Common AC Problems in Summer and How to Fix Them
Summers are when your air conditioner runs non-stop for hours, resulting in common AC problems that can sometimes lead to a complete malfunction of key components. It is mainly due to excessive usage and heat that result in such issues with an AC unit. You can research an HVAC specialist who can diagnose the problem and offer the right solution within your budget.
The least expected thing to happen in summer is the breakdown of your air conditioning system, which is terrible. As a homeowner, you need to understand common AC issues and call an expert in HVAC repair to fix the problem within hours. Here in Dallas TX, there are a few experienced AC repair professionals that can help rectify all faults with an air conditioner. If there are any issues with the compressor, refrigerant, vents, fan, or ducts, the fault is rectified, thus restoring cool airflow. Let’s delve deeper into this topic.
Understanding the Typical Air Conditioning Unit Issues
Here are some common issues homeowners face with their HVAC and air conditioning systems, especially during the peak of summer. Also, the hacks can be of great use.
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant is a chemical (gas) used in an AC unit that helps cool your room by absorbing heat. The refrigerant turns into liquid when pumped into the system, and provides cool air when it is run through the compressor and evaporator coil. With a leak in the refrigerant coil, your AC cannot function to its highest level. It would not be able to cool a space effectively.
It is advised not to try fixing the leak through a DIY approach unless you’re a qualified HVAC technician. Instead, call a professional HVAC repair specialist to solve the leakage problem at the onset.
Clogged & Dirty Air Filter
With every passing day and heavy usage, the air filter of the AC accumulates dust and dirt. The filters get blocked, resulting in inadequate cooling, system failure, and acute airflow issues. The system has to work harder to cool a space. This can eventually lead to system downtime and a low cooling effect.
You can avoid such common AC problems by regularly cleaning the air filter and replacing it every 2-3 months. This would ensure the system lasts longer and functions efficiently, cooling a room quickly.
Clogged Drain Lines
It is one of the most common air conditioner problems in an aging unit or system. During the cooling process, the AC unit creates condensation when warm air passes over the evaporator coil. The humidity turns into moisture, and drops of water fall into the drain pan. The drainage pipes help get rid of the water. A clog in the drain pipe can result in the water backing up and flowing into the house through the indoor unit.
The best way to avoid such a problem is to clean the drain line with bleach and water to remove the clog. A leakage in the drain is also a common air conditioning unit problem. A professional needs to inspect the drain line, check for loose debris and water build-up, and eventually clean the passage.
Duct Leakage
If there are leaks in your air conditioning ductwork, it won't be able to cool a room to a desired level. Even a small hole in the ducts can remove a fairly good amount of cooled air before it gets delivered into the room. It is always advised to seek assistance from a professional that can fix leaks within ducts. These HVAC technicians can restore cool air flow into a house.
High-quality sealants are used to fix leakages in ducts. In this way, you save on energy bills to a great extent. With issues like leaking ductwork, your AC has to work harder to achieve the desired cooling.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Inside the evaporator coils there’s a chemical in gas form called refrigerant. The warm air inside the room passes over the evaporator coil, and the heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant. The main function of the refrigerant is to absorb the heat from the warm air.
To function properly, the evaporator coil requires a warm airflow circulation around it. However, if the airflow around the coil is too cold, it leads to the formation of ice. And, a frozen evaporator coil is no good, as it prevents the HVAC unit from blowing cold air into the room.
You need to switch off the AC for a couple of hours or more to help the evaporator coils defrost. Once all the ice has melted away, you can restart your AC unit.
Fan Issues
This is one of the most common AC problems in residences. Most of the air conditioning systems have two fans. One blows air over the exterior condenser, and the other is in the interior unit over the evaporator coil to cool it down. A fault in either of these fans can lead to a poor cooling effect. It can also cause the entire HVAC unit to malfunction.
A fan problem in an AC can be due to a faulty motor, worn-out belts, and lack of lubricants that help prevent smooth functioning. Even a build-up of dirt, dust, and debris on the fan blade can result in inadequate cooling. You either need to clean up the dirt and pour lubricants, or simply replace the faulty components of the fan.
Homeowners in North Texas looking to fix their AC problems in summer can count on the services of a certified HVAC company in Dallas that has the know-how and expertise. With one such specialist in AC repair, you can now think of an uninterrupted and hassle-free functioning of your air conditioning unit, summer or winter. A little bit of preventive maintenance, and your AC functions in an unhindered manner, 365 days a year, especially during peak summer months. So, you needn’t worry about the common AC problems that come every year, when a professional HVAC technician is by your side.