3 Common AC Problems And How To Repair Them
Your air conditioning system is important for multiple reasons. While it does cool your home, keeping your home and family cool during the warmer seasons, the AC system also pulls humidity out of the air, keeping your home's air quality healthy. Unfortunately, because of all this use, your air conditioning system may experience enormous stress over time. Thankfully, understanding if and why your AC system is in distress will ensure proper repairs are made. This guide will teach you a few common air conditioning issues and how to repair them.
Warm Air/No Air
If your air conditioning is on, you should feel cool air flowing out of the vents. If you are feeling warm air, there is an underlying issue to address. Surprisingly, warm air flowing out of your vents could be caused by a variety of problems that you will need to inspect.
To get started, check your thermostat to make sure your system is set to cool rather than heat. Lower the temperature further to see if cold air starts flowing out of the vents. If this does not help cool the home, another issue may be the problem.
Checking the refrigerant levels in your system is also smart. Use your hands to feel the actual refrigerant copper lines running from the outdoor unit into your home. The lines should feel cool to the touch if they have plenty of refrigerant running through them. If the lines are warm or you notice moisture leaking and freezing on the copper and the actual unit, you have a refrigerant leak.
If you are not feeling any air flowing out of the vents and you are sure your AC system is on, check the filters. If the filters are clogged with dirt and dust, air will not be able to flow from the ductwork, through the vents, and into your home. Replace the filters if they appear dirty.
Unusual Noises
Another common problem that may require AC repair is if your system makes unusual noises while running. Of course, you may notice a switching and humming when you first start cooling the home. However, other, louder noises indicate an underlying issue.
A rattling sound in your outdoor unit will most likely be due to a loose part of a piece of debris that has become lodged inside the system. Removing this debris will require shutting down all power to the system before disassembling the unit for cleaning.
If you are noticing a banging or thumping from the outdoor unit, have the motor and blower motor assembly inspected. Make sure to turn off your system until it can be evaluated by a professional.
If you are noticing a smacking or flapping noise, the fan blade may be bent or loose, which can cause the noise while the system is running. An object may be stuck in the fan, as well.
Finally, a loud clicking sound when your air conditioning turns off and on is most likely due to a faulty relay. Replacing the relay switch will be necessary to ensure your compressor continues to run efficiently.
High Humidity
Again, your air conditioning is not only important for cooling your home. It also pulls humidity out of the air during the conditioning process. Healthy humidity levels are between 35 and 50 percent. If you have a higher level of humidity, you may have an issue with your AC system.
If your system is not running long enough, it may not be able to pull both the heat and humidity out of the air. This could occur if your system is oversized for your home and local climate. Also, damaged air ducts or insufficient insulation in your home may also lead to higher levels of humidity in the summer season.
Contractors can perform a load calculation to make sure your system is sized properly in addition to inspecting your entire system and ductwork for signs of distress. Talk to an air conditioning service company to learn more.
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