Running into AC problems during the cooling season in Florida is a cause for legitimate concern, as no one wants to spend a long, humid summer without cooling. Should any of these four common AC problems occur, check these solutions before calling a pro.
Four Common A/C Problems
- Outdoor condenser won’t turn on. The moment the thermostat sends a signal to the air conditioner, the outdoor condenser turns on. If it doesn’t, you could have a problem with the thermostat or the power supply. Check the thermostat by turning it down five degrees. You might hear a click that signals the thermostat is working. If the condenser doesn’t turn on, check the circuit breaker and the fuse. Reset a tripped circuit breaker. Fuses can burn out and may require a visit from your HVAC technician to replace.
- AC doesn’t cool. When your system runs but doesn’t provide cool air, the condenser could be clogged. Remove any vegetation and gently hose off the condenser’s coil. The evaporator coil in the air handler inside could be frozen, which prevents cooling. This coil freezes over when the refrigerant level is too low or the coil is dirty. An HVAC contractor can address these AC problems by tracing the refrigerant leak, repairing it and adding more refrigerant, as well as cleaning the evaporator coil.
- AC cools, but inadequately. This could be another sign of low refrigerant, or if it only occurs on hot days, it could indicate your AC is too small for your home. It may also signal a dirty condenser or evaporator coil. You can avoid problems with poor performance by having your AC maintained annually, especially in this hot, humid climate.
- System turns on and off repeatedly. Dirty coils can cause the system to run short periods. The best way to avoid dirt building on the evaporator coil is to check the air filter for the air handler monthly and change it when it’s coated with dust.
The best way to avoid AC problems is by contacting the pros at SSI to check over your system. We provide outstanding HVAC services for Orlando area homeowners.
Image Provided by Shutterstock.com