Experiencing air conditioner problems during the summer in California can lead to some sweltering days and sleepless nights waking up drenched in sweat. Not only can these types of days be uncomfortable, but they can also be dangerous and increase the risk of heatstroke. Luckily, some warning signs can help you identify air conditioning issues before they become a nuisance. Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning details five common air conditioner issues and some tips on preventing them.
Our HVAC company helps deliver efficient air conditioning services to keep you and your family comfortable in your own home. So if you are noticing any of these warning signs, schedule AC service right away!
Dirty Condenser Coils
Your AC's condenser coils are located in the system's outdoor unit and are responsible for dispersing the heat built up inside your home. As dirt and debris accumulate on the outdoor unit, it becomes harder for the coils to expel warm air effectively. When a condenser coil is dirty or blocked, the unit will have to work harder to achieve the same result. We recommend clearing away any brush or foliage around the outdoor unit and performing routine AC maintenance.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
The AC system's evaporator coil is filled with refrigerant and is responsible for absorbing the hot indoor air so the condenser coil can expel it. For the evaporator coils to work properly, there must be a constant flow of warm air; otherwise, the coils will become too cold and freeze over. To avoid this problem, we recommend replacing your air filters when they become visibly dirty, as dirty air filters can impede the airflow of warm air and affect the indoor air quality of your home.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Evaporator coils won't absorb and remove heat from your home without refrigerant. If you notice the air conditioner is blowing warm air and the evaporator coils aren't frozen over, you may have low refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels could indicate a leak in the refrigerant lines, which would require an experienced HVAC technician to repair. Contact our team for high-quality, effective AC repairs.
Electrical & Wiring Issues
If you notice no air coming out of the unit, the fan on the outside of the unit may have stopped, and if this is the case, you will have to check the breaker box. If an isolated event caused the power surge, the air conditioning unit should come back on by restarting the tripped breaker. But, if the breaker continues to shut down, there could be an issue with the electrical and wiring, resulting in a fire if left unchecked. We recommend reaching out to an air conditioning technician or an electrician to determine the cause of the problem.
Burnt Out Capacitors
Capacitors are responsible for providing the air conditioning with the jolt it needs to start its motor. If you notice a clicking sound, this might indicate the capacitor is wearing down. It is important to fix any capacitor issues early, as they can lead to more costly problems in the future. We recommend calling a professional to replace the worn-down capacitors because it could be dangerous. Regular maintenance can help prevent wear and tear to avoid emergency AC repairs.