Nothing beats functioning air conditioning when summer rolls around, but regular maintenance is key. According to Data Scope, routine HVAC maintenance can reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by up to 95%. Here are eight warning signs to watch for that tell you it's time for cooling repairs.

1. AC Blowing Warm Air

You expect your AC to keep your home at a cool temperature, so an AC that blows warm air is a major problem. Your air conditioner might be blowing warm air because the air filter is clogged, but you could also have a refrigerant leak or some other airflow problem. If your AC is blowing warm air, you're wasting money by running your AC. Cooling repairs can help you get your home back to a comfortable temperature and save money.

2. Unusually High Cooling Bills

Monthly heating and cooling costs are a big concern for a lot of homeowners, so you probably have a pretty good idea of how much it usually costs to cool your home. If your monthly electric bill suddenly shoots up, that could be a sign that you have an AC problem. While cooling repairs can cost a pretty penny, the money you can save on your utility bills is worth the investment.

3. Lack of Airflow from Vents

If you notice there's no air coming from the vent registers in your home, there's a serious airflow problem somewhere in your HVAC system. You should start by having your air filter inspected because that's one of the simplest HVAC repairs, but the airflow problem may be in another part of the system. If your ducts are especially dirty or the blower in your AC isn't working properly, that could be causing the lack of airflow from your registers.

4. AC Making Strange Sounds

It's not unusual for your AC to make a little noise, but the noise you hear is usually a light humming or buzzing sound when the unit kicks on. If you hear loud or strange noises when your AC runs, that's a classic sign of an AC problem. Some of the noises you might hear include a loud buzz, banging, clicking, hissing, or rattling. Each of these noises signifies a different problem, so you need to call an HVAC technician for cooling repairs if you hear strange sounds.

5. Unusual Odors from AC

Your AC also shouldn't produce a strong odor in your house. You might notice a slight change in air quality when your AC is running because it reduces humidity, but you shouldn't smell any bad odors when your AC kicks on. If you smell something strange coming from your AC, you need to call an HVAC technician to check it out. You could have a serious health hazard in your ducts or AC, so don't ignore bad smells.

6. AC Constantly Cycling On and Off

It's normal for your AC to turn on and off every once in a while, but it should only do that to maintain the temperature you set on your thermostat. If your AC is turning on and then immediately turning off again, it's probably time for cooling repairs. You might just have a problem with your thermostat telling your AC to turn on and off constantly, but there could be a problem with the AC itself. From clogged filters to a lack of refrigerant, numerous problems can cause an AC to cycle on and off.

7. AC Not Removing Enough Humidity

As it cools your home, your AC also removes some of the humidity from the air. If your AC isn't removing enough humidity from the air, that's a problem. Dehumidifying your home is an essential part of how air conditioners work, so you're not going to get the cooling power you can count on if your AC isn't removing humidity from the air.

8. Liquid Leaking from AC

Whether there's water or refrigerant leaking from your AC, you need cooling repairs. Refrigerant is a serious health hazard and should only be handled by experts, but even a water leak is an indicator that the condensate line or pan isn't working properly. If you spot liquid around your AC, call an HVAC company.

If you want to keep your home cool during the summer, you need to take care of your AC all year long. When it's time for cooling repairs, it's best to take care of them as soon as possible to prevent further problems. If you need your AC fixed, call Viglione Heating & Cooling to schedule our services.