Most Charleston, SC, homeowners take amenities such as air conditioning for granted because, for the most part, these things seem to always work. However, there’s no worse feeling than turning on the AC on a hot day only to realize you’re not getting any cold air in your home. It’s your job as a homeowner to make sure you’re keeping up with maintenance so you don’t have to pay for frequent AC repairs. If your AC isn’t working all of a sudden, here’s what could be wrong.
Dirty Air Filter
The most common AC problem is probably a dirty air filter. Every air conditioner has an air filter built in that’s designed to remove particles such as dust and dirt from the air before it gets to your home. While these air filters do a great job of keeping the air in your home clean, a dirty air filter can cause major problems when it comes to airflow.
In order to keep the air in your home clean and avoid repair calls, you should change your air filter at least once every six months. However, that’s the recommendation for single-person households; if you have pets or live with others, you should change your air filter once every three months. If you have pets and a family, you should change your air filter every month or so.
It’s also important to remember that air filters aren’t all the same. If you want better air filtration, buy an air filter with a higher MERV rating. Some AC experts recommend using a HEPA filter, although you should talk with a professional before making that decision on your own.
Bad Thermostat
Sometimes a problem with your AC doesn’t have much to do with your AC at all. If your AC isn’t cycling on when it should or isn’t keeping your home at the right temperature, your problem could be due to a bad thermostat. If you’re having trouble pinning down an AC problem, ask an AC repair expert to check if your thermostat is accurate and try calibrating it.
Your thermostat is what tells your AC when it’s time to cycle on to maintain a comfortable temperature. If your thermostat thinks it’s several degrees colder than it actually is in your home, it’s going to shut your AC off before your home reaches your set temperature. While this can be fixed by recalibrating your thermostat in some cases, you can have an AC repair expert install a new thermostat for a reasonable amount of money, plus you can upgrade to a smart thermostat.
Refrigerant Leaks
When you think about it, it’s pretty incredible that your AC can generate cold air even when temperatures reach the triple digits. Unfortunately, that cold air isn’t the result of magic, but science. In order for your AC to cool your home, it needs to have plenty of refrigerant inside.
Like any kind of liquid, refrigerant has the potential to leak out of your AC. This is a big problem for two reasons: refrigerant is dangerous and it will result in a lack of cooling power. If you notice something leaking from your AC and it’s not water, call an AC repair expert instead of dealing with it on your own.
Remember that your AC also creates condensation, so that may be the liquid you’re seeing leaking out of your AC unit. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to dealing with refrigerants, especially with older AC units in Charleston, SC.
Drainage Problems
While it’s normal to have a little bit of moisture in and around your AC unit, there shouldn’t be a puddle of water on the ground around it. If you notice a musty smell coming from your AC or there’s an abnormal amount of water around it, that could be a signal that you’ve got a drainage problem.
When your AC creates condensation, it has to send all that moisture somewhere. This condensation collects in the condensation drain pan, where it’s then routed through a line away from the AC unit. If this line is clogged, you need to have an AC repair professional get it unclogged for you.
Coils
Coils are another important part of how your air conditioner works, and they’re one of the things you have to stay on top of when it comes to AC maintenance. Coils can get dirty and corrode with time, but they’re essential to the cooling of your home. You should have your coils cleaned on a regular basis so you don’t allow too much dirt and grime to build up on them. Make sure you call an AC repair expert to have your condenser coils cleaned once a year and your evaporator coils cleaned every three years.
Breakers and Fuses
If your air conditioner won’t turn on at all, that’s a sign that there may be an electrical problem preventing your AC unit from getting power. An AC repair professional can take a closer look at your AC to figure out what the problem is, but it could be that you need to call an electrician for the actual fix. If your AC is turning on and running but isn’t cooling your home, chances are you don’t have a problem with a breaker or fuse.
Get Your AC Fixed Today
Taking care of your HVAC system means getting professional help for routine maintenance and regular repairs. As a homeowner, you need to keep your eyes peeled for any developing problems and call an AC repair expert if you notice something amiss.
The good news is, keeping your AC in good shape isn’t too difficult. Whether you need AC repair or maintenance, you can count on Carney & Son 72 Degrees to do the job right and on time. If you want to make sure your AC is fixed up and ready to go for the summer, call 843-242-7065 to schedule an appointment today.
Photo By Olivier Le Moal at istock