AC issues always seem to appear when you most need your appliance to cool your home and keep your home comfortable. Your air conditioner works harder during the hottest days of summer when temperatures are at their peak. Unfortunately, this is often when homeowners discover that their air conditioner has faulty parts that need to be replaced. If your AC is starting to show signs of breaking down, you should take action before the problem becomes severe. Here are four red flags that indicate you need to contact an air conditioning repair service:

Strange Noises

If your AC is making strange noises, such as hissing, banging, or grinding sounds, something could be wrong with it. These sounds usually indicate a bigger problem, such as a loose part, a failing compressor, or a refrigerant leak. If you hear any strange noises coming from your AC, call a repair service right away. A technician will diagnose the source of the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Hot Air

If your AC is blowing out hot air instead of cold, there could be a problem with the compressor or another part of the system. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the system. If it's not working properly, the whole system could break down. In some cases, hot air could also be a sign of low Freon levels. A contractor can examine your AC to determine if it needs repair or a Freon recharge. Also, they'll be able to diagnose and fix any other underlying issues causing the problem.

Leaking Water

AC units are designed to condense water vapor from the air. If you notice water leaking from your unit, something could be wrong with it. While a small amount of condensation is normal, excessive leakage could be a sign of a refrigerant leak or a blocked drain line. If you have an older AC unit, its condensate drain pan could be corroded, causing the leaks. If you notice water leaking from your unit, don't ignore it. Call a professional AC repair service right away. They'll fix the problem to save your home from water damage.

Thermostat Problems

If your AC turns on and off frequently or doesn't turn on, there could be an issue with the thermostat. It might be incorrectly calibrated, dirty, or damaged. The thermostat could also be too old to accurately gauge your home's temperature. It's advisable to call an AC repair technician if you discover that your thermostat has an issue. They will inspect the thermostat and repair the broken parts. If it's too old, they'll replace it with a new, more efficient one.

Air conditioners are likely to break down if they're damaged or not properly tuned up. Watching out for these red flags can help you contact an air conditioning repair service before it's too late. To have your unit inspected, contact an AC repair service in your area such as Able AC Service.