There are plenty of A/C issues that your average handyman could probably fix himself. However, for some more serious issues, you should always seek professional assistance.
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Potentially hazardous situations like gas leaks and electrical problems can pose a serious threat to both your safety and the safety of those around you. But how do you know the difference between a simple fix and a potential hazard?
In this blog, we teach you how to identify potentially dangerous A/C issues and the safest way to deal with them. So let’s dive in.
How to identify a gas leak:
If your A/C is blowing air that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, you could be dealing with a potential gas leak.
What to do:
First, turn off the gas supply and then immediately evacuate the area.
If there’s a gas leak, contact your gas company and a Norwalk Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning professional right away.
How to identify possible electrical issues:
If you smell smoke or burnt wires, this is a good indicator of an electrical issue in your A/C unit. This might mean overheating electrical components, a motor issue, or debris in the system. Similarly, a constant clicking sound might indicate a failing thermostat or a defective control panel.
What to do:
If you suspect an electrical issue, immediately turn off your A/C unit immediately to prevent further damage.
To be absolutely sure that the burnt smell or clicking noise isn’t the result of something else, you can try clearing any debris around the unit, replacing batteries resetting your thermostat, and checking for loose or frayed wires. If these measures don’t fix the issue upon restarting your A/C, call a professional immediately. Do not risk trying to fix an electrical issue yourself.
Unsettling noises, like loud banging and clanking, typically indicate loose or broken parts in your A/C unit. Most likely, it means that something is seriously wrong with a connecting rod, piston pin, or crankshaft.
What to do:
Turn off the unit and call a professional to prevent further damage. You can try clearing any debris around the unit and tightening noticeably loose screws or bolts. But if the banging is especially loud, it’s probably not the result of loose screws or twigs in the fan blades. This is why we recommend contacting a professional technician to conduct a detailed inspection of your unit.
How to identify refrigerant leaks:
If you notice a hissing or bubbling sound coming from your unit, ice build up on the evaporator coils or refrigerant lines, or a sudden increase in your energy bill without a change in usage, a refrigerant leak may be at fault.
What to do:
Refrigerants are hazardous materials. Do not risk handling them yourself. Instead, call the pros at Norwalk—La Mirada.
Not only do our technicians have the right tools to locate a refrigerant leak, but they are also trained to handle and safely dispose of hazardous materials, such as refrigerants.
Unfortunately, not all problems have a DIY fix. You might be the MacGyver of jimmy rigging creaking cabinets and broken stereos, but serious A/C issues are best left to Norwalk — La Mirada Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning professionals. Our team has the tools and training necessary to safely and effectively deal with hazardous materials, gas leaks, electrical problems, and broken parts.
If you suspect something’s wrong with your A/C, don’t hesitate to call (562) 219-4085.
Norwalk/La Mirada, CA 91766 | (562) 219-4085
