Air conditioning helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the sweltering heat of summer. Moreover, it helps remove moisture from the air, which makes it easier for the body's natural cooling system to work effectively. However, when the AC isn't operating correctly, a hot, humid day can become nearly unbearable. Below are some signs your home needs AC repair.

How to Tell You Need to Schedule Air Conditioning Service

1. Hot Air

An air conditioner works by collecting heat from indoors and transporting it outside through the use of a fluid called refrigerant. Refrigerants boil, or evaporate, at low temperatures—typically 40 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as opposed to water, which boils at 212 degrees. When a fluid evaporates, it draws heat energy away from the surface it touches.

The AC system then pumps this evaporated fluid outdoors, where it enters a condenser coil, returns to liquid form, and releases the heat it had collected. A fan vents the heat outdoors.

If your AC blows hot air, it could mean you have a refrigerant leak, and the unit is not transporting hot air outdoors. It could also mean you have a bad compressor—the pump that moves fluid through the system.

2. Dripping Moisture

Because an AC system "conditions" air by removing humidity, it needs a method of piping the excess moisture away. This pipe is called the condensate line. This can clog with dust or algae, and you'll see water dripping where it shouldn't. If you do not address this promptly, it can lead to rust, household water damage, and even mold. If your AC is weeping, contact an air conditioning service for maintenance.

3.  Unusual Sounds or Odors

When all is well, your air conditioner should operate with only a quiet hum and next to no smell. If you notice scraping, squealing, or banging noises, you could have a bad belt, a loose component, or another problem. If you notice a burning odor, a wire could have shorted out and melted its casing. A dank, musty odor could indicate a hidden leak and internal mold growth.

If you need immediate air conditioning service from a reliable professional, contact Burdick Plumbing & Heating, an experienced HVAC contractor in Conneaut, OH. They have served clients throughout Ashtabula County and the surrounding areas for more than 45 years. They specialize in AC and furnace repair and installation and also offer plumbing, water heater, and generator repair. Learn more about AC repair and maintenance on their website, and call (440) 599-8248 to schedule air conditioning service.