AC problems can be a huge disruption in your day-to-day routine. During heat waves, an AC unit that does not function can be harmful to your health by exposing you to dangerous temperatures.
Fortunately, when an AC unit begins to have issues, it will usually exhibit one of a few common signs. Understanding the most common AC problems to watch out for makes it easier for you to determine when you should talk to an HVAC repair specialist before your unit stops working entirely.
Here are some common AC problems to look out for.
Three Common AC Problems
While the list below is by no means exhaustive, it does give a general sense of what you should look out for. Noticing one or more of these signs is more than enough to have your AC unit serviced.
1. No Cold Air Blowing
One of the most common AC problems that you will experience is warm air blowing through your vents. This can be because of two common issues with your AC unit. Either your condenser has become covered with dirt and debris, preventing your AC unit from venting heat outside, or there has been a refrigerant leak.
In the first case, your condenser just needs to be cleaned. You can do this yourself with a hose, sponge, and a pair of gloves, but to avoid damaging the unit it’s always a good idea to hire a professional.
In case of a refrigerant leak, a hose has been damaged somewhere inside your unit. Refrigerant is what moves heat from the interior unit to the condenser. Without adequate refrigerant levels, your AC unit will not be able to function at all.
You’ll need to have the hose replaced and the refrigerant refilledsomething that an HVAC professional will have to do for you, because it requires specialized tools to do.
2. Lack of Airflow
In a related vein, if there is no air coming out of your vents at all, you’ll need to talk to an AC repair specialist. No airflow at all points to either a broken fan, which prevents air from moving through your home or dirty ductwork.
The ducts are what connect your AC unit to the vents throughout your home. They will accumulate dust and other airborne particles normally over time, which is why you should have them cleaned on a regular basis. However, if it’s been a while since your last cleaning, the ductwork could be completely clogged, preventing air from the AC from being distributed throughout your home.
3. Ice Buildup
Finally, the last AC problem you should watch out for is ice building up on either the condenser (outside) or the evaporator (inside).
Ice can be caused by a few different things. If the ice is on the outside part of your AC unit, it is most likely caused by a refrigerant leak. If the ice is on the inside part of your AC unit, your unit is either set to too low of a temperature, or is suffering from blocked airflow (because of a damaged fan or clogged duct), both of which will make the interior unit too cold and will freeze the moisture in the air around it.
Prevent Problems from Getting Worse by Treating Them Early
Now that you know some of the most common AC problems that you may experience, you’ll be able to catch issues before they become too serious. This can help avoid significant repair bills, and ensure that your unit is still functioning through the hottest parts of the summer.
For more information about AC problems and what your options are, feel free to contact us.
