3 of the Most Common AC Problems and How to Deal with Them

When the temperatures get unbearably high, you rely on your air conditioner to make you feel comfortable. But what if you turn your AC on and it fails to give you cool air? What can you do to fix the problem? Should you call a professional to make it work again?

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in White Bear MN. We are your one-stop-shop for all your home comfort needs. Should you need help fixing your air conditioner, do not hesitate to give us a call. We sure can get it back in shape in no time.

Here are some of the most common problems associated with air conditioners and how to prevent them.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

A frozen coil may seem like the AC is super cold, but it’s quite the opposite. Frozen evaporator means there is something wrong with your system that can potentially damage your compressor. Here are signs of a frozen evaporator coil:

• Ice around the outdoor refrigerant line
• Condensation around the air handler
• Overflowing condensate drain (barring a clogged drain pipe)

If your AC shows any of these signs, you should address the issue as soon as possible. Turn off the system at the breaker and allow the AC to defrost.

One of the main causes of frozen coils is dirt buildup. This adds more strain on your system to prepare the air, putting your evaporator coil at risk of freezing. To avoid this, clean the coils periodically and schedule a professional HVAC maintenance at least once per year.

Sometimes, your AC may suffer from frozen coils when the outside temperatures are too low for the system to function properly. If your thermostat has no issues, try not to use your AC at night when the temperatures drop. With a programmable thermostat, set the temperature at 78 degrees or higher while at home or 84 degrees while away. You don’t have to set your thermostat too low when the outside temperature is not that high.

Low Refrigerant

While the refrigerant is not supposed to be used up, there are instances when your AC gets low on it and fails to cool your home. For starters, the refrigerant is the substance that removes the heat and humidity from your indoor air. If there are leaks within the refrigerant lines, your system will lose its efficiency and couldn’t perform its job. This problem requires special tools and expertise, so it’s best to have a qualified technician inspect your air conditioner. The technician will find the leaks and seal them off as needed, which can be time-consuming and exhausting for an untrained individual. He will also add the right amount of refrigerant to ensure your AC will have enough power to take away the heat in your home.

Warm Air

Your AC is intended to give off cool air, not warm. Therefore, if you set the system to the right temperature but it somehow releases warm air instead of cool, there sure is a problem. There are many possibilities for this issue to happen, one of them is a clogged filter. When there are too much dirt and dust in the air filter, the air conditioner does not have ample air, causing it to work harder than it should. Not only is a clogged filter a cause for high utility bills, but it also puts your entire cooling system at risk of developing more serious problems.

In addition, your AC can also release warm air when the area surrounding the unit is full of dirt and debris. Therefore, be sure your AC has at least 2 feet of clear space. If you have an outdoor unit, trim the plants and bushes and remove things that can obstruct the airflow.

Professional AC Maintenance with Four Seasons Air Specialists

These are just three of the most usual reasons an AC is acting up. To ensure your cooling system performs at its peak, be sure to give us a call and schedule a check-up with our HVAC professionals. Our teams of certified technicians are factory-trained and are adept at identifying system issues even before they cause problems. If you have questions, talk to us and we’ll give the answers. It’s our goal to remain your preferred North Oaks AC maintenance company.