When a homeowner suspects their AC isn’t working, one of the first things they’ll try to do is Google the symptoms to see what the possible problem is. They often do this for two reasons. One, they want to see if it’s possibly a DIY fix. And two, they’re worried about how much the repair could possibly cost. Flexible financing options are available to help homeowners manage the cost of repairs or upgrades, making it easier to get the service you need.
If a Google search has brought you to this blog, then we hope the info below is helpful. But more than that, we hope you’ll leave the necessary air conditioning repair to a professional HVAC company such as ours. Our professional cooling services are provided by experienced technicians who can handle all aspects of AC maintenance and repair. Seatown Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air technicians can fix most air conditioning problems on the spot. Ignoring the problem in the hope that it’ll go away is never a good idea and could possibly lead to a minor problem becoming a major headache.
Here are four common AC issues and their symptoms, causes, and fixes.
Introduction to Air Conditioning
Air conditioning has become an essential part of modern living, helping to keep homes, offices, and public spaces comfortable even during the hottest days. An air conditioning system works by removing heat and humidity from indoor air, circulating cool air throughout your space to create a pleasant and healthy environment. Not only does this process help maintain a comfortable temperature, but it also plays a vital role in improving indoor air quality by filtering out dust, allergens, and other airborne particles.
Regular maintenance of air conditioners is crucial to ensure they operate efficiently and reliably. Without proper care, your system can lose its ability to cool effectively, leading to higher energy bills and reduced comfort. Routine maintenance helps your air conditioning system run smoothly, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and extends the life of your equipment. By keeping your air conditioning in top condition, you can enjoy cool, high-quality air all season long while keeping your home comfortable and your energy costs in check. In the following sections, we’ll explore the key components of air conditioners and why regular maintenance is essential for keeping your system running efficiently.
AC Unit Components
Every air conditioning unit is made up of several essential components that work together to keep your home cool and comfortable. The compressor is the heart of the system, pressurizing the refrigerant and moving it through the condenser coils, where heat is released to the outside air. The evaporator coil, located inside your home, absorbs heat from the indoor air, allowing cool air to be circulated back into your living spaces. The fan plays a crucial role in distributing this cool air evenly throughout your home.
To keep your air conditioner performing at its best, it’s important to pay attention to regular maintenance tasks. Cleaning or replacing air conditioner filters ensures that dust and debris don’t restrict airflow or reduce cooling efficiency. Coil fins and condenser coils should also be kept clean and free of obstructions to prevent costly repairs and maintain peak performance. By understanding how these components work together and taking care of them, you can help your air conditioning unit deliver reliable cooling, avoid unnecessary repairs, and enjoy a comfortable home all summer long.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Keeping your air conditioning system in top shape isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your home stays cool and efficient all summer long. Regular air conditioner maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs, reducing utility bills, and extending the lifespan of your AC unit. In fact, a well-maintained air conditioner can last 10-15 years or more, while neglecting maintenance can lead to breakdowns and expensive fixes.
One of the most essential maintenance tips is to check and replace your air conditioner filters regularly. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and reducing its efficiency. Not only does this drive up your energy bills, but it can also lead to poor indoor air quality and even cause your system to fail prematurely. A clean filter is crucial for your indoor air quality, especially if you have a ducted system. During the cooling season, it’s a good idea to inspect your air filters every month and replace them as needed to keep your air conditioning unit running at peak performance.
Don’t forget about the condensate drain, either. Over time, condensate drains can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can lead to water damage and reduced system efficiency. To prevent this, clear the drain channels with a stiff wire or flush them with a garden hose to keep water flowing freely. Inspect the window seals between the air conditioner and the window frame at the start of each cooling season, and check them for leaks to ensure no cool air is escaping. Properly maintained window seals help prevent energy loss and improve your system’s energy efficiency. This simple step can help you avoid bigger problems down the line.
The outdoor AC unit also needs attention. Dirt, leaves, and debris can collect around the condenser coils and coil fins, blocking airflow and reducing your system’s efficiency. Gently clean the condenser coils with a soft brush or vacuum, and use a fin comb to straighten any bent coil fins. This helps prevent airflow restrictions that can reduce the system’s efficiency. Keeping the outdoor unit clear ensures your air conditioner can release heat efficiently, helping your home stay cool even during the hottest days in Seattle, WA.
While some maintenance tasks are easy for homeowners to handle, scheduling a professional tune up with a licensed HVAC technician is the best way to catch potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. A professional technician will inspect your entire cooling system, check electrical connections, clean the indoor evaporator coil, and make sure your air conditioning system is ready for the demands of the cooling season. Reliable air conditioning repair services often provide upfront pricing, so you know what to expect before any work begins. Regular maintenance from a reliable HVAC professional can help you avoid emergency repairs, improve your system’s efficiency, and keep your indoor air quality high.
