Your air conditioning unit is one thing you likely take for granted, something that you expect to be ready to cool your home on the hottest summer days. While we often can rely on our AC units without a second thought, just like anything else in your home, your AC unit can run into problems, leaving you with a stuffy and hot house. Whether it’s common wear and tear problems or you run into another issue with your AC unit, you will want the problem solved quickly. Better yet, you will want to avoid the problem to begin with!
At Climate Mechanics, we serve the South Jersey area with a variety of HVAC services. Our team has the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide you with the services you need, when you need them. We can provide high-quality services on a variety of AC unit types, including central air conditioning, ductless HVAC systems, and heat pump systems. As the hotter days rapidly approach, be sure to contact us today to have your HVAC unit looked at. We can ensure that your AC is ready to take on the hottest days and keep your home comfortable.
In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the most common AC unit problems that you may run into. Read on to learn more and be sure to get in touch with us today!
Water Leak
While it can be considered normal for your AC unit to be leaking water outside, especially on hot and humid days, it could also be a sign of a problem. Even in cooler weather, 60 degrees or lower, you may notice that your air conditioner leaks water. This is due to the fact that it can freeze up and then melt, leading to water pooling around your unit.
However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, an AC unit leaking water could be an indication of a different issue, including dirty air filters, improper installation, bad AC seal, blocked drain pipe, low coolant levels, or a broken condensate pan.
If you have an indoor AC unit that is leaking water, this is not considered normal. This is a sign that you are due for some maintenance, or should have scheduled maintenance done a while ago. If your indoor unit is leaking water into your home, it could be a sign that the condensate drain is clogged, which can be due to algae or fungi. Or it could be a sign that the condensate pump may have broken down completely and needs to be replaced. Either way, you need to schedule some maintenance to get the issue solved.
Our team can help determine the reason for your AC unit’s water leak, whether it is indoors or outdoors.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil in your AC unit fills with refrigerant and is meant to absorb the heat from the air. To function properly, this coil needs warm air circulating around them. So when your evaporator coil freezes, your air conditioner will not function properly. Freezing can occur when your AC unit does not receive enough air. When your evaporator coil freezes, it could cause your AC unit to freeze up as well and stop working.
There could be a number of different reasons why your AC unit isn’t getting enough air, resulting in a frozen coil, from blocked vents and ducts, dirty filters, and faulty fans. If you aren’t getting cool air from your AC unit or no air at all, this could be the issue.
Our HVAC contractors will be able to determine if this is the issue and what is causing it to occur, getting your AC unit up and running again in no time.
Electrical Control Failure
Your air conditioner could also run into some electrical issues. When you are constantly turning your AC unit off and off, it can cause wear on the fan controls and compressors. There are several components that make a connection and are necessary for your air conditioner to run. If that connection is disrupted, it can cause your unit to no longer start.
Corrosion of the wires or the terminals can cause a disruption in the connection, preventing the compressor and motor from turning on. The compressor, condenser motor, and blower motor are all needed to create the connection to start your AC unit. If your AC unit is not working, be sure to contact our experts! We will be able to help you determine if it is an electrical problem, what is causing the problem, or if it is another issue completely.
AC Refrigerant Leak
AC refrigerant is a necessary component in your unit and is responsible for cooling the air within your AC system. AC refrigerant, also known as Freon, is the actual mechanism that allows your unit to keep your home cool. However, leaks can occur. When the AC refrigerant leaks, your unit will run less efficiently, consume more power, the coils may freeze, the compressor may become damaged, and it is harmful to the environment.
If you notice that your AC unit is suddenly not running as well as it once did, be sure to call us. We can check to make sure your AC unit isn’t leaking refrigerant, but it is, we will fix the problem for you in no time!
Fan Issues
The fan in your AC unit, which is located in the outside unit, is designed to transfer heat from the inside to the outside. If this fan becomes damaged or stops performing efficiently, proper heat transfer will not take place. This could cause the compressor in your air conditioner to overheat and could possibly trip the safety load.
A faulty motor, lack of lubrication, worn belts, or a build-up of dirt and debris could cause your fan to stop working properly. If this problem isn’t handled right away, it can damage the compressor and lead you to need a new air conditioner altogether. Our team will be able to determine if the problem with the AC unit is due to a fan issue and fix the problem before it leads to more serious results.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are located outside with the compressor. These coils can become dirty due to the elements. The condenser coils work by getting rid of the heat removed from the air by releasing it outside the building. If these coils become dirty, it makes it difficult for them to function properly, and your AC unit will have to work harder. When your AC unit has to work harder to cool your space, it can lead parts to wear out faster and could cause your unit to fail.
Cleaning your coils can be as simple as spraying them with a hose about once a year, but if they get too dirty, you may need an HVAC expert to clean them with a chemical cleaner. We will be able to help rid your condenser coils of the dirt and grime, allowing your AC unit to function properly.
Making Noise
While your AC unit isn’t going to be completely silent, there are some sounds that it shouldn’t be making. Your air conditioner may make different sounds depending on what the problem is. If your AC unit is hissing, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. A clicking sound that occurs when you turn your unit on and off, you may have a relay problem. There may be a problem with the blower or motor assembly if you hear thumping, rattling, or banging noises. A screeching noise can typically be a sign of a problem with the compressor or fan motor. Faulty electrical components may result in a buzzing noise.
If you hear any unusual noise coming from your AC unit, be sure to contact our team of HVAC contractors right away! We will be able to determine the cause of the noise and get your AC unit fixed in no time.
Drainage Issues
Your AC unit includes drain lines, which remove the moisture from your unit. Moisture travels through the drain line, into a pan, and down the drain. The drain line and drain could become clogged or the pan can become full. If this happens, water can become backed up and cause damage to your AC unit. Drainage issues could also cause water leaks, which may damage walls, ceilings, and other parts of your home. It is possible that these leaks could result in mold growth as well. Another sign that a drainage issue has occurred is bad odor filtering into your home.
You can easily avoid these issues by cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining your drainage system. If you notice that there are issues with the drainage, be sure to get in touch with our team.
There are many problems that can occur with your AC unit. With proper and regular maintenance, you can avoid these issues as much as possible and keep your system running smoothly. If you notice any problems with your AC unit, be sure to get in touch with Climate Mechanics today! We will be able to diagnose the issue, fix the problem, and get your AC unit in good condition again. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and make sure your HVAC is ready to take on the hottest summer days!
Choose Climate Mechanics
Maintaining the ideal climate inside your house or business doesn’t have to be difficult. All it requires is working with the right HVAC contractors who are committed to doing the best job each time.
Climate Mechanics LLC is a family-owned-and-operated heating and cooling services company. Our NATE-certified technicians are not only excellent mechanics, but they’re also trained in customer service and can answer all your questions.
We have over 25 years in the industry, and we work with all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment. We have earned a reputation for doing heating and air conditioning repair right the first time.
