AC Repair is a necessity in any home that relies on a cooling system. Often times people don’t call an air conditioning service until their house isn’t cooling the way it should be.
There are several reasons your AC might be running constantly, including a broken thermostat, dirty coils or ductwork that is restricting air flow. These are all easily repairable issues that can be fixed in a timely manner.
One of the first things a homeowner might notice when they’re having AC trouble is that their thermostat isn’t working at all. While this might seem like a clear indicator that something is wrong with the system, the truth is that there are multiple different causes of this problem. In some cases, you can even fix the problem on your own without having to call a professional.
Thermostats often get dirty and stop working due to dust, lint, pet hair, and other debris collecting inside of the case. This can block the sensors that detect temperature and cause the unit to fail. In many cases, simply removing the cover and cleaning it out with a damp cloth or soft-tip brush can restore functionality. Just be careful not to get too rough and risk damaging the wiring inside of the unit.
A tripped circuit breaker is another common issue that can prevent a thermostat from turning on. The breaker is responsible for supplying power to the device, and if it trips, it will cut off the flow of electricity, preventing the thermostat from functioning. To resolve this issue, you’ll need to locate your electrical panel and identify the breaker that’s dedicated to your HVAC system. Once you find it, switch it to the “on” position.
If the thermostat is still not responding, it may be locked. This can happen inadvertently, especially with programmable or smart thermostats, and can result in the device not responding to any adjustments. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to consult an expert.
It’s also possible that the thermostat is off level. This can affect settings and temperature readings, so it’s a good idea to place a carpenter’s level above the thermostat and make adjustments as needed.
Finally, it’s possible that the thermostat is leaking water or that there is a problem with the condensation drain. This can lead to a variety of different issues, including mold growth, and can be extremely dangerous for homeowners. A professional will be able to inspect the unit and determine if there is a leak or a problem with the condensation drain.
Frozen Coils
Frozen AC coils can cause a host of problems, including cooling issues and water leaks. These problems are not only uncomfortable for your family, they can also be dangerous if the problem is left unattended. Frozen coils can be caused by a variety of different issues, but the most common reason for them is a dirty air filter.
The air filter is responsible for removing dust, dander, allergens, and mold from the air in your home. This is an important part of your air conditioner’s function, but over time the air filter can become clogged, restricting the flow of warm air through your system. This clogging can lead to the formation of ice on different parts of your cooling equipment, including the evaporator coils.
A frozen evaporator coil can be difficult to diagnose and fix on your own. You will need to turn off the air conditioning unit so that no damage can be done, and you will need to wait until the coil thaws. It may take up to 24 hours for a frozen coil to thaw naturally, so you should be patient. If you want to speed up the process, you can switch the air conditioner to the fan-only setting while the thermostat remains off. This will force warm air over the indoor air coil, and this can help thaw a frozen coil.
Another possible cause of frozen coils is a blocked condensate line. The condensate line is the pipe that drains moisture from the evaporator coil and down the condensation pan to the floor drain. The condensate lines can be clogged by dirt, debris, or even tree roots. Bi-annual maintenance performed by an HVAC specialist can help prevent this problem.
While there are some things you can do on your own to address some HVAC problems, it is always best to call a licensed professional for the most thorough and accurate inspections and repairs. An AC technician can also catch other issues before they become serious and prevent more expensive repairs down the road. By implementing a preventative maintenance plan you can keep your AC working efficiently, and keep your family comfortable all year round.
Dirty Filters
A dirty filter is the most common AC repair issue. It’s also one of the simplest to prevent with regular maintenance and scheduling an annual inspection and tune-up with an HVAC professional.
If you have a reusable air filter, be sure to clean it at least once a month in order to avoid overworking your AC unit. Dirty filters can cause a variety of problems including:
Increased Allergies & Sneezing
As your filter becomes maxed out, it cannot trap any more air particles and those particles are recirculated back through the HVAC system and into your home. This can be especially damaging if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or respiratory allergies.
Reduced Air Quality
A clogged air filter allows dust, pollen, dander and other debris to pass through and into your ductwork. This dirt can build up over time leading to a variety of issues including mold and respiratory problems.
Short Cycling
When an air conditioner has to work harder and longer to cool your home because of a dirty filter, it will wear down faster, which can result in early replacement or even system failure. An investment in a new filter each month and routine maintenance is the best way to prevent this costly problem.
System Freeze-Up
Ultimately, a dirty filter will lead to iced over evaporator coils that can’t transfer heat effectively. This will cause a lack of cooling and can damage the compressor. If this happens, it will require an extensive and costly compressor replacement.
In addition to the cost of a new compressor, you’ll also face an expensive repair bill to fix other parts of your system that are impacted by a clogged filter. The air conditioning system can also become damaged from a lack of proper heat exchange. This is why it’s so important to change the air filter regularly and schedule an annual maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC company. This will help to ensure your system is working properly and that you are adhering to the manufacturer’s warranty requirements. An HVAC company can also assist you with choosing the right sized and shaped air filter for your specific system.
Warm Air
If the air coming from your vents is warm, it could mean that there’s an issue with your air conditioning unit. Some of these issues are easy to solve, such as a dirty air filter or a thermostat that’s set to the wrong temperature. Others are harder to work out, like duct leaks or a refrigerant leak. In these cases, you’ll need to call a professional to come out and fix the problem for you.
The air filter is essential to keeping your AC unit running at optimal performance. If it becomes clogged, it will restrict airflow and cause the unit to overwork itself. It’s important to check the air filter monthly and change it as needed. Additionally, regular maintenance from a professional AC company can help prevent AC problems down the road.
One of the most common reasons that an AC may start blowing warm air is because of low refrigerant. Refrigerant is a crucial component to an AC unit. It’s responsible for absorbing heat and humidity from the air, which leaves it feeling cool. When there’s low refrigerant, the AC will struggle to keep the home cool.
Another reason an AC may start to blow warm air is because of dirty evaporator coils. The evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing the heat in your home. If the coils are dirty, they will not be able to function properly and the AC will have trouble cooling your home.
Other reasons that an AC may start to blow warm air include a dirty compressor or fan and a clogged outdoor unit. These issues can all be fixed with the assistance of a professional.
An air conditioner is a vital part of the comfort in your home. When the system starts to malfunction, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. A professional can assess the situation and make necessary repairs to keep you comfortable. By understanding the causes of AC problems, you can be proactive about avoiding them in the future and get your air conditioning up and running again.