Is your household energy-efficient? Does your AC system cool properly? The path to a colder and efficient household requires regular system fixes, which professionals do not always have to perform.
DIY repairs are possible for homeowners to perform in some scenarios when basic solutions are required. However, when issues become more serious, you should unquestionably leave the task to professionals.
These are the most common AC household issues that can be fixed with the following repair tips.
The Ac Won’t Turn On
A common AC issue that Seminole residents cope with is the failure of their ACs to turn on. Unfortunately, this problem seems to happen at the worst possible time, such as the hottest day of the year. Nevertheless, there is no reason for homeowners to panic, as they can start their unit back by taking some basic troubleshooting steps.
Some DIY fixes are worth giving the shot when your air conditioner is reluctant to turn on. Sometimes, the cause of AC breakdown requires a simple solution, such as checking your thermostat or circuit breaker. For instance, the thermostat might have been accidentally switched to heat or set overly high to kick on. In contrast, thermostats that operate on batteries might need to have them changed.
Moreover, a tripped circuit breaker may cause AC malfunction as well. In such a case, make sure to reset it but not more than once. A blocked filter can be the root of the issue, requiring an immediate replacement. Also, homeowners in Seminole are recommended to check the drain pan. The location of the drain pan depends on the unit type.
In split models, it’s located next to the evaporator coil, whereas, in packaged models, it’s probably inside your attic. Common Issues with the drain pan might be a full pan, a clogged drain, or rust. Nevertheless, not all problems can be fixed with DIY tips, as some require professional fixes. However, AC repair companies, like gulfcoastacservices.com serving Seminole residents, are able to mitigate the most serious issues. Such professionals provide a replacement of blown fuses, capacitors, circuit boards, condensate pumps, compressors, fan motors, thermostats, and evaporator coils.
Short Cycling
When the AC unit is short-cycling, something is turning the compressor off before it gets the chance to run a full cycle. Over time, this issue reduces the energy efficiency of the unit and increases the cost of energy bills. Some DIY fixes might help with your cycling issues. Homeowners should check whether the evaporator coils are frozen, which requires the simple task of changing the filter.
Evaporator coils are in charge of cooling air before it enters the house. When these coils are frozen, they are getting insufficient warmth. Sometimes, the vents are to blame for short cycling if they are closed. Each vent should be checked separately by homeowners to make sure all of them are open. Sometimes, humidity inside the house is excessive, even if the unit is properly sized. In such cases, there might be a leak.
Professional fixes are often necessary to fix short-cycling issues. AC professionals are experts in determining whether a unit is oversized. If your AC is too large for your home space, it forces the thermostat to shut off the system before the humid air comes in contact with the cooling coil to dehumidify. They will either suggest you replace the AC or add extra ductwork in the basement or garage.
Additionally, in the case of leaking refrigerant, the solution isn’t as simple as adding some extra refrigerant to the unit. Professionals find the cause of leaking first and then calculate the refrigerant amount based on the AC’s size and its SEER rating. Read more about the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).
The Ac Doesn’t Blow Cold Air
Besides short cycling, many Seminole homeowners struggle with systems that refuse to blow cold air. The most frequent causes for blowing no cold air are power outlet problems, thermostat issues, clogged air filters, and ice build-up. A simple DIY fix for this problem would be cleaning the condenser and the area surrounding it.
It’s a unit that includes numerous parts, such as the compressor, condenser coil, fans, tubes, circuit boards, and motor. The condenser is prone to getting dirty, as grass and plants that grow around it might cover it over time and result in inefficiency. This issue, however, mainly requires professional fixes, as homeowners aren’t skilled enough to handle its severity.
For instance, refrigerant leaks are usually to blame for the inability of the AC to blow cold air. Some signs indicate the presence of a refrigerant leak, such as warm air leaving the vents, ice on the refrigerant lines, and a hissing sound coming from them. Condenser leaks are also possible, as they can easily pop up through defective seals. Replacing the condenser isn’t always the wisest solution, as an audit of the entire system has to be performed.
A bad compressor starts showing signs like rumbling, clicking, and rattling noises. The compressor’s job is to pressurize the refrigerant and push it inside the condenser to remove heat. When it struggles to start, it indicates a failure about to happen.
To Sum Up
Troubleshooting an AC system can be conducted by homeowners only in cases where their safety isn’t endangered.
Complicated defects require professional assistance!
