Like all home appliances, air conditioners need a regular tune-up. With the summer season behind us, most AC units have worked overtime to keep homes comfortable in the summer heat, and it is no surprise that many homeowners experience problems with their overworked air conditioners. Santa Monica Golden Air is here to help with your problems.
Here are some of the five most common problems you might experience with your central air conditioning system and our recommended solutions for each:
- Leaking Indoor Unit
If your indoor unit is leaking water, maintenance is overdue. The condensate drain of your AC system gets clogged due to hardened water or the growth of algae and other fungi that thrive in moist conditions. The clog causes water to back up the pipe and into your home. Your condensate pump might also be broken and requires replacement.
Solution: Water leak is one of the most common indoor AC unit problems and can be fixed with a simple DIY solution. You can use a wet vacuum to unclog the condensate pipe or pour about six ounces of vinegar into the drain to kill algae or fungi buildup. Consult your user manual for the exact location of your drain pipe, or call your local AC technician for guaranteed results.
- Leaking or Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant, also known as Freon, is responsible for cooling the air in your AC system. Refrigerants are highly toxic and flammable, so you should fix a leak as soon as possible.
Solution: If your AC can no longer cool your home as effectively as before, chances are it is low on refrigerant. A simple refill can solve the problem. In case of a leak, you will need to detect the source to perform minor fixes. The whole refrigeration network might need to be changed completely for larger refrigerant faults, so calling a licensed professional is your best choice.
- Dirty AC Filter
Your air conditioner’s air filter is important in improving indoor air quality. Over time, dust and debris will build up, reducing the efficiency of your AC system.
Solution: Regularly replace your AC filter. The filter is usually found just behind the front cover of your indoor unit, depending on the brand and type of your AC unit. Otherwise, refer to your user manual for the exact location.
- Damaged Compressor
The compressor regulates the AC pressure and helps refrigerants carry out heat exchange. Compressor failure can be attributed to a lack of maintenance, resulting in dirty coils. Lack of lubrication and low refrigerant levels can also damage your compressor.
Solution: If you are experiencing compressor problems, the best solution is to call a licensed technician immediately. The compressor is one of your AC’s major parts that require a professional to fix.
- Thermostat Failure
If your AC is short cycling and you feel warmer than usual, you likely have a faulty thermostat. You might have a damaged thermostat or one with a dead battery (if your thermostat is battery-operated).
Solution:
- For battery-operated thermostats, check that the batteries are working fine.
- Replace them with new ones and see if the thermostat runs normally.
- The thermostat can also suffer from dirt buildup and corrosion. Contact a professional, as cleaning the thermostat yourself can lead to more damage.
No matter what type of central HVAC system your home has, it is important to identify the problem early to keep it from worsening. Call Santa Monica Golden Air for guaranteed results for all your AC problems. We have licensed and certified AC experts on-call 24/7. With our emergency services, you can count on us anytime on demand, even on weekends and holidays.
We are a phone call away. Call our licensed HVAC technicians anytime if you need professional help with your air conditioning system. You can also use our customer contact form to schedule a callback at your preferred time.