If your air conditioner hasn’t been serviced in a while, what better time to have it checked out than before the summer season? This guide will explain common air conditioner issues that should be fixed before summer hits.
Ensure Your AC Is Ready for Summer Sun
Your AC will work hard throughout the summer months. So, you need to ensure that it’s in good working order. HVAC technicians, like those at G & G Heating and Air Conditioning, are knowledgeable of common air conditioner issues to address before summer.
Scheduling a spring service is recommended for homeowners in Washington. This way, you won’t have to worry about a mid-summer breakdown that leaves you sweating in the heat.
Why Should I Get My AC Checked in Spring?
It’s a good idea to get your air conditioner serviced in the springtime to ensure your system is ready for summer heatwaves. Your AC is essential to maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, so you should make sure it works effectively.
Spring is a great time to get AC issues checked out because high temperatures likely haven’t made their appearance yet. Getting your air conditioner serviced in spring helps you be ready for higher temperatures during summer.
You can also potentially increase your AC’s efficiency and lower utility costs by getting your AC serviced in spring. An HVAC technician can identify the AC issues below and make repairs to ensure your system is ready to go for summer.
Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common AC issues is dirty air filters. Dirty air filters restrict airflow and make your air conditioner work harder at its job. This can lead to poor airflow, inconsistent temperatures, and higher utility bills. Replacing or cleaning your air filters regularly is key to improving efficiency.
Standard air filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter. How often you replace your air filters also depends on foot traffic and occupants. If you have a busy household and pets that shed, you may need to change your air filters more frequently than someone who lives alone.
Low Refrigerant
Another issue is low refrigerant levels. When your AC doesn’t have enough refrigerant, you may experience uneven cooling or warm air from your vents.
Refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. When refrigerant levels drop, your air conditioner can’t remove heat from the air effectively.
An HVAC technician can top off your refrigerant to ensure proper cooling in your home. They will check for leaks, repair the damaged area, and recharge the refrigerant to the correct level. Addressing low refrigerant can significantly improve your AC’s ability to deliver cool air.
Water Leaks
Condensate lines are responsible for carrying moisture removed from the air by your AC away from the system. Sometimes, condensate lines can get clogged by dust, dirt, or other debris over time. When this happens, water can’t drain properly, leading to water leaks around the unit and moisture damage to indoor walls.
Condensate lines can also crack or break, allowing water to leak before it reaches the drainage point. Routine maintenance helps ensure your condensate lines remain clear and undamaged. It’s important to address moisture issues promptly to avoid mold growth. A skilled HVAC technician can inspect your system and make swift repairs.
Thermostat Issues
Thermostats are another source of AC issues. If your AC isn’t coming on in regular intervals, your thermostat may be to blame. The temperature readings may be inaccurate, meaning your house could actually be a lot warmer than what your thermostat says. Or your thermostat may not be communicating correctly with your AC.
If you think there’s an issue with your thermostat, it may need new batteries. Replace the batteries to see if that solves the problem before calling a professional.
Thermostat placement can also affect performance. If your thermostat is in direct sunlight or close to a vent, the temperature reading can be skewed, resulting in your AC turning off early or running longer than needed.
Frozen Coils
If your AC’s evaporator coils are frozen, the unit may work less efficiently or stop working altogether. The evaporator coils absorb heat from the air in your home. When they’re frozen, they cannot properly transfer heat.
Frozen coils can be caused by low refrigerant or restricted airflow. Frozen coils can result in your AC blowing warm air or running constantly without cooling your home.
Regular maintenance, such as changing air filters and recharging refrigerant, can help prevent frozen coils.
Schedule an AC Maintenance Check
Check your air conditioner before summer. G & G Heating and Air Conditioning can help diagnose system issues and make long-lasting AC repairs. Schedule a spring AC checkup today to prepare your system for the warm summer months. Call us at (360) 499-6604 or schedule online!