You depend on your AC unit to cool your home during the warmer times of the year. However, your AC system, like any other household system, can experience problems that need to be fixed by a professional. Some of these problems are common and relatively easy to fix, but others require highly specialized HVAC knowledge. If you’re a homeowner, you should definitely know about the following AC problems.
Moisture or Refrigerant Leaks
Water and refrigerant leaks are fairly common with residential AC systems. You shouldn’t be too concerned if you notice condensation outside the air handling unit. However, you may need to consult a professional if you notice excessive moisture that forms pools outside the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be hard to see, primarily because they occur inside the coolant lines in the system. Brightly colored liquid patches around or inside your system can be a sign of a refrigerant leak.
Moisture leaks in your system may occur as a result of a clogged drain line or poorly performing condensate pump. Refrigerant leaks frequently occur as a result of wear and tear on the ductwork of a unit. If you notice a refrigerant leak, you should immediately turn off your system and reach out to a professional. This is especially true since your compressor can fail if refrigerant levels drop too low.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
If you haven’t had your system’s filters changed or cleaned within the last few years, you will encounter problems. Air filters are an important component of your home’s indoor air quality. They trap pet dander, fine dust particles, indoor air pollutants, and allergens and prevent them from circulating inside your home. They also greatly improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Although a dirty air filter may not seem like much of a problem, it can force your system to work overtime if it’s full of dust and debris. This additional strain can speed up the rate of wear and tear on your unit, causing you to eventually need professional repairs.
Clogged Drain Line
As previously stated, a clogged drain line can cause moisture leaks. Clogged drain lines are one of the most common AC problems. Over time, drain lines can become clogged with evaporator coil condensation. When this condensation is inside the ductwork, it can combine with dust particles, resulting in a blockage. If you notice an increase in your home’s indoor humidity, you may be facing a clogged drain line. If you fail to immediately address this issue, it can put your entire unit at risk of mechanical failure.
Air Duct Cracks
If your unit can’t blow cold air at all, there may be a problem with your air ducts. If cracks develop on the outside of your air ducts, the cold, conditioned air may end up escaping. This will force your AC unit to work significantly harder to maintain your desired temperature. It can also leave you feeling uncomfortable often. You may be tempted to solve this problem by applying duct tape to the cracks, but such solutions may not work. Repairing air ducts requires professional experience and expertise.
Outside Fan Problems
Your unit’s outside fan is responsible for transferring heat from your unit to the outside. If you can’t tell if your unit’s outdoor compressor is working, you may want to check to see if the fan is spinning. If the compressor works fine but the fan doesn’t spin, you may have a bad capacitator or fan motor. There is also a chance that you may need both of these components replaced. If this is the case, there is no way your unit is getting the power it needs to run efficiently. Fortunately, problems with your outdoor fan can be fixed by an AC professional.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat is an important component of your system. After all, it allows you to control the indoor temperature of your home at will. However, like any other system component, thermostats can malfunction or stop working altogether. Common thermostat issues include uneven heating or cooling and short cycling. If you notice your thermostat won’t light up, you may simply need to change the batteries. More complicated issues, such as a blown fuse or tripped breaker may also prevent your thermostat from powering on. If your thermostat is dirty inside or not leveled properly, short cycling can become a major problem.
Bad Capacitator
If your thermostat is working correctly but the air coming from your vents isn’t cold, you should locate your outside condenser to see if it’s functioning. Depending on your depth of hearing, you should hear both your unit’s compressor and fan motor running (they make a deep buzzing sound). If there is buzzing or humming but you don’t notice anything blowing or turning, your capacitator may be dead. Capacitators assist your unit’s electrical motors. They also help to get your unit’s motors up to speed when they first start up. Over time, however, capacitors can weaken, and if they aren’t replaced, they will “blow,” rendering them useless.
Low Refrigerant
Freon or Puron are types of refrigerants that transfer heat to make your unit cool. If your unit’s refrigerant level drops too low, it may struggle to keep up with your demands. It can freeze and not cool your house at all. Most low refrigerant problems are caused by slow leaks, which become more pronounced over time. If you start noticing your AC running for longer and longer periods, you may have a leak. You may also have a leak if you notice it’s becoming more difficult to maintain your desired temperature inside. Fortunately, a professional can add more refrigerant to your system and ensure any leaks are stopped.
Damaged or Worn-Out Blower
Your system’s blower motor is what moves the air throughout your home’s ductwork. Blowers tend to be highly reliable, but sometimes, they may wear out. This can happen when dirt and debris accumulate inside the motor or when certain components of the motor are not cared for. Older motors can also face additional stress if their capacitator wears out over time. If you smell a strange burning odor coming from your ductwork or you hear a grinding or banging sound, it may be coming from the blower. If you notice this, you should turn your system off immediately to prevent any more damage or a fire.
Short Cycling
If your unit is constantly turning on and off, it’s said to be short cycling. This process can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from a dirty air filter to a clogged condenser unit. Short cycling may not seem too problematic, but it can cause significant damage to your compressor. You may also notice short cycling problems if your unit is too large for your home. If there is a problem with a dirty air filter or clogged condenser unit, you may need to have your system cleaned out properly. If this doesn’t help, a new, appropriately sized unit may be required.
Schedule Service Today
Western Pacific Heating, Cooling & Airflow offers premier cooling services to Vancouver, BC and the surrounding area. We know how important your AC is, and if you experience any of the problems listed above, we can help. Your AC unit works hard, and so do we. Our team provides a full range of cooling, heating, and indoor air quality services, including repairs, installation, and maintenance. We’re also available if you need water heater services. Contact Western Pacific Heating, Cooling & Airflow today to speak with a member of our team.