If you live in the greater Seattle, WA area, don’t wait until your AC system breaks down. Schedule regular maintenance with a trusted HVAC company to keep your air conditioning running smoothly and efficiently. With the right care, you’ll enjoy cool air, lower utility bills, and a comfortable home all summer long. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your air conditioner—and your peace of mind—in peak condition.
AC System Performance
The overall performance of your air conditioning system is key to keeping your home cool and your energy bills low. Factors like air flow, cooling capacity, and energy efficiency all play a role in how well your system can maintain a comfortable indoor environment. When your air conditioning system is well-maintained, it can deliver consistent cooling, operate efficiently, and last for many years.
Simple maintenance tasks, such as cleaning or replacing air filters, help maintain proper air flow and prevent dust and debris from clogging the system. Regularly checking and cleaning the condensate drain ensures that moisture is properly removed, reducing the risk of water damage and mold growth. It’s also important to inspect your thermostat to make sure it’s working correctly and set to the right temperature.
For the best results, schedule annual tune ups with a licensed HVAC professional. A professional technician can perform a thorough inspection, identify potential issues, and make adjustments to keep your system running at peak performance. Regular maintenance not only improves energy efficiency and cooling performance but also helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. By staying proactive, you can enjoy reliable comfort and lower utility bills throughout the cooling season.
Short Cycling
- The symptoms: The AC is constantly turning itself on and off but not completing a cooling cycle. It doesn’t seem like the thermostat is going down despite how often it’s running.
- The likely culprit: IIt’s often caused by reduced airflow in the form of a dirty/clogged air filter, which can significantly reduce the system’s efficiency. It could also be caused by frozen evaporator coils, low refrigerant levels, a failing compressor, electrical problems, or an oversized system.
- A possible fix: Change the air filter if it’s dirty—replacing a dirty filter is a key step in restoring proper function and maintaining the system’s efficiency. If not, there could be a refrigerant leak in the system.
Strange Noises
- The symptoms: Unusual noises that are noticeable such as hissing, bubbling, banging, screeching, or the grating sound of metal-on-metal.
- The likely culprit: Hissing and bubbling are probably due to a refrigerant leak, which can often be traced to issues with the refrigerant lines. Banging, screeching, and metal-on-metal usually mean there’s a loose screw or component that’s knocking around the system.
- A possible fix: For refrigerant leaks, we’ll find the source of the leak, seal it, and replenish the refrigerant. For a loose component, we’ll find it and secure it down to keep it where it should be. Learn more about how HVAC contractors tune up ACs to prevent these issues.
Lukewarm/Hot Air
- The symptoms: When you hold your hand up to a vent, the air is anything but cold. Your home’s temperature isn’t budging, either.
- The likely culprit: A refrigerant leak, a clogged air filter, a faulty compressor, or problems with the indoor unit—such as a dirty coil or blocked airflow.
- A possible fix: Finding the leak. If it’s the compressor, be aware that this is often a costly repair as the entire compressor may need to be replaced. You can prevent many of these issues through regular AC maintenance.
Leaking Condensate Line
- The symptoms: You’ll see standing water around your AC unit, the drain pan will be full, or your AC might not turn on at all if the sensor has picked up that there’s a problem with draining.
- The likely culprit: There’s a clog somewhere in the condensate line. This line is how your AC disposes of the moisture that it collects.
- A possible fix: You can try pouring a cup of plain white vinegar into the line to see if that clears the clog. It’s important to have proper access to the end of the condensate drain to effectively clear any blockages. If not, you’ll need to call us for a repair.
Don’t make the mistake of waiting too long to have your air conditioner repaired. When in doubt, give us a shout.
Hiring a Professional
When it comes to air conditioner maintenance and repair, trusting a licensed HVAC technician is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Professional technicians have the training and experience to diagnose and resolve even the most complex issues, ensuring your air conditioning system operates safely and efficiently. They can also provide expert maintenance tips, such as how to properly clean air conditioner filters, inspect coil fins, and check refrigerant lines for leaks or damage.
Regular maintenance by a professional technician helps prevent costly repairs, extends the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, and keeps your system running efficiently. In the Seattle, WA area, it’s especially important to find a reliable HVAC technician who understands the unique needs of local homes and can provide quality service you can trust. Whether you need routine air conditioner maintenance, emergency repairs, or advice on improving your system’s performance, a professional is your best resource for keeping your home comfortable and your air conditioning unit in top shape. Don’t wait for a breakdown—schedule regular maintenance with a trusted professional to ensure your system delivers cool, clean air all season long.
Contact Fulmer Heating & Cooling for help with air conditioning repairs in Columbia, SC!
803-276-1553
