Air conditioning helps us through those sweltering summer days, but with this comfort of cool air comes the responsibility of regular maintenance. This blog highlights the most common problems we find during an AC Tune Up. From dirty air filters to electrical issues, these issues are critical to find before they grow into more significant issues that stop your air conditioning from working.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters are essential to keeping your air conditioning system functioning optimally and indoor air quality healthy. A dirty filter can cause a decrease in airflow, increase energy bills, and even cause AC failure. To prevent these issues, it is vital that you regularly clean or change these components of the unit for improved performance levels.
When Should I Replace a Dirty Air Filter?
In general, it is suggested that you change the air filters every one to three months. We recommend checking them once a month to ensure they are clean and that you never run into problems like blocked vents, poor indoor air quality, and a decrease in the home’s cooling performance. Keeping an eye on the HVAC system and air filters guarantees optimal performance with fresh circulation all around!
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is a vital element to any air conditioning system because it makes the full cooling cycle possible. Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks can affect temperature levels in your home and decrease the cooling efficiency of the entire air conditioner.
A refrigerant leak can be caused by several factors, which include:
- Deterioration of the condenser coil
- Corrosion of the coil or other AC components
- Incorrect installation
- Damage brought on by severe weather or flooding
Any issue with refrigerant lines is more serious than air conditioner problems typically found during a tune up, making these services necessary for your home.
Blocked Vents and Ducts
Our HVAC technician experts also frequently find blocked vents and ducts in the homes of our customers. This creates a necessary problem because the obstruction leads to proper airflow. This not only hurts the efficiency of the air conditioner but also causes long-term problems.
To ensure proper airflow and optimal cooling efficiency, it is essential to clean any dust or furniture obstructing the vents. This will help clear out any obstruction blocking them so they remain free from hindrances for better performance.
Electrical Issues
Tune ups also help the HVAC technician find electrical issues within the air conditioner, which can cause the entire unit to stop working. Here is a list of the most common electrical problems we find:
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Incorrect wiring
- Frayed or damaged wiring
- Defective capacitors are typical electrical issues that can lead to AC failure.
- Short cycling of the heating or cooling cycle
- Odd noises like sparks or burning smells
Thermostat Malfunction
The thermostat is responsible for managing the temperature settings and energy efficiency of an AC system. Sometimes, HVAC technicians find these issues during a tune up:
- Faulty wiring
- Dead batteries
- Incorrect settings
- Malfunctioning thermostat sensor
- Worn-out components of the thermostat
When these issues are in a thermostat, the entire central air system will have problems working correctly. As a result, we at Air Pros USA go the extra mile to ensure that your thermostat works correctly.
Condenser Coil Issues
The condenser coil is designed to remove heat from the interior of your home. It is located inside the outdoor unit of your air conditioning system and keeps the AC running all year round if need be. If this coil has issues, the air conditioner will be less efficient, and you will see an increase in your energy bills.
To avoid these problems, an HVAC technician will perform the necessary maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. If the condenser coil is broken or damaged, the HVAC technician may also recommend a repair or replacement, depending on the state of the coil and the overall central air system.
Fan Motor Problems
The condenser fan motor is a vital part of your air conditioning system and is in charge of circulating air around the home. Issues with it can bring about weakened airflow and energy expenses, along with a total breakdown of the AC unit.
Here are the problems we most commonly find with fan motors of an air conditioning system:
- Strange noises
- Poor airflow
- AC unit constantly running
- A lack of change in temperatures when the AC is working
AC tune up technicians help avoid this issue with regular inspections and cleanings. They also take the time to lubricate the fan motor bearings so they do not make that awful noise. With routine tune ups, these AC problems will be avoided, and you will enjoy comfort in your home.
Drainage Problems
Air conditioning tune ups also help AC technicians spot and repair drainage problems that lead to an AC unit leaking water. This is an important issue to fix because prolonged leaks lead to water damage and mold growth.
Drainage problems happen because of the following:
- Clogged drain line
- Faulty installation of air conditioners
- Damaged drain pans
An air conditioner leaking water is never a good sign. If you want it to continue to blow cold air, take the time to schedule that much-needed air conditioning tune up.
Odd Smells
Sometimes, when the air conditioning system is working, you may pick up on some odd smells. This smell can indicate a problem, especially if the smell is of mold or mildew. You may even smell decaying, often caused by dead animals stuck in the ducts of your AC system. Any issue that has to do with poor indoor air quality and odd smells like that must be investigated by a professional HVAC technician to ensure that the problem is addressed correctly.
AC Won’t Turn On
Another issue that you might run into is when the AC just won’t turn on at all. This can be incredibly frustrating if you’re trying to call your home on a particularly scorching day or warm it up when it is very chilly outside. Here is why your AC might not be turning on today:
- There might be a tripped circuit breaker
- You might have a faulty thermostat
- There may be some electrical issues within the AC system
- The AC compressor may be broken
Each issue is concerning and must be adequately investigated and addressed by a professional HVAC technician. Remember to call your repair tech sooner than later to avoid further problems with the unit.
Call Air Pros USA Today!
When was the last time your air conditioning unit got a once-over from an AC tune up specialist? Contact Air Pros USA to schedule a tune-up today to ensure optimal comfort and maximize energy savings.
Check the complete listing of all Air Pros USA locations for our team of experts near you.
