In the South, a good, well-built A/C is almost a requirement. The often-scorching heatwaves in Florida mean that you need somewhere cool to escape. However, this also puts a strain on A/C systems that may lead to problems later in life.
Usually, A/C systems don’t break or stop working without some sort of warning sign. However, too many people don’t know what to look for, leading to costly repairs and hot days without A/C.
In our October blog, we discuss the signs that you should look for to keep your A/C system up and running!
What Causes A/C Systems To Have Problems
To talk about the signs of failure, we first need to talk about the most common reasons that A/C systems have problems.
Low Refrigerant – Refrigerant is a fluid used by the A/C unit to cool the air before it is sent through the home. This is typically due to leaks that cause refrigerant to leave the system.
Dirty Filter – It may seem incredibly simple, but you’d be surprised how often people just don’t change their filter. With a dirty filter, your A/C unit may freeze and reduce the overall flow of air.
Drainage Line Problems: Drainage, like filters, can get too dirty and actually cause damage to the system. If the drainage pan fills too much, water can leak and cause further damage.
Evaporator/Condenser Coils – Evaporator and condenser coils are also culprits when it comes to A/C problems. Evaporator coils absorb heat and send cool air into the home, while condenser coils remove heat from the refrigerant. When these are too dirty or are damaged, it can lead to a cascade of problems.
Capacitors – Capacitors are important for the motor that powers the system won’t work. If your motor isn’t working, you may have a problem with your start capacitor or run capacitor.
These are the most common areas that something has gone wrong, but there are many interdependent parts in modern A/C. Even though they are built incredibly well, there are still many ways that A/C systems can fail.
Signs That Your A/C System May Need Repair or Replacement
So now we know which areas of the unit may lead to problems, but what are the signs that you need to look out for?
A/C Not Blowing Cool Air: This may be the easiest sign on the list to spot. If your A/C isn’t blowing cool air when it should, that’s a clear sign that something is wrong. This may be due to many reasons, like a refrigerant leak, motor issue, or even a clogged filter.
Leaks: If you notice leaking anywhere on your A/C system, you should have a professional check it right away. A/C leaks are typical of water or refrigerant, both of which definitely should not be leaking from your system.
Ever-Increasing Energy Bills: If your lifestyle and electricity rate have not changed, you may have a problem with your A/C. Specifically, some components may not be working as intended, making the unit run less efficiently. Less efficiency means more energy used and a bigger bill in your mail each month.
Frequent Cycles: Another telltale sign that something is amiss with your A/C is if it cycles too frequently. A cycle is simply when the A/C turns on or off to maintain a good temperature. However, your unit turning on and off too often could be a sign of thermostat or power problems.
Bad Odor: Many people are unaware that bad odors could actually be a sign that your A/C is not in optimal shape. The culprit may be the malfunctioning or some part of the system or could be caused by microbes in your A/C. Call a professional if you smell bad air coming from your unit.
Weird Noises: Hearing an unusual knocking, scraping, or other weird noise coming from your unit? It may spell trouble. Moving parts in the system may not be interacting properly, leading to damage that worsens the longer it is ignored.
High Humidity: High humidity may be a big sign that something is going wrong in your system. Your A/C system is supposed to regulate the moisture levels in your home, so high humidity may signal that something is awry.
Why You Should Trust The Professionals
If you’re noticing any of these issues, your gut reaction may be to pull up a YouTube video and get to work. However, every system is different, and what may work for one may not work for another.
At Custom Cooling and Heating, we understand the intricacies and complexities of A/C systems today. We can provide expert repair and management services to keep your A/C ready for the Florida heat.
If you’ve noticed issues with your HVAC, don’t hesitate to contact us to have an experienced technician inspect your system!
