As the temperatures start to rise in Kansas, it’s likely you’re relying on your air conditioning system to keep you and your family comfortable. Unfortunately, when you first turn your air conditioning system on after months of minimal use, you may experience some problems. Understanding the root cause of the issue you’re dealing with is the first step in getting it repaired.
Thermostat Malfunction
One of the most common problems that homeowners have with their air conditioning system is their thermostat. Incorrect settings can lead to small malfunctions that can affect your entire system’s performance. Before you start troubleshooting an AC issue, make sure your thermostat is set to cooling mode.
Also, if you notice that your air conditioning system seems to be blowing hot air, you could have the wrong fan setting. The blower fan for your system should be set to auto instead of ON. When set to auto, it only runs when your air conditioning system is on. If you have it set to ON, the fan will run even when your air conditioning system is off. This means it will blow what feels like warm air.
For more complex thermostat issues, check to see if the unit’s batteries are weak or dead. Sometimes, the circuit breaker may need to be reset if you notice that the screen isn’t working. Seek out professional intervention if these solutions don’t work. You may have a faulty thermostat or loose wiring. Your thermostat could also have lost its calibration and require a professional to recalibrate it.
Dirty Air Filter
Another common air conditioner problem that many Kansas homeowners experience is a dirty or clogged air filter. The air filter is responsible for collecting dust, pollen, dirt and other unwanted airborne particles before they enter the inside of your air conditioning system. Over time, the filter will accumulate this debris and become dirty or clogged.
When you have a clogged air filter, it will restrict airflow throughout your system. Reduced airflow can prevent adequate cooling and proper circulation. You may notice weak airflow coming from your vents, uneven cooling throughout your home or excessively high energy bills.
Fortunately, this is an easy fix. All you need to do is pull out your air filter and replace it with a new one. Ensure that you’re choosing one that is the same size as the previous filter so that it will fit your system.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your cooling system. It’s responsible for absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it to the outdoors. If there’s a leak in your refrigerant line, it can allow the refrigerant gas to escape. If there’s not enough refrigerant inside your system, it won’t be able to absorb enough heat to keep your home comfortable.
If warm air is coming from your vents, you see ice forming on your refrigerant line, or you hear a hissing or bubbling sound near your AC unit, you likely have a refrigerant leak. It’s best to shut off your unit and have one of our professionals come out to determine where the leak is. Once we repair the leak, we can recharge your system with an adequate amount of refrigerant. This will return it to functioning normally.
Frozen Coils
One of the more frustrating problems you may experience with your cooling system is that the evaporator coil freezes up on you. The main job of the evaporator coil is to absorb heat from the air inside your home. As air naturally passes over the coil, moisture will form on the surface of the coil as it dehumidifies the air.
Unfortunately, if the coil gets too cold, it can cause that moisture to actually freeze on its surface. This forms a layer of ice that blocks heat transfer in or out of the coil. This means that your coil being frozen will prevent your air conditioning system from cooling your home. Often, this issue is simply due to restricted airflow or a low refrigerant level. This may be due to a dirty air filter, blocked return vents or a refrigerant leak.
It’s best to check your air filter and all your air vents if you notice that you have a frozen coil. Be sure to let your evaporator coils naturally thaw off before turning your air conditioning system back on. You can typically do this by turning on just the blower fan and letting air circulate over the coil for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Dirty Condenser Coil
Located in your outdoor condenser unit is another coil known as the condenser coil. This is where heat gets released from the refrigerant to the air outside. Over time, the condenser coil can be covered in debris, like leaves, grass clippings and dirt. When the surface of the coil gets too dirty, it prevents adequate heat transfer out of the coil. This leaves the hot refrigerant to circulate throughout your home, which greatly decreases the performance of your air conditioner.
Some common indicators that you may have a dirty condenser coil include higher energy bills, reduced cooling performance and if your air conditioning system is running constantly without reaching your desired temperature setting. It’s important to have a professional clean the condenser coil for you. They’ll use a specialized cleaning agent that is tough enough to remove stuck-on debris without damaging the coil itself.
Capacitor Issues
Inside your air conditioning system are a lot of different electrical components. Unfortunately, all of them are prone to experiencing malfunctions now and then, whether it be wiring, relays or capacitors. One of the most common electrical components that usually malfunctions is the system’s capacitor.
The capacitors inside your air conditioning system are designed to help the motors start and run properly. To turn on its motor, they need a jolt of energy that is more than what they normally consume when they’re running. If your capacitor fails to send that jolt of energy, your air conditioning system can struggle to turn on. It may even shut off unexpectedly.
When you have a faulty AC capacitor, you’ll typically hear the outdoor unit repeatedly clicking. When the unit is running normally, it will click once and start up. But if it’s repeatedly clicking, it means that the capacitor is not sending that jolt of energy to the motor. It’s important to have a professional come in and replace that capacitor to restore functionality to your air conditioning system.
Expert AC Repair Service
Air Care Heating & Cooling provides expert AC repair service for Shawnee, KS, and the surrounding communities. We can also assist with all your AC installation, replacement and maintenance needs. Call our office today to book your next service consultation.
