With the temperature increasing in Hope Hills, North Carolina, keeping your air conditioner functioning is critical to comfort in your home. There are many issues that your air conditioning system may encounter that can result in poor performance or even a breakdown. Here are some of the most common problems you may encounter with your AC unit during spring:
Dirty Coils
One of the most common causes of air conditioning malfunctions during the spring is dirty coils. Your AC system has both a condenser coil and an evaporator coil inside of its outdoor unit. Unfortunately, due to the location of the unit, it’s much more susceptible to dirt and debris from the outside elements. Branches, yard clippings, dirt, and other debris can easily become trapped in the unit and affect how it functions. You can prevent this problem by keeping the area around your unit maintained and scheduling regular maintenance.
Thermostat Malfunction
If you have a newer or smart thermostat, you’re unlikely to have this problem. If your model is older and most likely outdated, then it can malfunction from season to season. As a result, it can affect the efficiency of your system. First, check to see that it’s in cooling mode and the fan is on. If changing the temperature doesn’t get your system to turn on or off, it’s likely that you’ll need to replace your thermostat.
Damaged or Leaky Ductwork
One of the hardest issues to identify is damaged ductwork. As your ductwork ages, it can develop cracks or leaks that allow conditioned air to escape and hot air to enter. Your ductwork can also become clogged with built-up dirt, dander and debris. As a result, it can inhibit the flow of air and cause your system to have to work harder than it needs to maintain a comfortable temperature. If your ducts are dirty or you suspect damage, give us a call. We’ll inspect, repair, clean and seal your ductwork to make sure you stay cool in your home.
A Clogged Filter
Your system’s filter works to trap the dirt, pollen, dander and other debris to prevent them from getting to your HVAC system. These particles can damage your system and worsen your indoor air quality. Because its job is to trap dirt, it can easily become clogged if not regularly changed. When clogged, not only does it restrict the airflow but the indoor air coils can freeze, causing a malfunction.
You can prevent expensive repairs by changing your air filter regularly. We recommend you change your air filter once a month. But if you have pets or have allergies, you may need to change it more often. If you’ve changed your filter and you’re still experiencing restricted or no airflow, schedule an appointment with us.
Refrigerant Leaks
An air conditioning unit is a sealed system, which means refrigerant cannot leak from it. Refrigerant leaks lead to major issues such as problems with efficiency and increases in electricity use. Leaks can cause your coils to freeze, and your compressor could become damaged. The culprit is often a bad valve, fitting or leaky tubing. Our service technicians are specially trained and certified to work with refrigerant and can fix your problem in no time.
A Clogged Drain Line
Air conditioners create condensation as a byproduct that drains through dedicated lines. Due to the high moisture content in these lines, algae can grow, which can cause blockages. Backups in the drain line can cause the pump to fail, and you may experience water damage in your home. If you suspect you have a clogged drain line, contact us. One of our professionals will fix the issue before it gets worse.
If you have any of the air conditioning problems listed above or suspect there’s another issue with your system, call (910) 672-8885 today. One of our service technicians will identify your problem and get your system back up and running in no time.
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