Is your AC system experiencing problems that require immediate professional attention? If so, call SM Mechanical at 860-296-5100 for a consultation.
Summertime is a season of fun, but Connecticut’s high heat and humidity often lead to discomfort.
A functional air conditioner is great for keeping cool and comfortable at home. Unfortunately, AC units can break down during the summer for various reasons.
South Windsor’s HVAC experts from SM Mechanical have over 15 years of experience providing top-tier air conditioning repairs. Below are the most common AC problems in summer.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is a vital chemical for air conditioning systems that takes heat from the air inside your home to disperse it outdoors. The substance frequently changes from liquid to gas form and back on a closed loop through refrigerant lines and the condenser and evaporator coils. If refrigerant levels fall, there’s a leak somewhere.
You should never have to top your refrigerant levels in your AC unit. An HVAC technician can recharge the air conditioner if it has a modest refrigerant leak. However, a significant leak may require multiple recharges, contributing to the system’s inefficiency.
Unless you seek refrigerant leak repair, the damage will worsen over time. As soon as you think your system is leaking refrigerant, schedule an inspection to find and fix the problem.
2. Dirty Air Filters
Air filters in air conditioners trap airborne pollutants and allergens like dust and pollen. Without a filter, the particles constantly circulate through your home’s air and collect inside the air conditioner. However, keeping a dirty filter in your unit is as bad as not having one.
A clogged air filter restricts airflow through the air conditioner, which is essential for an effective heat transfer to generate cold air. The dirty filter particles can also be shed onto the evaporator coil and other interior components, reducing their efficiency.
It is best to change air filters at least once every 90 days. If you have a pet with fur, have a lot of foot traffic in and out of your home, or suffer from allergies, you might need to change your filter every 30 days. A monthly filter change is also best if you prefer using a high-efficiency air filter to minimize allergies.
3. Dirty Coils
Your air conditioner has an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. The evaporator coil houses refrigerant to remove heat from indoor air. The condenser coil is part of the outdoor AC unit and releases captured warmth into the outside air.
Air conditioners can process over 100,000 pounds of air every 24 hours. The system also encounters a substantial amount of debris that will accumulate over the coils. Without routine maintenance, dirt, pollen, dust, grass clippings, and other debris will settle on the coils and create a barrier between the refrigerant and the air.
Dirty coils are one of the most common AC problems in summer because it causes the system to overheat. Allowing the unit to overheat too long can cause a total system breakdown due to short cycling, which means the system will turn on and off quickly without adequately cooling the house.
4. Damaged Capacitors
Another common AC issue during the summer involves capacitors. That component triggers the air conditioner’s motors to start and run throughout a cycle, lasting for about 20 minutes.
Like other electrical parts, capacitors can fail over time. However, the motors will continue trying to function. An internal safety mechanism prevents the motors from running if the capacitor fails.
Newer capacitors use castor oil instead of PCB oil, a carcinogen, but the former oil doesn’t last long. Capacitors have the highest risk of failure when outside temperatures rise. It’s not unusual for the component to stop working without warning in the summer.
5. Motor Issues
An expensive AC unit issue is a broken motor. HVAC motors will experience significant strain despite their safety mechanisms as they try to turn on if their capacitor fails. The stress will cause the component to overheat, potentially leading to a system shutdown.
Capacitors aren’t the only problems air conditioning motors can have in the summer. Anything that puts undue stress on the engines can cause overheating, including refrigerant leaks and dirty interior components.
6. Pooling Water
Air conditioners generate condensation, so you can expect to see water in the drip pan. However, water should not leak directly from the indoor unit. That could indicate a clog in the condensate drain due to fungi or algae, forcing water back into your home instead of expelling outside.
Another reason water may pool under the air conditioner indoors is a damaged condensate pump. However, a water leak outside could stem from:
- A broken condensate pan
- Improper AC installation
- Poor AC seal
7. Faulty Thermostat
If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, failing to respond to your temperature adjustments, or having trouble producing cool air, the thermostat could be the issue. Your thermostat is the HVAC unit’s control hub. Though many people assume common AC problems in summer are due to failed air conditioner parts or damage, the thermostat is often the cause.
Some thermostat issues are simple fixes, such as replacing the battery or moving it to a new location away from drafts and direct sunlight. Location matters because the environment can trick the thermostat into thinking it’s colder or hotter outside than it is, resulting in faulty temperature readings. Electrical issues and corrosion also contribute to thermostat malfunctions.
Turn to Our Team for World-Class AC Services
The last thing you need is a broken or insufficient air conditioner during the year’s hottest months. Excessive heat contributes to dehydration, fainting, and other health issues besides general discomfort. That is why the HVAC professionals from SM Mechanical, LLC are here to quickly locate and address any AC issues at reasonable rates.
SM Mechanical technicians have ample experience handling common AC problems in summer. Call our Better Business Bureau accredited company today at 860-296-5100 to schedule a service. You can also check our blog to learn about the right AC thermostat setting in the summer.