Air conditioning is no longer a luxury; it is a commodity. According to the Energy Information Association, 87 percent of US homes have air conditioning, with 75 percent having central units.
Whether you are in the heat of summer or the dead of winter, a well-functioning system is essential for staying comfortable all year round. If you have the unfortunate experience of dealing with an air conditioner malfunction during Southwest Florida’s brutal summer months, you might try to self-diagnose before you call a professional.
Here are 7 of the most common AC issues that our techs see when servicing AC systems:
Common AC Issues
Low Refrigerant (Freon) Levels
Refrigerant is the material that is used by your AC system to eliminate heat and humidity – also referred to as the blood of your system. Without the right amount of refrigerant, your system won’t be able to cool your home properly.
Common signs of low refrigerant levels are the following:
- You feel warm air coming from your vents
- Ice or frost is forming on your AC
- Your AC is making weird hissing or bubbling noises
Dirty Condenser Coils
Properly maintaining an air conditioning unit is a very important factor in keeping these machines functioning efficiently. One of the most significant parts of the air conditioner is the condenser coil. An air conditioner with a dirty condenser coil may also lose some of its ability to provide cool air in your home. Your entire air conditioner unit should be inspected and cleaned by an HVAC technician every few months.
Bad Fan Motor
If the fan won’t start, and you hear the compressor running, you probably need to replace your fan motor. When fan motors are overworked, they can tend to go bad and burn out.
It’s best to call an HVAC company to properly diagnose the issue if your fan motor will not start.
Leaky Air Ducts
The ductwork in the walls and ceiling of your room carry heated or cooled air throughout your home. If there is any damage or hole in the ducts, it will create a variety of problems. If this is the case, your system will work harder and drive up your energy bills.
AC Line is Clogged Up
An AC drain line clog is a relatively common problem. We see many systems where the line is clogged up. Over time, algae and other dirt can build up. This may lead to an AC drain line clog if you don’t service your AC unit regularly. If you have a newer AC unit, they should have a built-in sensor that will alert you if your line is clogged. If your unit isn’t equipped with this technology, make it a habit to check your drain pan to make sure it is not full of water.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils are a big indication that something is wrong with your air conditioner. Did you know you can have a frozen coil with it being 90 degrees outside too? Ignoring frozen evaporator coils can cause your compressor to burn out. Here are some common signs to look for:
- Look for ice around the outdoor refrigerant line.
- Check around the air handler for any condensation or moisture.
- Check the inside of your air handler and inspect the evaporator coil for any ice, condensation, or moisture.
Old & Outdated Thermostat
Are you currently using an outdated thermostat? With older thermostats, you can experience a lot more problems than with newer ones. Like all parts of your HVAC system, thermostats are not going to last forever. If you are having HVAC problems, consider replacing the thermostat with a modern, programmable one.
Professional Air Conditioning Repair in Southwest Florida
Most of the reasons above often are due to a lack of maintenance.
If you are experiencing any of these common HVAC issues, contact your local AC expert in Southwest Florida, Gilman Cooling & Heating. When you need quality and affordable heating and cooling services, turn to a top-rated HVAC company in Southwest Florida. At Gilman Cooling and Heating, we provide complete residential and commercial heating and cooling services throughout Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County. From complete installations to routine maintenance, our professional team does it all.
When you call Gilman Cooling & Heating, you will immediately experience the difference; no more waiting for your HVAC company to call you back!
Check out our website at: https://gilmancooling.com/Phone: (239) 574-7780
