Your air conditioning system is an essential part of modern homes. They can maintain comfort and keep other systems, such as the plumbing, working. But due to wear and tear, your equipment may succumb to faults when you need it the most. Here are some common AC issues you may encounter in the summer.
1. Inadequate Cooling in Summer
It can be frustrating when your AC does not seem to be cooling your house in the summer. The issue could be due to obstructions to airflow. Sometimes it’s due to dirty air filters or blockages on the outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit consists of a condenser that absorbs heat from the indoors and dispenses it outdoors. Obstructions around the air handler will prevent the efficient transfer of heat from your interior to the atmosphere outside.
The compressor pumps the refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor air handlers. When there is a fault in your compressor, your AC may produce warm air. Your equipment will require servicing to replace the components and restore interior comfort.
Your AC may also fail to condition temperatures if there is a capacitor failure. The capacitor is an integral part of the equipment’s electronic circuit. It manages electrical discharges to the AC’s motor and condenser.
But the capacitor can pose significant risks in terms of electrocution. The capacitor can carry high voltage and should be handled by a certified technician. Touching the terminal could lead to severe injuries and even death.
It is always advisable to seek repairs as soon as possible. The longer you procrastinate, the more it will worsen the air conditioning faults. You can talk to [company_name]’s Alpharetta team for prompt AC services.
2. The Refrigerant Is Leaking
Your air conditioner also has refrigerant lines that transfer the coolant between the outdoor and indoor air handler. The refrigerant is constantly under high pressure. The pipes are usually made of copper to facilitate heat transfer.
But the copper coils need regular servicing to prevent corrosion. After undergoing degradation, the lines may succumb to high pressure and leak refrigerant. Low levels of the coolant will reduce your equipment’s ability to regulate indoor temperatures.
To restore the function of your AC, a technician will have to seal the leak and recharge the refrigerant. We also recommend an annual tune-up of your air conditioner to avoid such faults.
Some of the signs of a refrigerant leak may include:
- High levels of humidity indoors
- The AC struggles to regulate indoor temperatures
- A spike in your utility bill
- Ice on the evaporator coils
3. Leaks and Clogs in the Ductwork
Your AC equipment is the center of your cooling system. In that case, the supply and return ducts are like the veins and arteries that carry warm and cool air. When there is an issue with the ductwork, it will impact indoor air quality and temperatures.
Some of the problems with your ductwork can develop during installation. Too many bends and twists can diminish airflow into your home. Leakages may also develop that allow conditioned air to escape. According to a report from Energy Star, you can lose up to 20% of your energy through leaky ductwork.
Leaks can also introduce pollutants into the house. Not only does faulty ductwork release conditioned air, but it also allows debris, dust, and contaminants into your home. You can schedule regular duct cleaning and sealing to keep your cooling system efficient in summer.
In Georgia, the humidity during the hot summer can be unbearable. You may want to consider purchasing a dehumidifier to manage moisture. While the evaporator coil can control humidity, some homes may have higher levels due to foundation or structural problems. A dehumidification system can keep your equipment efficient and enhance comfort in your home.
4. A Clogged Drain Line
When the evaporator captures moisture, it channels it through the condensate drain line. When there is a blockage on the drain line, there will be leakages of water from your equipment. Most models have a shut-off mechanism that will switch your AC off.
If there is a clog in the drain line, you may notice pools of water around your unit. There may be dampness around the AC fan and on parts of your equipment. If not addressed in time, the leaks may cause mildew and mold growth on and around your unit.
Several factors may be responsible for the leaks and clogging of your unit. Microbial growth may spread to the point it blocks the drain line. Perhaps the condensate line is broken or corroded. In that case, your equipment will require a replacement.
Sometimes a float switch mechanism will switch off the system to avoid water damage. If there are signs of corrosion or microbial growth, you should consult an AC technician immediately. [company_name] has NATE-certified technicians in Alpharetta you can depend on for quality AC solutions.
5. Fan and Motor Problems
Your air conditioner needs the outdoor unit to move warm air and dispel it outside. The fan and the motor have to run at high speeds to maintain a consistent airflow through the house. If the condenser tilts, the system may not regulate temperatures efficiently.
Since the motor often revolves at high speeds to discharge heat in Alpharetta’s summer, lubrication is always crucial. Your AC may also fail to regulate temperatures properly because of worn-out belts and debris accumulation.
6. Strange Noises
Modern models of air conditioning equipment incorporate the latest technology to make the AC run silently. They will typically have noise-dampening and two-stage compressors. So, if there are unusual sounds coming from your system, it is often a sign of a malfunction. Understanding the different noises and what they mean could help detect faults.
Banging and squealing noises are indications of loose parts in your system. If the noise is from the indoor unit, it is often an indication that the blower is unbalanced. Loose wiring in your AC may also cause similar noises. Unsecured connections can trigger fire hazards and may damage your equipment.
Whirring noises from your AC is probably a sign of motor and fan faults. When the fan blade comes loose, it may generate sounds like a propeller hitting against something. The whirring could also be debris obstructing the movement of the motor and fan.
Burbling or high-pitched noises are most likely a refrigerant leak. If the coolant is running low, you may also notice the refrigerant struggles to maintain the set indoor temperature. The best course of action is to switch off your equipment and call a professional to diagnose and fix it.
Some parts of your AC can be dangerous to fix. For example, if the coolant is leaking, it may trigger respiratory complications for occupants of the building. Refrigerant poisoning may also be responsible for nausea, headaches, and skin and eye irritation. That’s why it is advisable to seek the professional assistance of a certified technician.
[company_name] is a leading air conditioning system in Alpharetta. Our NATE-certified technicians are familiar with Lennox, Carrier, Goodman, and other brands of equipment. We offer a full range of heating and cooling services, including installation, repair, and maintenance. Our team is known for its fast response time and consistently delivering meticulous craftsmanship. With four decades in the industry, expect nothing short of exceptional solutions. Contact our team in Alpharetta for more information on our services.
