Common Problems with AC Units and What They Mean

AC units are like our own personal heroes, providing comfort and relief in our homes. Just imagine a summer day without your trusty AC; your productivity would dip, sleep quality would suffer, and comfort would be a distant memory. But it’s not just about comfort; AC units also shield us from health risks like heatstroke and purify the air, an essential need for allergy sufferers.

With all of this in mind, you want to be sure that your AC unit stays running at its best. You should recognize what common problems arise with AC units, what they mean, and how they can be resolved.

Understanding the AC Unit

AC units transfer heat from the inside of your home to the outside while keeping the cooler air inside. This process involves several components, including the evaporator, the condenser, the compressor, and the refrigerant. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure these components work efficiently and your unit operates at its best.

Common AC Problems

Without regular maintenance, you are sure to run into these common AC problems:

1. Uneven Cooling: Uneven cooling can significantly impact your comfort and energy bills. A clogged filter is a common cause, but regular filter replacement or cleaning can prevent this and reduce your energy consumption by 5% to 15%, according to energy.gov.
2. AC Not Turning On: Your AC may not turn on. In this case, you must refer to your AC unit’s troubleshooting guide. There may be some DIY solutions specific to your unit.
3. Strange Noises: Are you hearing strange noises coming from your AC unit? This is typically an indicator that something has malfunctioned, whether it be the compressor or a frozen tube in the AC unit itself.
4. Leaking Water: According to Advanced Air, an AC unit leaks water most commonly because the evaporator coil has frozen over. You can fix this issue by turning up the temperature on your thermostat to thaw it out.
5. Electrical Issues: There are a few signs that your AC unit could be experiencing electrical issues. Excessive noises, leaks, or overheating are some sure signs. One easy solution could be to check to see if any breakers have been tripped.
6. Air Quality Concerns: If you notice poor air quality, check the filters and look for any blockages in the vents. This is typically the reason this issue arises.

DIY Fixes vs. Professional Help

Of course, if you could fix your AC unit yourself, that’s an excellent option for a quick fix. Replacing air filters, a clogged drain that must be washed out, or a frozen evaporator coil are easy fixes. If problems continue to present after this, you should call the professionals.

Preventing Future Problems

The best way to prevent all of the above problems mentioned from happening in the first place is to ensure that you are providing your AC unit with regular AC unit maintenance. Replacing the filters every three to four months, cleaning the coils and drains, and cleaning the condenser unit are all ways to keep your AC unit working at its best. Regularly scheduled professional maintenance is a great way to guarantee that these things are done efficiently. Plus, while a professional provides regular maintenance, they could catch more significant problems early on before they cause much damage.

Don’t lose out on maintaining a comfortable home. Hire professional help, maintain regular maintenance, and know what to do when common problems arise. Call Thornton Heating and Cooling today for more information.