The dog days of summer have arrived in Knoxville, and your air conditioning unit is your best friend - until it stops working unexpectedly.
There's no worse feeling than walking into a hot, stuffy home after being out in the scorching summer heat. As temperatures rise, your HVAC system is sweating bullets keeping your living spaces cool and comfortable. But if your air conditioner suddenly fails, all that Smoky Mountain-level mugginess comes flooding back inside.
From strange sounds to no cooling airflow, AC breakdowns always seem to happen at the most inopportune times. But have no fear, the team at Keith Powell Heating and Cooling is here with emergency repair services across Knoxville! We've seen it all when it comes to air conditioning issues, so let's cover some common scenarios on when to call in the pros.
Does your air conditioner suddenly sound like a haunted swing set? If you hear loud metal-on-metal grinding, screeching, or deafening "screams" when it kicks on, immediately turn the unit off and call for service. This usually signifies a failing part like the compressor or condenser fan motor - the longer it runs, the more potential damage can occur.
My uncle learned this lesson the hard way when he ignored his "screaming" AC unit over a weekend to avoid calling someone out. By Monday, the entire compressor seized up beyond repair - costing thousands to replace versus a simpler weekend fix. Strange screams mean it's time to call an HVAC expert ASAP!
While not quite as critical, buzzing, rattling, clicking, or vibrating noises are also a cause for concern. These sounds could indicate loose parts, failing bearings, electrical issues with the motors, or debris getting stuck in fan blades. Left unchecked, persistent rattling sounds often lead to bigger problems down the road.
During a heat wave last July, our upstairs AC started sounding like a box of bolts tumbling around inside. Within a day, it quit cooling completely - turns out a baseball had knocked one of the fan blades loose! A simple repair got us back up and running, and not a moment too soon.
Obviously, a non-functioning, non-cooled air conditioner demands immediate repairs during summer's hottest stretches. Before calling in the troops, be sure to do some basic troubleshooting first:
Once you've confirmed the AC's receiving power, it's time to request professional service if it still won't cycle on and cool your home. Don't wait or attempt any DIY repairs - letting it idle for too long can severely damage the compressor.
What if the AC seems to be running normally but your home just isn't getting sufficiently cool? Causes can vary, from low refrigerant levels to frozen evaporator coils, a failing compressor, or even ductwork obstructions. Many of these cooling loss issues are difficult for the average homeowner to troubleshoot accurately.
Last month, we had a customer who said her house wasn't cooling to the thermostat setting no matter how low she set it. After inspecting the entire system, we discovered the real culprit - the dampers controlling airflow to her upstairs vents were stuck nearly closed. Once we freed those up, her home started cooling evenly and efficiently again.
At Keith Powell Heating and Cooling, we understand how unbearable the Tennessee summer heat can be - especially without a working air conditioner. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency cooling services across the Knoxville area. Our certified HVAC techs are on-call around the clock to promptly diagnose and repair your AC when you need us most.
Upon arrival, we'll thoroughly inspect your system to accurately determine the root cause of any issues, from electrical components to refrigerant leaks, airflow problems, or mechanical failures. We never take shortcuts - our transparent assessment will cover all repair options upfront so you can make the most informed, cost-effective decision before any work begins.
Whether your AC simply needs a basic tune-up or the unfortunate news is a major repair or full system replacement, Keith Powell has you covered. We keep pricing competitive through manufacturer partnerships and only use the highest quality equipment and materials. Our skilled techs are constantly training on the latest AC technologies as well.
No homeowner wants to be stuck in a hot, muggy house without proper cooling in the middle of a Knoxville summer heat wave. Be proactive and have Keith Powell inspect your AC unit before storm season arrives! But when emergency strikes, we'll be there promptly to assess and repair your system - restoring that refreshing cool comfort you've been missing.