Air conditioning systems help people stay comfortable at home during the hottest months of the year. Sometimes AC systems may malfunction at inconvenient times. Although, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the lifespan of a central air conditioner averages between 15 and 20 years, maintenance is essential if you want your system to last that long.

Having an air conditioner that functions properly is important to your family's health and comfort, so scheduling regular AC maintenance should be a priority. Depending on the type of HVAC system you own, the issues it has could range from simple to extremely complex. Here are three problems you should check your AC system for so you can call an HVAC technician for repairs before it stops working completely.

1. The Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air

If your air conditioning system is blowing warm air into your home, it could be a sign that it needs to be repaired. Your AC may be unable to cool the air due to low refrigerant levels or a faulty compressor. Regardless of the cause, you should get the issue fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your AC unit. If you're unsure of what's causing the issue, it's wise to contact a professional AC repair service. Before you call, though, it's wise to check your thermostat and make sure your AC unit is set to cool.

2. The Thermostat Is Not Working

Another sign that your AC system needs repairs is that your thermostat is malfunctioning. Your thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature inside your home. If it's not working properly, your AC unit won't automatically cool the air to your desired temperature.

A local AC repair company can help you troubleshoot thermostat problems, but you can also briefly check it over yourself. First, make sure the batteries in your thermostat still have charge. Second, go over the settings in your thermostat. Sometimes, you may find that the thermostat isn't set to properly cool your home, especially if it's set to run your AC unit extremely efficiently. Finally, ensure that your thermostat is clean. Dirt and dust can build up on the thermostat and keep it from sensing the actual temperature of the air in your home.

If you've checked all of these things and the thermostat still refuses to work, it's time to contact an AC repair service professional to fix or replace it.

3. There's a Loud Noise Inside the AC Unit

Loud noises from your AC unit indicate that your system needs repairs as soon as possible. These noises could be caused by various problems like issues with the compressor, a loose belt, or debris in the machinery. Regardless of the reason behind the noise, you shouldn't ignore this sign. While the noise may seem like a small problem or just an annoyance, whatever is causing the noise could lead to a serious problem with your AC system that will require expensive repairs.

If your AC unit isn't working efficiently or correctly, you don't have to live in a warm house or try to fix it yourself. Instead, call Hopewell Heating and Air Conditioning today. We'll make sure to offer you quality services to fix and maintain your AC unit.