If your air conditioner isn’t cooling the house, it can be a huge problem. There can be several reasons for this issue, but usually, it’s a lack of refrigerant flow.
Fortunately, there are some things you can try before calling AC Repair Sherman Oaks. Here are some common causes of AC problems and what you can do to fix them.
A dirty air filter is a common cause of countless HVAC problems, including overheating. The air filter is an integral component of your HVAC system and should be cleaned regularly, as your AC professional recommends.
The primary function of an air filter is to trap and block airborne pollutants like dust particles, pollen, pet dander and mold spores. When the filter is full, it can no longer do this efficiently, and these contaminants are recirculated through your home. This leads to poor indoor air quality and can cause allergies or other respiratory conditions to flare up.
Dirty air filters also force your HVAC system to work harder than normal. This results in increased energy consumption and elevated utility bills. Over time, the added strain can even lead to premature wear and tear on internal system components, further increasing the likelihood of a breakdown and need for costly repairs down the road.
The most common sign of a dirty or clogged air filter is that your AC is struggling to keep your home cool. The system may blow warm air or not cool at all, and the thermostat may be set to a cooler temperature than your home actually is. Another common indicator is an unusually high monthly energy bill, especially in the summer.
A clogged air filter also blocks heat exchange, causing the fan to run continuously and the system to overheat. An overheated unit requires immediate repair to avoid severe damage and potential safety hazards.
One of the most important reasons to regularly change your air filters is because it helps protect your family’s health. People with asthma, respiratory conditions, and other chronic allergies suffer from poor indoor air quality caused by dirty filters that let in allergens, toxins and bacteria. The dirt and debris that a clogged air filter lets in will also accumulate in the ductwork and can cause mildew or mold to grow.
Changing the air filter is one of the easiest and most affordable preventative maintenance tasks that you can perform. If you neglect this simple task, it will eventually result in overheating, higher utility bills, poor indoor air quality, and a shortened HVAC system lifespan.
Similarly to the way condensation forms on the outside of a glass of water and causes it to be wet, your AC unit also produces excess moisture that should escape through something called a condensate drain line. However, over time that line can become clogged with mold, mineral deposits, dirt and other debris from the surrounding area of your home. This prevents the line from being able to function properly, and it can lead to water damage in your home. Thankfully, most modern AC units are equipped with a safety device that switches off your system when the condensate drain is clogged. This should help prevent the system from continuing to run, but it is still a good idea to have a professional unclog your drain line if you notice water spots on your ceiling or other signs of moisture problems.
If you see water dripping from the primary drainage line (usually a 3/4″ PVC pipe located in your attic), that is a sign of a problem. You should also keep an eye out for rust stains in your air conditioning drain pan. This could indicate that the pan is rusted through or damaged and it is leaking directly into your home. In most cases, a rusty drain pan can be replaced by a HVAC technician with little difficulty.
If you have noticed any of these warning signs, contact to schedule an inspection and AC repair. A service technician can check for these issues during a regular maintenance visit and address them before they turn into costly water damage problems. Additionally, we can install a condensate pump and drain line panning system to help reduce the risk of overflowing from these types of problems. We can also provide advice on how to improve your attic ventilation and insulation to reduce the amount of condensation that collects inside your home. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may only need a minor repair, or you may require a new air conditioner. We will always advise you of your options so that you can make the best decision for your situation.
Animals, including rats, squirrels, mice and other rodents, can enter the ductwork of homes to nest. This can wreak havoc on the HVAC system because the rodents chew on wire sheathing, refrigerant lines, ducting materials and other components of your air conditioner. The chewing may cause a short circuit, which can result in the breakdown of your AC unit.
These pests can also cause damage to the blower fan and coil. They may contaminate the air with mouse dander, urine and droppings, which can trigger allergy attacks in family members. They may also carry diseases that can be spread to other people in the home.
Rodents may invade the ductwork of homes through access points such as air vents and crevices in walls or gaps around air conditioning units. They may even crawl inside the unit in search of food or shelter. If an animal becomes trapped inside the air ducts, it can die in there. Its rotting corpse can then release foul odors, and the decomposing animal can leave behind parasites and bacteria that can spread throughout the entire house.
A dead rodent can also clog the air ducts, which can result in a blockage of exhaust and intake vents. This can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the home, which is dangerous for people and pets. In addition, blocked air vents can allow combustion gases to leak into the attic, which causes a fire hazard.
It is important to seal any access points of the ductwork in your home to prevent pests from entering and damaging your air conditioning unit. This can be done by sealing the joints with caulking or by using steel wool to fill any small gaps in the ductwork. It is also recommended that homeowners have their ductwork professionally cleaned on a regular basis to prevent animal infestations. This will not only keep pests out, but it will improve indoor air quality. Contact today to schedule a one-time or routine maintenance to help protect your air conditioning unit from pests. Our service technicians will inspect your system twice a year to ensure the best protection.
The compressor is the heart of your AC system. It pushes Freon across the refrigerant lines to absorb heat from your home and then expel it outside. If there are any leaks in the compressor or its parts, the system will lose its cooling power. This could also lead to the compressor overheating.
If you see any of the signs listed above, it’s time to call an air conditioning repair professional. Doing so will ensure that your system continues to cool your space while protecting the life of the compressor.
Often, the first sign of a failing compressor is warm air coming out of your vents. If your air conditioner is still blowing cold, then it is likely a problem with the refrigerant levels. A reputable air conditioning company will know how to test the level of Freon and fix it properly.
Another symptom of a failing compressor is the unit constantly tripping the circuit breaker. When this occurs, it may be caused by the start capacitor not working properly. This is a part that stores potentially dangerous high voltages and needs to be replaced by a qualified professional.
Since the compressor is located in the outdoor unit, it is prone to debris like tree branches and leaves. Keeping the area around it clear will prevent these obstructions from getting into the compressor. In addition, it is important to keep the compressor lubricated at all times. When there is insufficient lubrication, the moving parts will generate too much friction and overheat the system.
Although many AC failures are inevitable, there is a lot that can be done to reduce the likelihood of these problems arising. By following the tips outlined in this article and having your system serviced twice a year by a reputable HVAC company, you can help to make sure that your compressor stays healthy for years to come. For more information about preventing AC issues and how to get quality services, contact Natrad today. They offer MSCA and NATE certified technicians who can help you avoid costly AC failures.