June 26, 2020

 

The summer heat can be intense when your air conditioning is not functioning properly! We recommend contacting Air Control to assist with all of your cooling needs to ensure your health and safety during the warmer months of the year. We can help with preventative maintenance, repairs and replacements. 

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Is your AC not working? Below could be some reasons why:

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Thermostat

Some thermostats can be wired incorrectly and a common indicator of this is a lack of air escaping the vents. If you have a programmable thermostat, it may have been programmed incorrectly. This can be resolved by referring to the instruction manual or contacting a HVAC service technician to reset.

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Air Filters

The most common reason for a faulty AC unit is a neglected air filter. Many people forget that filters must be changed one to two times a year. If your filter shows signs of build up or wear and tear, it’s time to replace it!

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Condenser Coils

Check your condenser coils: Your outdoor air conditioning unit works by drawing in surrounding air through the sides, later cooling incoming air and disposing of the hot air through the top grate. During this process, the coils in your unit can become extremely dirty, so make a point of cleaning them once a year. This step is easy and all you need is your hands or a hose!

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Pests

Check the outside unit for mice nests or corrosion. This is a fairly common problem and will require removal of the cause as well as replacement of any chewed or damaged components.

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Fan Blades

After a long period of time, the blades of the fan can become difficult to rotate. If the blades do not rotate freely, remove the grate and the fan will be attached. Flip it upside down with the fan blades facing upward. Find the axle of the fan and apply oil with a spout for easy application directly to them. Keeping your fans well maintained and clean can prevent damage to the compressor, saving you time and money in the long-run!

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Compressor Problems

If your air conditioner is making loud, clanking sounds, the problem is probably the compressor, located inside the unit below the fan. Generally, these loud noises indicate the compressor must be replaced. This is an expensive repair, costing upwards of $1200. As a result, many people choose to replace the entire air conditioning unit as an alternative to costly maintenance.

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Refrigerant

If every component appears to be working, but the air is still not cool, it is likely due to the refrigerant inside your unit. Keep in mind that any professional replacing the refrigerant in your air conditioner should also patch corresponding leaks. 

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Drains

The moisture which is removed from the air prior to being released is fed through a drain line prior to reaching the drain. This drain line can become coagulated over time, causing the water to back up and eventually overflow. This will be damaging the exterior of your unit, as well as surrounding drywall and furnishings. Compressed air is a common and effective solution for clearing the blockage.

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Evaporator Coils

The coils responsible for cooling the air prior to discharging it into your home are filled with refrigerant. They require warm air circulation in order to prevent a buildup of ice on the coil exterior. If this occurs, your unit will be unable to effectively cool airflow, and you will experience warm air escaping your vents. Check your filter to establish it is not blocking airways, then give your unit time to thaw. Also, be sure to clean your coil’s interior, as dirt buildup can be disruptive to the heating and cooling process.

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Air Ducts

While the air conditioner is responsible for cooling the air in your home, the air ducts inside your walls are responsible for distributing it. If these ducts have leaks, the cool air from your unit will be released inside the walls. In order to establish leaks, turn your air conditioner on, then feel along the ducts for escaping air. Once a leak is located, you can use foil tape, specifically designed for air ducts, to block the leak. Follow this up with a layer of duct mastic over the tape, creating an effective seal. This will restore the efficiency of cool air dispersal and prolong the life of your unit.

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Call 479-756-0199 to schedule your $79 Summer Tune Up today!