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Refreshing cool air in scorching summer afternoons can feel like hitting the jackpot. Heating and air conditioning service and systems are among our most loved modern inventions, without which life would be miserable and perhaps unbearable.
Unfortunately, heating and air conditioning systems run into issues from time to time, some of which a DIY can sort, but most require repair or replacement by a professional air conditioning service.
How can you tell if your HVAC system is faulty? Below are some common heating and air conditioning issues you’re likely to run into and why most of these issues require the best air conditioning service in Cleveland, TN.
1. Dirty Filters
Air filters help prevent dirt and impurities from coming in through the vents, enabling clean airflow into a room.
However, after months of use, the dirt eventually clogs the filters, which is why it’s vital that you clean or replace your AC filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow, and when that happens, the AC system struggles to circulate air through the room, causing unnecessary strain on the system’s blower. The strain on an HVAC system’s blower not only impacts how well air circulates, but it can also cause the furnace to overheat and shut off.
The good news is, cleaning or replacing filters is not a difficult task that calls for a professional. It’s possible to DIY. If your AC system has a removable panel, remove the panel and wipe the filter thoroughly using a soft rug. For systems without a removable panel, you’ll need to replace the filter.
Regularly cleaning or replacing your filters increases the longevity and efficiency of your system’s furnace. Neglecting to do so can result in lousy airflow, and you’ll notice a rise in your bills.
2. Thermostat Malfunction
A thermostat malfunction is inevitable with a heating and air conditioning system.
The thermostat is much like the CPU of a computer, controlling all the cooling and heating operation functions. It regulates air flow levels and temperatures to suit your requirements; thus, a thermostat problem can jeopardize the entire AC system.
A standard indicator that your thermostat is malfunctioning is the furnace not operating well. The best thing to do is to have the problem diagnosed by a heating and air conditioning expert. However, occasionally it may be that the thermostat isn’t properly set, in which case you can refer to your owner’s manual and go through the operating instructions.
The only solution for an analog-style thermostat is to replace it, preferably with a digital one. If your thermostat is a modern digital one, it’s most likely that the batteries are weak and all you need to do is replace them. However, if the problem persists, you’ll need to have it looked into by a professional air conditioning service.
3. Furnace Noises
Weird noises emanating from the furnace when you turn on your AC system can warn or signal some mechanical issues.
For example, a squeaking motor can indicate a failing inducer motor or blower motor bearings, requiring replacement to prevent the furnace from failing. Dirty burners and airflow issues can also cause noises.
A failing motor or blower requires replacement. A host of other mechanical problems could cause the problem. Either way, the best thing to do is to seek a heating and air conditioning service to determine whether it’s repair or replacement that’s required.
4. Water Leaks
Inside your AC system is the evaporator coil used for cooling warm air. In the process, drops of condensed air form on the evaporator coil and drip into a drain pan.
What should happen is the water in the drainpipe goes down a condensate drain line (pipe), leading to the outside of your home. However, sometimes the result is water leaks on the inside caused by:
- Clogged condensate drain line: The drain line can get clogged with dirt, dust or mold, causing the water to back up into your home. You can try unclogging the condensate drain line using a wet/dry vacuum on the condensate line. However, it’s best to have a professional air conditioning service suck out the blockage using a special vacuum.
- Damaged or rusted drain pan: If your AC system is more than 12 years old, chances are the drain pan is rusted, causing water to pass through. To solve this, replace the drain pan with a new one.
- Dirty air filter: A dusty air filter blocks the air flowing through the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. When the coil melts, the result will be that the water that drips is more than the pan can handle, causing it to leak. The solution is to change dirty filters immediately and you notice that they’re dirty, ideally every 1 to 3 months.
- Low refrigerant: This also lowers the AC system’s pressure, resulting in the evaporator coil freezing over and water overflowing the drain pan when the coil melts. A professional air conditioning service will determine whether the AC system needs to be repaired or replaced.
5. Blocked Drain
Heating and air conditioning systems have a specially designed drainage system comprising a drain pan for collecting excess moisture and a drain line to lead out the excess moisture.
As moisture drips into the drain pan and into the drainpipe, it collects dirt or debris. Eventually, over time, this dirt and debris cause a clog to develop in the drain line.
To unblock the drain line:
- Turn off the AC, then do the following with a wet/dry vacuum.
- Seal the vacuum by wrapping a towel or duct tape around the mouth.
- Attach the vacuum’s hose to the drain line and run the vacuum until you see brown water pouring out.
6. Lack of Maintenance
Maintenance is always the key to increasing anything’s life span. Therefore, by not maintaining your air conditioning system, it’s bound to experience countless issues. A little effort in maintaining your heating and air conditioning system can go a long way in saving your money.
Regular maintenance will help you save your energy consumption and avoid future unexpected failures, allowing you to have some peace of mind.
