Common Residential Air Conditioner Problems
Air conditioners need to be adequately maintained for optimal performance. HVAC systems that aren't in good condition tend to struggle during hot weather. To ensure you don't have trouble when the weather warms up, you need to familiarize yourself with the standard air conditioner problems.
Dirty Filters
One of the most common AC problems is dirty filters. When you have clogged filters, they restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of the AC. Dirty filters also reduce the AC's ability to cool the air. If you haven't cleaned the filters in your air conditioner, hire air conditioning services to clean them.
You need to check the filter's manufacturer to determine how often you should swap filters. If your system runs continuously or if you have pets in your home, you may need to change the filters often. Ask your AC manufacturer or repair service how often you need to change filters to avoid unexpected problems during the hot weather.
Cold Air
One of the reasons your air conditioner may feel warm when running is because you haven't changed the air filters. The other possible explanation is having the wrong thermostat settings. If changing the thermostat settings doesn't resolve the problem, you might have to get a new thermostat.
Clearing debris and vegetation around the HVAC may also resolve cold air problems. Another reason may be refrigerant leaks. When the AC has low refrigerant levels, it will produce cold air. With so many reasons your air conditioner may be emitting cold air, it's advisable to have AC services examine the system and apply the appropriate solution to the problem.
Leaking Ductwork
Ductwork is a series of pipes that extend to different points in your home. Although they're mostly installed under the floor, they can also be placed above ceilings. These ducts provide a path for conditioned air leaving the air conditioning units and also for stale air to go into the system to be reconditioned and distributed.
Some common symptoms of leaking ductwork include problems keeping the rooms cool or warm and increased airborne dust levels. Leaks are mainly caused by loose ductwork, broken seals, and old ductwork. If you have leaking ductwork, conditioned air will be lost. This results in wasted energy, inconsistent heating and cooling, and poor HVAC performance.
It's essential to schedule an inspection and maintenance of your AC system to avoid unexpected problems. While some AC problems like incorrect thermostat settings are easy to fix, most issues involving repairs and replacements require an HVAC maintenance expert's skill. Make sure you search and compare different HVAC services' quotes to find the ideal air conditioner repair service. Reach out to a professional who works with cooling systems to learn more.