The only thing that could ruin your amazing summer is an AC problem that would mean that you have to deal with the scorching heat the traditional way. It’s no secret that a malfunctioning AC is not only frustrating but also dangerous for you and your loved ones.
There’s no need to worry, though. At Shines Energy, we are experts in all things AC, including everything from installation to maintenance to repair. Through our extensive experience, we have developed a comprehensive list of common AC problems that you should watch out for this summer.
1. Clogged Drains
Your AC unit creates condensation as it manages temperature regulation in your house. This condensation is typically not a problem because it’s let out via the condensation drain. However, if your condensation drains clog, the water will back up and begin leaking into your AC system, damaging it. Additionally, the clog will result in a harsh musky smell filling your home.
If these leaks are left unchecked, they can result in mold growth, which will damage your walls. Therefore, it’s important to call a reliable AC repair and maintenance company to come and deal with your clogged drains as soon as you notice the issue. Here’s how to tell that your AC unit has clogged drains:
- An overflowing water pan on your unit
- Notification lights glowing on a newer AC
- Insufficient cooling
2. Refrigerant Leaks
AC units that have been used for a while with little repair or maintenance are more susceptible to refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant leaks on your home AC unit can be caused by formicary corrosion and general wear and tear. You should know that it’s the refrigerant that’s responsible for removing the heat and humidity from your house. Therefore, if it leaks, your AC won’t do its job of making your home cool and comfortable.
You should call an experienced AC technician as soon as you notice refrigerant leaks in your AC. Older models use Freon as the refrigerant, and studies have revealed that Freon can be harmful to human health. Extended Freon exposure can result in:
- Necrotic skin lesions
- Lung problems
- Burns to the respiratory tract and esophagus
Due to these risks, you should always leave any work involving refrigerant to a professional HVAC technician.
3. Duct Leaks
Do some rooms in your house feel cool and comfortable while others are uncomfortably hot? Your AC unit might have a duct leak problem. It’s the ductwork that distributes the cool air to the rooms in your house. Therefore, if the duct going to a particular room is broken, the cool air will escape, leaving it hot and uncomfortable. Thus, your AC unit will work harder to keep your home cool to compensate for the duct leaks. When your AC is overworked, other problems can result.
4. Dirty Air Filter
The longer your AC runs, the more dust and other debris it pulls in and the faster your air filter gets dirty. Soon, you will have a clogged air filter that can result in:
- Poor cooling
- Airflow issues
- Short AC unit lifespan
Luckily, you can avoid all these problems associated with a dirty air filter by yourself without the help of an AC technician. We advise our customers to change the air filter in their AC units every month throughout summer. An added benefit of having a cleaner air filter is that your AC unit will work more efficiently, and you can save between 5% and 15% of its energy consumption.
5. Dirty Condenser Coils
Most AC units have condenser coils outside. This means that they are more likely to collect all kinds of debris. This debris can build up and prevent the condenser coils from efficiently removing heat from your home.
The reduced efficiency means that your AC unit will have to work harder to cool your home, which will significantly lower its lifespan and result in higher electrical bills. You can avoid dirty condenser coil problems by regularly cleaning the debris and dust with an air blower and by tidying up the landscaping around the outside unit.
6. Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils in your AC unit are full of refrigerant and are tasked with absorbing heat. For them to work optimally, they require a constant supply of warm air. If your AC unit has airflow issues, sufficient warm air won’t get to the evaporator coils, and the area around it will start getting extremely cold. This can result in ice buildup around the evaporator coils, which will prevent them from working correctly. As a result, your AC unit won’t be able to get rid of the hot air in your home.
Once you notice this problem, turn off your AC system, and wait for the ice to melt away. If the problem persists, it’s time to call experienced AC technicians for help.
7. Fan Troubles
The AC unit you have at your home has two fans. One of the fans sucks indoor air and blows it over the evaporator coils to cool it while the other one pushes air over the outdoor condenser to remove hot air from your home. Both fans need to be working optimally for the AC unit to do its job. If one of the fans has problems, the AC unit won’t work as expected. Fan issues can be caused by:
- Lack of lubrication
- Dirt and debris buildup
- Worn-out belts
- Motor problems
You will have to enlist the help of an AC technician to resolve fan issues on your AC unit.
8. Issues Turning On and Off
Your AC unit is designed to turn off automatically when it’s not needed to save energy. It should also turn on automatically when the air in your home starts getting hot. Sometimes, this pattern can become erratic, and the AC unit will unpredictably turn on and off. This problem can be caused by the AC system being too small for your home. Loose or faulty wiring and dirty air filters, evaporator coils, and condenser coils can all be culprits as well.
Sometimes, your AC unit may completely fail to turn on. This can result from a tripped breaker or a damaged thermostat. Blown fuses can also cause start-up failure. If the cause is not readily apparent, it’s essential that you schedule an appointment with a qualified AC technician.
Ready to Serve All Your AC Needs
Shines Energy has built a reputation in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and the surrounding areas as a top AC installation, maintenance, and repair company. Since 2013, we have been dedicated to using our skills and expertise to keep families comfortable through all the seasons. Our mission is to help our clients enjoy the comforts of modern life while conserving energy and preserving the planet for our children and future generations.
Besides handling your home’s heating and cooling, we also offer financing on approved credit to enable you to get these comforts even when you are going through tough times. Our flagship financing program is called SNAP, and it provides our customers with a straightforward, fast, and flexible way to heat and to cool their homes. You can expect up to 100% comprehensive financing on approved credit for your home comfort needs. Contact Shines Energy today for more information about our heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services.
