You don’t have to spend much time scrolling through your contacts to find someone capable of fixing simple A/C issues, like tightening loose bolts and clearing debris. Between your neighbors, in-laws, and that overly helpful stranger down the street, someone is bound to be able to fix your problem. Except, not always.
Not everything is a simple fix, and while your father-in-law may be a lot of things, he sure ain’t no electrician. Serious issues like ruptured gas lines, frayed wires, coolant leaks, and serious mechanical issues can be a recipe for disaster when approached by an inexperienced technician, or worse — someone who’s not a technician at all.
In this blog we walk you through how to diagnose serious problems with your A/C step-by-step. Let’s get started!
How to spot a gas leak:
If you get a whiff of sulfur or rotten eggs coming out of your A/C, this could be a sign of a potential gas leak.
What to do:
Turn off your gas supply immediately and evacuate the area.
Once you’ve secured the area, contact both the gas company and an HVAC professional to fix the situation. Our team at Orange County Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is equipped to deal with hazards like gas leaks.
How to detect electrical problems:
If your A/C unit emits a burnt smell or a smoky scent, this may indicate an electrical issue. This may result from overheating parts, motor issues, or even debris blocking airflow. Additionally, a repetitive clicking sound might point to a faulty thermostat or a failing control panel.
What to do:
Turn off your A/C system immediately to avoid further damage.
To eliminate the possibility of other causes, try clearing any nearby debris, replacing your thermostat batteries, and restarting the unit. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call in a professional. Electrical work is risky and should not be attempted by untrained individuals.
Loud noises like banging or clanking can indicate loose or broken parts within the A/C unit. Common culprits include broken connecting rods, piston pins, or crankshafts.
What to do:
Turn off the air conditioner and reach out to a professional immediately. While you can attempt to clear debris or tighten loose screws, if the noise persists, a more serious mechanical issue is likely at play. Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your unit and determine the best course of action to prevent further damage.
Signs of a refrigerant leak:
Check for a hissing or bubbling sound coming from your A/C, ice buildup on the evaporator coils, or a sudden increase in energy bills without change in usage. These are all common signs of a refrigerant leak.
What to do:
Refrigerants are toxic and shouldn’t be handled without proper equipment and safety training.
Instead of trying to fix the issue yourself, contact OC Heating, Plumbing, and Air. Our certified technicians have the necessary tools and skills to locate refrigerant leaks, repair them, and safely dispose of any hazardous materials.
Not every issue can be fixed with DIY advice. While you may be able to fix minor household issues, serious air conditioner problems require professional assistance. OC Heating, Plumbing, and Air Conditioning experts are trained to safely handle refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, gas leaks, and other complex A/C repairs.
If you suspect a serious issue with your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to call us at (714) 400-2913.
Orange County, Tustin, 92780 | (714) 400-2913
