflow and cause the air conditioner to blow warm air.
• Failing compressor: The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner. It's the part that compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the system. If the compressor is failing, it won't be able to circulate the refrigerant properly, and the air it blows out will be warm.

The majority of these problems are best addressed by a professional, so schedule a service appointment soon.

Your AC unit is making strange noises

If your air conditioner is making strange noises, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Some of the most common noises that AC units make include:

• Rattling: This could be a sign that there is something loose inside your AC unit, such as a screw or a fan blade.
• Banging: This could be a sign that there is a problem with the compressor, which is the heart of your AC unit.
• Screeching: This could be a sign that there is a problem with the fan belt.
• Squealing: This could be a sign that there is a problem with the bearings in your AC unit.
• Hissing: This could be a sign that there is a leak in the refrigerant lines.
• Gurgling: This could be a sign that there is a problem with the condensate drain.

If you hear any of these noises, it is important to have your AC unit serviced by a qualified technician as soon as possible. Ignoring these noises could lead to further damage to your AC unit and increased repair costs.

Your home has uneven cooling

Uneven cooling is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a problem with the AC unit itself. If you notice that one room in your home is significantly warmer than the others, or if you feel cool air coming from the vents in some rooms but not others, it's important to have your AC unit serviced as soon as possible.

A dirty air filter can block airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, which can lead to uneven cooling. A malfunctioning thermostat can also cause uneven cooling by sending the wrong signal to the AC unit. If the thermostat is set too high, the AC unit will not run long enough to cool the entire house. If the thermostat is set too low, the AC unit will run too long and cause the house to become too cold.

A problem with the AC unit itself can also cause uneven cooling. For example, a refrigerant leak can cause the AC unit to lose its ability to cool the air. A compressor failure can also cause uneven cooling by preventing the AC unit from circulating air properly.

Your air conditioning system is leaking

Your air conditioning system is a vital part of your home during the hot summer months, but it can also be a source of problems if it's not properly maintained. One of the most common issues that can occur is a leak, which can cause water damage to your home and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

There are a few signs that may indicate your air conditioning system is leaking. One is water pooling around the base of your outdoor AC unit. Another is water dripping from your indoor AC unit. Mold or mildew growth around your vents or on your walls near your AC unit can also be a sign of a leak. Finally, if you hear the sound of dripping water coming from your AC unit, it's important to have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze and leak water. If you notice any of the signs of a leaking air conditioning system, it's important to have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.

Your energy bills are increasing without any explanation

If you notice that your energy bills are increasing without any explanation, it may be because your air conditioner is not working properly. There are a few things that could be causing this, such as the thermostat being set higher than usual, drafts in the home, a clogged air filter, an AC unit that is not properly sized for the home, or a problem with the ductwork.

If your thermostat is set higher than usual, it will cause your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. Check to make sure that your thermostat is set to the correct temperature and that it is not being affected by any heat sources, such as sunlight or lamps.

Drafts in the home can also cause your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. Check for drafts around windows, doors, and electrical outlets, and seal them up if necessary. A clogged air filter can also restrict airflow and cause your air conditioner to work harder. Check your air filter regularly and replace it when it is dirty.

If your AC unit is not properly sized for your home, it will not be able to cool your home effectively and will use more energy in an attempt to do so. If you think that your AC unit may be too small or too large for your home, you should have it evaluated by a qualified technician.

Finally, problems with the ductwork can also cause your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. Check the ductwork for leaks and blockages, and have them repaired if necessary.

Get your AC unit serviced

If you notice any strange noises, sounds or have an AC unit that's causing general problems, give the folks at Comfortec a call. We'll send out a licensed, fully-trained HVAC pro to diagnose the problem, resolve it as fast as possible and get you and your family back to being comfortable.