Avoid Falling Victim to These Common, Preventable AC Issues
There’s little worse than a malfunctioning AC unit. Not only do AC units keep the home comfortable, but they are also responsible for removing humidity from the air. And the humidity in many areas can be pretty bad for the majority of the year. Luckily, the most common AC issues are also the most avoidable ones. Knowing what to do when these issues crop up is half the battle. Knowing how to spot them is the other half. Homeowners that want to be prepared for common AC problems should read on.
Poor or Blocked Airflow
One of the most frustrating things that can happen with an AC is poor or no airflow. When the AC is on, but the house is still hot and muggy, it can seem impossible to know what to do. There are several reasons for poor or blocked airflow, and they’re all pretty easy to prevent. These include a clogged air filter, a blocked or leaking air vent, and a frozen evaporator coil.
The air filter issue is the first thing homeowners should check when there’s a problem with airflow. When the air filter is used for too long, it can become clogged, blocking up the airflow required to cool the home. Checking for vent clogs can be a little more difficult, but a visual inspection can tell homeowners whether they are experiencing a vent leak. Finally, checking for ice on the evaporator coil can determine whether it’s frozen or not.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks aren’t quite as common as airflow issues, but they do happen fairly often. Most homeowners aren’t familiar with refrigerants, which makes it hard to determine whether there’s a leak or not. In fact, it often takes a professional to diagnose a refrigerant leak. Homeowners should look for excessive moisture around the unit, as this can indicate a leak inside. The good news is that these leaks are easily preventable.
Regular maintenance is the best prevention for refrigerant leaks and all other AC issues. When an HVAC professional can inspect the system, they can head off leaks and other major issues that interrupt proper AC functions.
Unit Not Getting Power
Sometimes an AC unit will mysteriously lose power. This can happen for several reasons that are all pretty easy to diagnose. The first thing homeowners should check is the breaker box. If there’s no power to the unit, it’s often a tripped breaker. However, if the breaker continues tripping, it’s time to call a professional to fix the issue.
It’s also good for homeowners to check the emergency shutoff switch near the outdoor unit, especially if it has recently been serviced. If the emergency shutoff isn’t the issue, it couldn’t hurt to reset the AC by turning it off for five minutes and then turning it back on again.
The best way to prevent AC issues is to have the unit regularly serviced by a professional HVAC company.
About Easco Air Conditioning and Heating
Easco Air Conditioning and Heating have been serving The Woodlands, TX with pride since 1982. They offer expert technicians, years of experience, and 24/7 emergency service. Call them today for HVAC service in The Woodlands, TX!
