Common Central AC Problems & How to Fix Them

air conditioner repairNow that spring is here and summer is around the corner, it’s time to assess your central air conditioner to make sure it’s ready for the hot summer days.  If you can detect problems early, you can prevent damage to your AC and large repair bills. According to Bob Boldt, dirty air filers causes the most common central AC problems.

Unless cool air can pass freely through your filter, your system must work harder to deliver the desired temperature thus adding to its wear and tear. To prevent that added stress, check your filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed.

Read Bob’s Full List Right Here.
After assessing the workability of your air conditioner, you may determine that it’s time to replace your outdated AC system with a more efficient one. Here’s what Bell Home Solutions says about the most important things about new air conditioners:

Once your warranty has expired, your system needs to be carefully monitored, and if you don’t think your existing air conditioner can handle the strain of another summer, now is the time to schedule a replacement session. Doing so means that you’ll have a new air conditioner in place by the time the first hot day hits: letting you take advantage of improved efficiency and other advantages that a new air conditioner can bring.

Read the full story from Bell Home Solutions here…

The following are the most common central AC problems:

Unbalanced air system

An imbalanced central air system can cause uneven temperatures throughout your home. The size of the room, placement of the air vents, windows, and external temperature can all contribute to an uneven air flow. To correct this issue, you should cover large windows with curtains or install dampers to balance airflow. If these steps do not solve the problem, you may need to hire a professional air conditioner repair service.

Clogged condensate pipe

A plugged condensate pipe can cause headaches and problems for your home’s cooling system. While this problem is relatively easy to fix, you should hire a qualified HVAC service technician if you don’t have the necessary skills or experience. However, before hiring a service technician, you should be aware of the common causes of this problem and how to prevent it.

Noise

Noise can signify many things, from a dirty air filter to a broken compressor. While it may be annoying, screeching or hissing sounds indicate an air conditioner problem. A refrigerant leak usually causes these sounds, but they can also come from a faulty blower motor, compressor, or ducting. The best way to diagnose and repair the problem is to contact a qualified HVAC technician. If the noise is coming from outside your unit, make sure to turn the air conditioner off before investigating further.

Ice layer on the evaporator coil

When your central AC stops working correctly, you may notice an ice layer on the evaporator coil. If this happens, you should contact a technician to clean the coil. Since a dirty coil will obstruct air flow, it will cause the compressor to work harder and can even freeze over. The only way to repair the ice on the evaporator coil is to have a technician remove it.

Leaks in ductwork

There are many reasons why ducts can have leaks, one of which is that animals and rodents can make their way into the ductwork. Rodents can cause the seals to break and air to leak out of the system. Other causes for leaks can include zone pressurization. Inadequate supply and return ducts and registers can also cause leaks. If you suspect that your ductwork is the source of a leak, it is essential to make the necessary repairs.

In summary, the spring is an important time for inspecting your air conditioner. Early detection of problems can help you avoid costly repairs and common central AC problems. You find that your air conditioner is outdated and in need of a replacement. If so, we’ve covered the basics of what you need to know before making that big purchase.