The end is in sight. The end of winter that is. Soon, you will be flipping the switch from heating to cooling, so let’s talk a bit about how your air conditioning system could let you down this summer and how to prevent that with good HVAC and AC maintenance.
Common Problems
You know how quickly your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home can get really uncomfortable when the warm weather hits. Here are some common causes for air conditioner problems:
Low Refrigerant Level
The refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. It’s what allows the unit to remove heat from inside the house and transfer it outside. While it is a sealed system, leaks can develop in the refrigerant lines. The fix is not as simple as adding more refrigerant. An HVAC technician needs to find the leaks and repair them. It’s the right thing to do because virtually all refrigerants cause environmental damage when released into the air.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coil, filled with refrigerant, is what absorbs the heat in your home. While it may sound strange, without warm air circulating around them, the coils get too cold causing an ice buildup. When it happens, you will get warm air coming out of the vents instead of cool air. Icing is almost always a result of poor air circulation, most often caused by clogged filters.
Dirty Condenser Coils
As opposed to the evaporator coils, the condenser coils are part of the outdoor unit. They get rid of the heat removed from inside the house by releasing it into the air. The process doesn’t work when the condenser coil is covered in dirt and grime. It should be cleaned as part of regular AC maintenance.
Fan Problems
Fans are used to blow air over both the inside and outside coils we just talked about. If either fan isn’t working correctly, the poor airflow affects cooling efficiency. Ignoring fan problems can lead to serious and expensive damage including compressor failure.
Leaky Ductwork
Even when your air conditioning system is working perfectly you won’t get efficient cooling if your HVAC ducts have leaks. Every leak means cooled air is escaping rather than cooling the rooms in your house which leads to higher monthly bills. You or a technician should inspect the ductwork regularly and repair any leaks that are found.
Condensate Clogs
Your air conditioning system not only removes heat from the air but also humidity. That water, called condensate, has to go somewhere. Using either gravity or a pump the water is carried to the home’s drain pipes or to a spot outside the house. If a clog happens the water can back up and damage your air conditioning. If the water overflows it will damage your walls, ceilings, and floors.
Now is the Time to Call
The hot weather may still be a few weeks away but now is the right time to call Merts and schedule your AC maintenance. It is the best to assure your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home will be comfortable when the first heat wave strikes. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.