It’s heating up in Green Cove Springs, Florida, and you’ve undoubtedly turned on your air conditioner. If your unit seems to be struggling to transition from blowing warm air to cool air, it might be experiencing some common seasonal AC issues.
As you power up your air conditioner this season, be on the lookout for these five AC problems.
1. Dirty air filters
Many AC issues can be traced back to clogged or dirty air filters. Short-cycling, allergen buildup, frozen lines and uneven cooling could all be caused by dirty air filters. If the filter is dirty, the AC unit cannot take in enough air to cool, meaning it will have less cool air to blow out. In short, dirty filters make your unit work harder than it needs to, reducing the unit’s efficiency and life span.
Be sure to change your air filter at least every 60 days, and especially at the beginning of the cooling season.
2. Thermostat problems
A malfunctioning thermostat is another common offender among air conditioners in the spring. Dust and grime within the thermostat can cause issues with gauging temperatures inside the home. Dead batteries or power outages could reset the time settings on a programmable thermostat. Even the location of a thermostat affects its functionality.
If you suspect the thermostat is causing your cooling issues, check the unit’s batteries and power source. Double check your automatic settings are on the correct timetable, and make sure the thermostat is installed on an interior wall away from direct sunlight.
3. Clogged condensate drain
Not only does your AC cool the air, but it also dehumidifies it. The water removed from your air runs through a small drain hose called the condensate drain. Sediment, algae, mold and even insects from the water can all clog up your AC unit’s condensate drain and prevent the unit from working properly.
If you notice water leaking from your AC unit or in the drip pan below, it’s likely the result of a clog in the drain line. A certified AC technician will clean out any debris clogging the drain and flush the line to reduce future buildup.
4. Run capacitor failure
Another common cause of AC breakdowns is a run capacitor failure. The run capacitor in your AC gives the system its initial boost to turn on and provides continuous power for it to keep running. When a run capacitor fails, the fan motor or compressor will struggle to start and trigger the internal safety mechanism to turn off the system. Unfortunately, the hotter it gets outside the more likely you’ll have issues with the run capacitor.
Run capacitors can only be repaired by a certified AC technician. If you suspect a run capacitor failure or any electrical failure, call your local technician.
5. Refrigerant leaks
Refrigerant is a chemical blend that cycles through an air conditioner, changing from liquid to gas and back again, all the while absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. The refrigerant goes through repeated cycles of evaporation (absorbing heat) and condensation (releasing heat), but it does not get used up. It remains a set level, known as its charge. This means if your unit is low on refrigerant, you have a leak somewhere. Refrigerant leaks cause numerous problems, such as fluctuating temperatures and higher utility bills.
Early in the cooling season, it’s not uncommon for AC units to have lower refrigerant levels. However, simply topping off your refrigerant, often called recharging the unit, will not fix the leak. A trained AC technician will inspect your unit for the leaking refrigerant and discuss your repair options.
DDI can get your AC system up and running!
If your system isn’t cooling as expected or you’re experiencing any of the common AC issues above, call our experienced technicians at DDI Southeast. Our team is ready to inspect and repair your AC unit to keep you cool all season.