When it comes to keeping your home's AC system in good condition, it's important that you know how to recognize potential problems. Many AC owners don't know the signs of impending failure or malfunction within their central AC, and overlooking early signs can lead to catastrophic and costly AC failures. Here are a few things to think about when you're considering whether or not your AC needs repairs.

How Your AC Unit Sounds

The first thing you need to think about is how the unit sounds when it's running. Every air conditioner makes some noise when it's running, but you should be used to the consistent hum that it emits when it's running properly.

If you stand near your air conditioning unit when it is running and hear something other than that steady hum, that may mean that there's a problem inside the unit. For example, squealing or whining could mean that there's a bearing about to fail or that there's a problem with the fan assembly. Rattling or knocking could indicate loose components that need attention.

The Smells Emitted From Your AC

Another important thing to think about is what you smell when your air conditioner is running. If you're smelling anything unusual inside your house when the air conditioner is running, it could be a problem with the air conditioner itself or the air ducts. Musty odors may be a sign of mold or mildew growth inside the air ducts or your air conditioner. If you haven't had the unit serviced recently, it may need to be cleaned. Neglecting this can lead to costly mold accumulation that may affect how the system runs.

Any unusual odors from around the outside air conditioning unit may also be cause for concern. Sometimes, those odors are a result of refrigerant leaks, which can not only cause your system to run inefficiently but can be harmful to the environment, as well.

The Cost Of Your AC

Especially if you've had your air conditioning unit for a few years, you're probably used to the average cost of its use during the summer. If you notice that your energy bills are increasing significantly with no seeming explanation, that could be a sign that your air conditioner is to blame.

When your air conditioner isn't running at its best and is in need of repairs, the unit may struggle to cool your home. This causes it to run far more than it needs to, increasing your energy bills in the process. Keeping a watch on your home energy costs can help you identify these problems quickly and address them right away.

These are some of the basic tips for detecting problems with your air conditioner. Reach out to an AC repair technician right away for more help.