Common A/C Problems Can Be Tackled Quickly If You Can Identify Them

A variety of common A/C problems can threaten efficiency and performance, and increase your energy costs. Awareness of potential problems and contacting a technician early on will avoid serious repairs down the road. Scheduling routine and relatively affordable maintenance checks will ensure long-term reliability.

These problems can wreak havoc on your home’s summer comfort:

Refrigerant leaks. If your cooling system is leaking refrigerant, you may see moisture near the leak and/or a hissing sound produced from leaking refrigerant gas. A trained technician will find the leak, seal it, test the system and then recharge the refrigerant at the correct level.

Dirty filters or coils. This is evidenced by poor airflow and operation. Often your A/C will shut down if its components get too dirty. Before this happens, it will almost certainly lose efficiency and cooling power. The solution is to clean parts that get dirty, and replace the air filter on a regular basis. Get in the habit of inspecting the filter monthly and replacing it when it appears dirty.

Electric failure. Compressor and fan controls can wear out quickly if the system is oversized and has a tendency to trip circuits. Wires and terminals need to be checked for functionality and to assure they are not corroding.

Thermostat issues. The thermostat should be checked and calibrated by a trained professional during routine maintenance. Make sure, if it uses batteries, that they’re checked at least yearly.

Drainage. The condensation drain needs to be running clear and have room to drain. A blockage can lead to water damage and mold or mildew growth. If not level, room A/Cs will fail to drain properly, allowing a buildup of moisture that leads to unit failure and can damage nearby window frames, walls and fixtures.

To learn more tips for for handling common A/C problems, or to schedule annual maintenance, please contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve proudly served South Florida homeowners for 40 years.