Does Your Central A/C Need Service?
Posted: June 16, 2025
Does Your Central A/C Need Service?
Sounds, Smells and Other Trouble Signs
If you haven’t been diligent about getting your central A/C system checked and serviced on a yearly basis, you may begin to experience problems that could compromise your comfort and cost you money.
Here are common signs that there is trouble brewing with your cooling system, along with the most likely reason for the problem. In most cases, these problems can be avoided by getting a preventive cooling tune-up every year.
- The A/C system runs but only blows warm air – If the air that’s coming out of your vents is warm, it’s usually a sign that your A/C is either low on refrigerant or there is a problem with the condenser.
- Weak airflow – If not enough air is coming out of your vents, it is often a sign that either the condenser is failing or that you have a duct leak; either way, it means less comfort and higher bills for you.
- Short cycling – If your air conditioner runs for short lengths of time and then shuts off before completing a full cooling cycle, it’s working harder than it should to keep your home cool. The reasons for this can vary. There may be problems with the electrical system, the refrigerant may be too low, or the air filter may be clogged. An inspection by our cooling technician can give you the answer.
- Strange sounds – Unusual sounds – including grinding, scraping and squealing – usually mean there is a worn or loose part somewhere in your cooling system. Serious air conditioning repairs are in your future if you don’t take care of this problem quickly.
- Unusual smells – An electrical smell often means that wire insulation has burned out somewhere in your A/C system. A musty smell could mean you have moldy ductwork.
- Your home is cool but too humid – Air conditioners are designed to not only lower the temperature of your home but dehumidify it too. If your home air usually feels cool but stays too humid, you have a problem. There are various possible reasons for this, but the main cause is usually an oversized air conditioner. In other words, a system that is too big and powerful for your home. It runs fast enough to cool your home, but not long enough to draw out the humid air. Contact us for a solution.
- Water or refrigerant leaks – If you notice liquid around your A/C unit, this could be a sign of a serious problem, such as a refrigerant leak or a clogged condensate drain that causes water to back up in your home.
- Higher electric bills – Higher than average bills can result from problems ranging from duct leaks to a faulty thermostat – and everything in between.
- Frequent repairs – If you’ve been calling for repairs the last few years, you’re probably overdue for an A/C replacement system. You’ll end annual repairs right away, reduce your home energy costs and not have to worry about anything beyond routine maintenance for years to come.
- Your A/C system is worn out – Today’s central air conditioners typically last 12 to 15 years. Towards the end of its lifecycle, your air conditioner will start to drop in efficiency, especially if it hasn’t received proper maintenance. By investing in a new, high-efficiency HVAC system, you will eventually save enough to offset the cost of your equipment. In the meantime, you’ll get a home cooling system that performs better, runs more reliably, and is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Air Conditioning Service in Newtown Square, PA
Wilson Oil & Propane is an HVAC company that people in the Delaware Valley region of southeast Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and southern New Jersey can depend on when they need expert air conditioning service.
We have a talented team of professional technicians who can manage all types of HVAC services, from annual maintenance to emergency central air conditioning system repairs to top-notch air conditioning equipment replacement. We also provide air conditioning service plans to help keep your cooling system running problem-free.
Become a Wilson Oil and Propane customer and start meeting The People You Can Trust! Contact us today.
