There is nothing worse than a broken air conditioner on a hot day in the middle of summer. Regular maintenance is crucial to maintaining a safe and healthy air conditioner. When you can address any problem early you’ll save time, money, and grief with the help of an expert HVAC contracting team. You should get your air conditioner repaired at least once a year, and it’s a good idea to have it checked out at the beginning and at the end of summer. Consult with a leading service provider who supplies 24/7 emergency repair work and one that is staffed by factory-trained, licensed, and bonded technicians. In order to keep your system properly running for a long time, it should only ever be handled by professionals who know exactly what they’re doing. Here are four signs that may indicate a problem is occurring in your air conditioning unit that needs to be addressed.

There is Moisture Near the System

If you start to notice moisture or leaks around your system, then you have a problem. Sometimes this is a minor issue; perhaps there is something blocking the drain tube that channels the condensation away from the unit. This does not indicate an emergency, but it should be remedied quickly to avoid creating an environment for mold growth. Sometimes moisture can indicate a refrigerant leak, which is more serious. Either way, you need to address the issue quickly to avoid further problems and consult with your local HVAC contractor.

It’s Blowing Hot Air

If there is hot air blowing from your system, this may indicate a broken compressor. It could also indicate a refrigerant leak. Neither is impossible to fix, and it may cost less than you think, but you will need to address the problem immediately before you will be able to use your system.

Strange Smells

Your air conditioner shouldn’t smell like anything. A strong, pungent smell could indicate that the wire insulation in the system is burned and needs to be replaced. If you notice a musty smell coming from the unit, it could indicate mold — and this puts your family’s health at risk.

Unusual Sounds

A healthy air conditioner should run fairly quietly. While there should be a faint sound coming from the motor, you should not hear squealing, grinding, grating, or other loud sounds. As soon as you hear anything out of the ordinary, consult your service provider for an immediate assessment and repair.

High Humidity Levels

Part of an air conditioning unit’s job is to pull humidity from the air inside your home. If you see water pooling around windows or a sticky, muggy feeling to the air inside your home, it’s a good indication that there is a problem with your air conditioner. Give your HVAC contractors a call to see you can manage the problem yourself or if you’ll require some professional assistance. With regular maintenance and an experienced, trusted HVAC contracting team, your air conditioner will remain healthy and hazard-free for years to come.