During the hottest months of the year, air conditioners are running almost around the clock. With this constant use, A/C problems can occur, particularly if homeowners haven’t kept up with preventative maintenance. When issues occur, it’s good to to have an understanding of what’s going on.
Here are some of the most common A/C problems:
- Failure to cool the designated space — When your A/C unit’s no longer cooling your home, pay attention to the sounds it might be making. If it goes from being relatively quiet to making loud noises, there may be a problem with the fan belt. Turn off the unit before checking the belt. If it looks worn or torn, you may need to contact your HVAC contractor to replace the belt. If the belt’s in good condition, check the pulleys. It’s possible they need to be oiled or greased.
- Low airflow — A/C problems often are a result of the grill being dirty and blocked, reducing the airflow necessary for cooling. Turn off the power before disassembling the unit and clean the grill, taking care not to get the electronics wet. When an A/C unit is dirty, it won’t work at its maximum capacity and a simple cleaning can solve this problem. Be sure to check the air filter, which should be changed every three months or whenever it appears dirty.
- Compressor or fan issues — When an A/C unit is continuously turned on and off, there can be issues with the fan and/or compressor. The fan or the compressor can easily wear down and need to be replaced.
- Leaky A/C units — Leaky air conditioners are also common A/C problems. Check your unit to make sure that the condensation pan isn’t rusted out and check further down the drain for clogs or obstructions.
Every so often you’ll encounter A/C problems that you can’t handle yourself. In such a case, contact the pros at Cox Air Conditioning & Heating. We’re proud to serve homeowners in and around the Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Trinity and West Chase areas.