Having a professional air conditioning service company perform routine maintenance will prevent your heating and air conditioning system from experiencing any unexpected issues.
7. Pilot or Ignition Problems
Several things could cause ignition problems. For one thing, it could be as a result of a dirty burner, flame sensor or pilot causing short cycling, furnace lockout, pilot outage or delayed burner ignition.
It could also be because of a gas supply problem or a worn-out component in the ignition system that needs replacing, for example, the thermocouple or surface igniter.
Replacing any of these is a rather complicated job for the average homeowner. Therefore, it would be wise to seek assistance from a professional air conditioning service rather than attempt to handle the task on your own. Trying to DIY could lead to further complications that end up costing you more.
8. Blown Fuses or Tripped Breakers
The air conditioner’s unit motor and compressor’s safety rely heavily on the breakers and fuses. The furnace tripping the circuit breaker is mainly a result of the blower overworking. The blockage of airflow to your system causes your blower to work harder to compensate for the blocked airflow.
A dirty filter is the most common cause of air blockage in your system. If your air filter is dirty, your blower must work harder to force enough air through the filter. As a result, your air conditioner consumes more energy and sometimes trips the circuit breaker.
Before resetting your circuit breaker, check and replace your filter with a clean one. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to contact a professional air conditioning service company and have them look at them to determine the cause of the problem.
9. Burnt Out Capacitors
The fans in your air conditioner can fail to engage because of faulty capacitors. The jolt needed to start your air conditioning system is provided by the capacitors. Clicking sounds are often the signs of an indicator that’s about to burn out.
When the motor is attempting to activate, you may notice a humming noise. Since the capacitor is directly related to the motor, it’s best to fix the air conditioner’s underlying conditions as soon as possible to evade higher charges with the motor.
Replacing a capacitor is something you won’t hack on your own. It’s therefore advisable to contact a professional air conditioning service company and have them handle the task.
10. Electrical and Wiring Issues
If there’s absolutely no air coming out of your fan on the outside, the problem could be that your unit stopped.
If this is the case, check your breaker box for any tripped switches and try returning them to their initial position. If a simple power surge caused the incident, this should restore your air conditioner. However, if the breaker keeps on shutting down, the problem could be with your electrical wiring.
If your air conditioner tries to start, it will trip the breaker because there’s an electrical short causing it to stay off automatically.
Fixing this problem isn’t something you want to try on your own as problems relating to electricity and wiring issues can cause catastrophic damages, injuries, or, in some cases, death. Wiring issues can result in a fire.
It’s highly advisable to contact an air conditioning service company familiar with the issue and have them come and fix it to avoid any injuries.
11. Worn Out Compressors
A compressor, a vital component of the air conditioning system, regulates the air conditioner’s pressure and ensures the refrigerant flows appropriately.
In time, compressors wear out and require replacement. Concerning the compressor’s dirty coils, refrigerant levels and capacitors all affect the compressor’s functionality.
Upon noticing that the air blowing from your air conditioning system isn’t as cold as it was before, it’s best to contact the best air conditioning service in Cleveland, TN. It’s easy to misdiagnose issues related to the air conditioner’s compressors; hence, most air conditioning service professionals often prefer to replace instead of repairing.
12. Exhausted Conductor
Conduction works like an electrical switch, enabling the air conditioner to turn on or off to the desired temperature. You should treat air conditioner conductor issues with urgency because such issues can lead to malfunctioning of the compressor, blower motor and condenser.
Although it’s a DIY job, replacing the conductor is a job best left to a professional air conditioning service to avoid any further damage to your air conditioning system.
13. Evaporator Coils
Though underappreciated, evaporator coils serve noble roles of an efficient air conditioning system. They absorb heat from the inside and return it as cold air through the in-home air ducts.
Several factors are problematic to the evaporator coils, for example, frozen coils, dirty filters and refrigerant levels. To avoid this, try cleaning your evaporator coils with a solution of warm water and detergent.
However, if this doesn’t solve the issue, it’s best to contact a professional air conditioning service company.
14. Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are similar to evaporator coils, but their function is releasing heat into the outdoors. They’re found outside the house and continuously battle with outdoor elements, meaning they need regular cleaning.
Clean the condenser coils at least twice a year using a water hose. Use a chemical solution in case there’s heavy soiling. It’s a pretty simple job, and you’ll almost certainly not need any help, although if the need ever arises, feel free to contact the best air conditioning service in Cleveland, TN.
Contact the Heat and Air Conditioner Experts in Cleveland, TN
Your heating and air conditioning equipment is a huge investment, and as such, it’s wise to take good care of it to reduce costs and increase its lifespan. Therefore, for all your HVAC maintenance, repair and installation issues, it’s best to contact the best air conditioning service in Cleveland, TN. Whether it’s blocked drains, water leaks or electrical wiring issues, Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air – Cleveland, TN has you covered. Contact us today for the best air conditioning service in Cleveland, TN!
