Learn How to Identify Common AC Issues
We’ve all been there. You’re cooling off after a long day in the sun when, without warning, the cold air stops. Or you realize it’s a little warmer than it should be, so you adjust your thermostat but nothing happens.
Even with proper routine maintenance, your entire HVAC system can still fall victim to common issues just like any appliance in your home. Power surges, debris buildup and other factors can come into play when diagnosing what’s gone wrong.The good thing is that many common AC problems can be identified before you need to call in the professionals. Depending on the issue, you may still need to give us a call for air conditioning service in your Land O’ Lakes, FL, home. But the possibility of knowing and fixing the problem on your own can save you time and money.
What to Do When Your AC Won’t Work
Let’s begin with some common DIY solutions that may help you diagnose an air conditioner that isn’t kicking on the way it’s supposed to:
Make sure the unit has power. Ensure the switches for both the indoor and outdoor units are in the “on” position at your breaker panel. Even brief power surges can cause your breakers to trip, so it’s important to check here first.
Check your thermostat. Make sure it is set to your desired temperature and on “cool,” not “heat.” If your thermostat is not responsive, there may still be a power issue back at your breaker panel.
Inspect the indoor drain line. Ensure the drain line and safety switch are not retaining any water. If so, this type of issue can be solved by draining the water with a wet/dry vacuum. Check out this video for more details on how to do it!
Call us. If you’ve gone through all of these steps and noticed none of the issues or tried your hand at solving one to no avail, give us a call. We’ll send someone out ASAP to assess the situation and get your comfort back on track.
Reasons Why Your AC Is Freezing Over
When we say a unit is “frozen,” we mean it literally. Issues with your condenser coil can cause freezing, resulting in suboptimal performance or total failure. Routine maintenance will help avoid these issues, but they can still occur between visits. Here’s what to look out for:
Lack of airflow. Change your air filter every 30-90 days to ensure clean air is being generated and there is proper airflow. A buildup of dirt, pet hair and other contaminants can cause a backup and even cause the indoor blower motor to fail.
Lack of refrigerant. Refrigerant is a chemical compound your AC uses to operate. An inadequate amount of refrigerant is often a sign of a leak somewhere along the unit, which will cause freezing. A replacement part or repair is necessary to fix such a leak.
Restrictions in the refrigerant cycle. Your AC cycles through the same refrigerant supply as it changes from a liquid to a gas and back again. A restriction in this cycle will cause freezing and can be a result of debris buildup from unchanged filters, twisted lines or contaminants within the refrigerant.
Watch this video for more information on why your air conditioner may be freezing over.
Need a Pro? Just Reach Out!
If you need a helping hand with these or other issues, our experts are just a phone call away. You should never attempt adjustments or repairs you don’t feel comfortable making because doing so has the potential to cause more harm to your system. We’ll assist in any way we can and can even provide suggestions on how to further improve your home’s safety with an air purifier.
Reach out to us today at 813.993.7995 for more info!
