Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in Sardis, MS

A window AC unit is not completely silent. You’ll hear the sound of air blowing, and if you put your ear right up next to the unit, you may hear a slight hiss or gurgle as the refrigerant flows through the system. That said, if your system is making a running water sound, a loud banging sound, a grinding sound, or physically vibrating, you may be facing an issue or malfunction with your AC unit.

You should plan to change your AC unit's filter every one to three months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also clean the coils at least once per year, but if you have pets or someone in your household has allergies, you might need to clean them more often. Fortunately, many pros will clean the coils and change the filter for you during an inspection, which you should schedule once or twice per year.

Water buildup in your HVAC system is a cause for alarm. If water accumulates in your ductwork, it can drastically lower your home's air quality and create safety hazards. These risks include mold growth, damage to your HVAC system, and attracting pests that are seeking water into your ducts. Proper insulation and sealing of ducts can prevent this, and regular inspection and maintenance can address water damage problems before they become too severe.

If your AC unit isn’t cooling and you haven’t figured out why, there are a few good reasons to turn it off ASAP. The source of the issue, whether that be leaking refrigerant or a broken compressor, will worsen and cause more damage to the overall unit the longer the machine is allowed to run. When in doubt, shut it down until you or an AC pro can ensure everything is working properly.