Is your AC acting up? It might be due to one of these common AC problems we’re going to tell you all about in today’s post. But we won’t just tell you about the problems to be on the lookout for—we’ll also give you tips for preventing them! Of course, we’ll share who to call if your AC isn’t working, despite your best efforts to keep it working at its best.
Let’s go!
Common AC Problems in Florida
To start, read through this list of common AC problems in Florida. This will give you an idea of whether the issues you’re experiencing with your HVAC system are easily fixable or easy to explain. Then, keep reading for tips for preventing those problems from occurring in the first place.
- Your AC won’t start
- The AC isn’t producing enough cool air or adequately cooling your home
- Your air conditioner is leaking
- The air conditioner coil is frozen
- Your air conditioner cycles on and off too much
Do any of these common AC problems sound familiar? Don’t worry—you’re in the right place. Next, we’ll talk about what to do if these problems happen in your own home.
Preventing (and Fixing) Common AC Problems
Your AC won’t start
One way to prevent this problem from happening is ensuring you keep your system clear of dust.
If you do find that your AC won’t start.
1.First thing to check is that the batteries in your thermostat are not dead. Do you see a display on your thermostat? If so look to see if there is any battery low symbols flashing. If no display present then try replacing your batteries first.
2.Check your breakers! Go to where your main electrical panel is ensure all of the breakers handles are facing the same way. When a breaker trips the handle does not go all the way to one side like a breaker that is turned off instead it trips to position half way between on and off. If you see a breaker like this then turn it off then turn it back on. If it trips as soon as you turn it on then leave it tripped and call the professions at A/C Care Heat and Air.
- Clogged drain line. Go to where your indoor unit is and look at the white pvc pipe exiting the base of the unit and follow the pipe until you see a tee in the pipe with a wire sticking out of the tee. Wiggle the cap where the wire is and expose the top of the tee so you can look down inside of the pipe. If there is a little tiny bit of water running along the bottom of the pipe this is normal. If you see the pipe is 25% or more filled with water you may want to hook up a wet and dry vacuum to your drain line outside and suck the drain line out until you hear air getting pulled into the line at the indoor unit.
If none of these fixes work, it’s time to call in HVAC specialists so they can get your home cool and comfortable again.
The AC isn’t producing enough cool air or adequately cooling your home
We understand how frustrating it can be if your AC system isn’t working properly. Not to mention, in climates like Florida’s, it can also be dangerous. Check how to improve air quality in home.
In the event you find your AC isn’t working efficiently and keeping your home cool, what should you do next? In many cases, you can solve this problem quickly by changing the air conditioner filter. To prevent the problem from happening in the first place, most filters should be changed at least every three months.
If your filters are clean, there are a few other issues that might be the culprit.
- Be sure the registers in your home are open and free of debris
- Inspect your outdoor compressor for debris around the unit. Be sure to keep a 1-2 feet of clear space around the compressor at all times to avoid blockages.
Although debris is usually behind this common AC problem, there is a more serious alternative: a refrigerant leak. If that’s the case, you’ll need to call your HVAC specialists in. In some cases, the unit might need replacing to fix the problem once and for all.
Your air conditioner is leaking
A leaky air conditioner is certainly annoying, and it’s also one of the most common AC problems in Florida. Additionally, there are different kinds of leaks that can happen with AC units, including water leaks and coolant leaks.
If it’s a water leak you’re dealing with, you’ll often notice condensation or overflowing drain pans on the unit. In the case of a coolant leak, you could have frozen coils (more on that in a moment).
With water leaks in your AC unit, you can begin by checking your drain pans to see if they are overflowing (a common cause)
To do this, you’ll shut down and unplug the air conditioning unit to ensure your safety. Then, you’ll unscrew the access panel to find the condensate drain pan below the evaporating coils. Then, you’ll notice the drain pan and whether it’s overflowing or not.
If it is overflowing, this is often the result of a blocked drain, so it’s helpful to start by ensuring the drain itself is clear. Using a wet-dry vac is a great way to clear the water and the blockage from the drain. Depending on the severity of the blockage, additional steps might be necessary. Unless you’re comfortable with troubleshooting this problem, it’s likely best to give your HVAC specialists a call now.
As for preventing these leaks from happening? Routine maintenance is key!
In fact, there are all kinds of benefits to routine AC maintenance, including:
- Prolonging the life of your system
- Ensuring your comfort and safety
- Boosting energy efficiency
- Minimizing repair costs
(At AC Care Heat & Air, we promise to offer efficient AC maintenance to our customers while keeping your unit running in top condition throughout the year! Our solutions eliminate many of these common AC problems from happening that could be keeping your system from performing accordingly. Learn more here)
The air conditioner coil is frozen
Next, let’s talk about dealing with frozen air conditioner coils. As strange as it seems that your evaporator coil can freeze even in Florida’s weather, it’s still a common AC problem many homeowners deal with.
If your AC unit isn’t working properly, this is often one of the main reasons for its inefficiency. To tell if that’s what’s responsible for your troubles, check for ice around the outdoor refrigerant line. Next, take a look around your air handler for condensation and moisture.
If you do spot ice, condensation, or moisture, what should you do next? In some cases, this is a problem you may be able to fix yourself. However, it’s a problem you need to address right away.
Some causes for a frozen evaporator coil include:
- Airflow problems (Following your recommended maintenance plan almost always prevent this problem, as does changing your air filters on a regular basis)
- If the indoor and outdoor temperature are too different from one another (this doesn’t tend to be an issue in Florida)
- Dirty evaporator coils (This will need a professional to clean the coil)
- Refrigerant issues (call your HVAC specialists for help)
Your air conditioner cycles on and off too much
Another common AC problem many homeowners deal with is a system that constantly cycles on and off. This tends to be the result of a dirty outdoor condenser unit or its airflow being blocked by debris. In some cases, however, it can also be caused by a dirty evaporator coil or even your thermostat is installed in a location that is too close to a window or door that is frequently opening and closing. If you clear the unit of any debris and clean the coils and the problem persists, it’s time to call in the pros!
Who to Call for Common AC Problems
If you’ve tried fixing these common AC problems yourself and nothing seems to work, it’s time to change your AC filter and call AC Care Heat & Air in Stuart & West Palm Beach, Florida!
Why call us?
Well, we’re known for:
- Working Efficiently
- Offering Comprehensive Services
- Understanding Customer Needs
- Having Open Lines of Communication
- Being On Time for Appointments
- Working in a Detail-Focused Manner
- Keeping Our Work Area Clean
- Offering Customers Sound Advice
We want our customers to have peace of mind about the HVAC repair service that we perform. All of our residential replacements and AC repairs are backed with a two-year warranty, and we give each job our full attention. Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed, and we go the extra mile to offer personalized services.
So, don’t put up with an AC unit that isn’t working at its best for another day. Call AC Care Heat & Air so we can put our skills to use on your HVAC system.
Did you learn a lot from this post about common AC problems?
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