One of a homeowner’s worst nightmares is AC breakdown. AC units have many components and one faulty cog in the machine is all it takes for system failure. Some issues are common and can be easily resolved.
Your filters may need to be changed, or the system may just need a hard reset. If your AC unit fails, first check circuit breakers and fuses. Caution is required, however, and you will need to allow your unit to cool down for a few minutes before attempting any resets.
Common issues with AC range from simple overheating, to wire corrosion that will need to be addressed by a professional. Homeowners may be capable of fixing some issues themselves. But, because certain components of you AC unit may pose an electrical or fire hazard, professional assistance may be required for any tampering with any wiring or circuit issues.
Refrigerant Leak
If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, you may have a refrigerant issue. Refrigerant is a chemical that is used to cool the air inside your AC system. Too little or too much refrigerant causes your AC unit to function improperly.
Refrigerant issues can arise from a leak, a systemic issue, or improper installation. Your refrigerant may simply be over or undercharged. Usually a leak is the underlying problem. Unfortunately, if your system is leaking, simply refilling the refrigerant will not alleviate your issue and a professional will need to come out to address the problem.
Drainage Problems
Drainage issues are fairly common in humid areas. The condensate drain in your unit may be clogged, and therefore not draining properly. Because central air conditioners pull warm air into the cooling coils of your unit, condensation is produced. Usually, this condensation makes its way into the drainage system.
Unfortunately, if outside air is too humid or if there is an issue with the drainage pipes, the system becomes backed up and may shut down. In this case, an HVAC technician will need to come out and clear and blocked pathways and empty any drainage collection pans or clogged pipes.
AC Doesn’t Cool Enough
There are a handful of reasons that your AC unit might not be blowing cold air. It is important to first address any superficial problems. Initially, you should check the thermostat to ensure it is working on the correct settings.
If there are no issues with the thermostat, you will need to check the condenser which might need to be cleaned or cleared of any blockage. Oftentimes, foliage or debris can block the outside unit’s vents. If all else fails, the issue might be the compressor or refrigerant system and a professional will need to come out.
Inadequate Maintenance
Some AC issues result from a lack of maintenance. Your system may fail prematurely if filters and coils are not cleaned regularly. This happens because dirty filters and coils cause the system to work harder to do its job and shorten the life expectancy of its fans and compressors.
It is not only vital that you keep your AC unit clean, but also that an expert examines the system on a regular basis. This will allow them to perform the regular maintenance that you cannot do yourself and prevent some of these issues from arising in the first place. We at Ambrose Air, Inc. are here to help you with any AC issue you might encounter.
Pat Ambrose has over 40 years of experience in the HVAC industry, serving Central Florida. He tested for and received his class B air conditioning license almost 35 years ago and then improved that to a class A license in the late 90s. Pat and his wife started their own HVAC business in the early 90s, serving Central Florida. Pat still serves as the president of Ambrose Air, Inc., where he works as the chief operating officer. Over his years in business, Pat has served as the president of both the local association (ACCA/CF) and the state association of contractors (FRACCA). His expertise has helped his customers on many occasions, solving air conditioning problems that others had missed.