Air conditioners are indispensable during scorching summers. As with other appliances in the home, air conditioners are not exempt from certain problems, especially if not properly cared for. Knowing what these common problems are and how to prevent them saves you a great deal of discomfort from system malfunction and the added cost of emergency repairs. At Loves Air, we address these issues to ensure your home remains cool and comfortable throughout the year.
Refrigerant Leaks
Leaking refrigerant is a predominant issue that many home air conditioning systems face. Lack of refrigerant means the air won’t cool, and if it leaks, it won’t efficiently cool your home. Low refrigerant causes several problems, such as high energy bills, uneven cooling, and ultimately, system failure.
To recognize this problem, you may find that there is warm air blowing from the air conditioner. Some other signs might be that it’s taking longer than usual for the system to keep the space at a certain temperature. Occasionally, you may hear a hissing noise from the unit, which also identifies a potential leak.
The maintenance services we provide at Loves Air help prevent refrigerant leaks. Our technicians look for any possible leaks during routine checks, where they inspect refrigerant levels. If we detect a leak, we will repair the leak and recharge the system with the proper amount of refrigerant. Charging refrigerant yourself can be dangerous and also may cause further damage, so it is incredibly important to have professionals do this task.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils help absorb heat from the indoor air. When these coils freeze, they do not work properly in your air conditioner, and you feel warmer in your home instead of cooler. Different problems may cause frozen evaporator coils, from low refrigeration levels to poor airflow or dirty coils.
If you notice ice or frost on the evaporator coils or even on the unit’s exterior, then frozen coils are usually the reason. Frozen coils can also be a problem when your air conditioner runs but fails to cool the home.
Preventing frozen evaporator coils means your air conditioning unit has effective and routine servicing by a professional. Our technician can clean the coils, assess refrigerant, and make sure the airflow is sufficient. If you notice frozen coils, switch off the system and call Loves Air for a professional inspection.
Air Filter Blockage
For high-quality indoor air and the efficient run of your air conditioning system, it’s essential to have a good air filter. Over time, they become blocked with dust, dirt, and other small particles, which reduce the airflow, increase the resistance, and make the system fight harder than it has to.
Reduced airflow from your home’s vents is one of the most common indicators of an air filter clog. You might also notice that your home is dustier than usual or there is a rise in your energy bills due to inefficiency in the system.
The best way to prevent this issue is by having your home’s air filters replaced or cleaned regularly. At Loves Air, we advise you to have the filters replaced every one to three months, depending on home conditions and filter types.
Thermostat Problems
If your thermostat is faulty, your whole air conditioning system may not work well. Common problems brought about by a malfunctioning thermostat include failure to turn on, the inability to maintain the temperature set, and frequent on-and-off cycling. The air conditioner may have something wrong with it if it doesn’t respond to thermostat configurations or if the temperature in your home doesn’t correspond with the thermostat reading. If the system consistently turns on and off, this may indicate a defective thermostat.
A calibrated, working thermostat is important not only for your comfort but also for the overall operation of your home. If your thermostat is old, or not functioning properly, we can recommend one of the new, more efficient ones for your air conditioner.
Electrical Problems
Electrical issues are another problem when it comes to air conditioners. The issue can also be because of poor wiring, capacitors, or the compressor. Electrical issues may cause the failure of the air conditioner but can also be a safety hazard if not immediately fixed.
Indications that show the system is suffering from electrical issues are the conditioner not coming on, the circuit breakers tripping regularly, and the unit making strange noises. In such scenarios, the system needs attention immediately.
Drainage Issues
If you find water collecting around your air conditioning unit or if there’s some strange, musty smell inside your house, you might have a problem with your home’s air conditioner draining well. Proper draining and keeping the drain line clear are key to preventing these issues. Part of the maintenance routine by Loves Air technicians is to inspect the drainage system and remove accumulated dirt from the drain line as deemed fit.
Problems With Fans
The air conditioner possesses two major fans. One blows the house air over the evaporator cooling coils, cooling the air. At the same time, the other blows the heat outside the house. If one of these fans has a malfunction, then it can lead to poor airflow, which consequently cuts down on efficiency and potentially leads to failure.
Unusual noises from the AC unit, like rattling or squealing, may very well point out that there is a problem with the fan. Our team at Loves Air can check your fans, lubricate the bearings, and ensure that the motor functions properly, all to prevent further fan issues. If you have a damaged or worn-out fan, we will replace it with a brand-new part and get your system up and running once again.
Ductwork Problems
Even when the air conditioning unit is performing perfectly, there might be ductwork issues that reduce its efficiency. Leaking, blocked, or poorly insulated ducts might allow the cool air to escape, leading to increased power bills.
When you start feeling cold in some parts of your house while other parts are still warm, this indicates you probably have issues with the ductwork. Other signs detectable include an abrupt escalation in your power bill when you have not, in any way, changed your usage habits. Moreover, you should also check for whistling noises while the air conditioner is on because that is a clear sign of a leak in the ducts. We can inspect air ducts for leakage, obstruction, and insulation lapses. We would seal any leaks, clear the blockages, and enhance the quality of the insulation so that your air conditioner can achieve optimal efficiency.
System’s Age
As air conditioners get older, they become less efficient and more prone to problems. It is hard for an old system to maintain desired temperatures, it requires repairs and uses more energy compared to a newer model. If your air conditioner is over 10-15 years old, thinking about a replacement is a good idea.
At Loves Air in Modesto, CA, we provide AC replacement, maintenance, and mini-split services for homes in the area. Our friendly team also provides furnace repairs, replacements, and maintenance services. Contact Loves Air for more information today!
