If you are an Amherst resident, dealing with a malfunctioning air conditioner is the last thing you want. If your AC unit breaks down in the middle of a hot summer day, your household is likely to suffer from extreme temperatures and dry air. Ensuring you have a fully functional air conditioning system during the summer is vital. You can achieve this by knowing the common AC problems you are likely to experience and how you can prevent them. Here are seven AC problems that you might face this summer.
1. Refrigerant Issues
If your home has an older AC unit, it uses a coolant called Freon. After some research, it was determined that Freon is a coolant that depletes the ozone. Modern AC systems use safer coolants. If your AC refrigerant starts to leak, ensure that you contact our technicians right away. This is because if your family gets exposed to Freon, you might suffer from lung issues, necrotic skin lesions, and burns on your esophagus. Modern air conditioners use a harmless coolant called Puron, but your system will not work efficiently if it starts leaking.
2. AC Fails to Start
When indoor temperatures rise and you try to switch on your system, but it is not working, you will feel frustrated. The AC unit can fail to start if the fuse is blown or the breaker is tripped. The motor might die due to an issue with the breaker. Also, if the capacitors are worn out, your air conditioner might fail to start. The capacitors are the components that provide energy to the fans and the motor.
3. Dirty Filters
Filters are an essential component of an air conditioner since they ensure the air entering your house is safe for you and your family. Since they trap any form of dirt particles and debris, the chance of clogging due to dirt accumulation is high. It is important to check your filters regularly and clean them. If your AC unit does not use reusable filters, purchase another filter and replace the old one. Ensure that you know when to change your air filter. You can change it after three months or one month. The duration is determined by how often you use your air conditioner.
4. Leaking Ducts
When the temperature changes, the ducts may either contract or expand. This will put stress on the joints, leading to leakages. If your vent is leaking, it will make the air conditioner put a little more effort into making your environment comfortable, resulting in high electricity bills.
5. Limited Airflow
If your AC filter is clean, but the unit is not moving adequate air in your home, this might be a fan problem. The AC unit’s fans might stop working if they are dirty, if the motor is in a bad state, or if the belts are worn out. It is important to contact our technicians to diagnose the cause of insufficient airflow so that we can offer a solution.
6. Thermostat Issues
The part that controls your indoor temperature is called a thermostat. The location of the thermostat is very crucial; otherwise, it will give you the wrong temperature readings. On the other hand, if your thermostat is broken, it will also offer incorrect temperature readings, which might cause your energy bills to rise considerably. Also, ensure that your thermostat is clean and working optimally. If you do not know how to clean it, contact our expert technicians.
7. Dripping Water
It is important to routinely inspect your air conditioner to ensure that there are no leakages. If the coolant leaks, you will face great challenges. Also, water leaks may be a source of problems such as having bugs in your house, mold growth, and bad odors. Contact professionals to come over and check whether your drain line is clogged. If it is clogged, ask them to fix it. The pipe drains water dripping from the evaporator coils. If the drain line gets blocked, this water gathers in your unit and might result in further damage, especially to the electronics.
Reach Out to Us
If you notice that your AC unit is experiencing any of the above issues, contact an expert to come and fix it. At Heatwave Heating & Cooling, we offer professional AC tune-up, installation, and repair services. We also provide heating installation, maintenance, and repair services to Amherst residents. Our technicians are NATE-certified and have the skills to keep your home or office comfortable the entire year. If you want to avoid any of the above problems, schedule regular maintenance with us. Contact us today and enjoy our quality comprehensive services.
