24 Seven HVAC

Common air conditioning challenges

As the summer heat becomes unbearable, air conditioning comes to the rescue. If the air conditioning malfunctions, it can disrupt daily lives and reduce productivity. Being aware of the common air conditioning issues and their causes is the first step toward preventing air conditioning failures and damage. 24 Seven HVAC, an HVAC installation company in NY, identifies some common air conditioning issues and their solutions.

1. The AC fails to power up

When the AC doesn’t power up, the likely culprits are a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, loose wiring, or thermostat problems. HVAC owners can reset the circuit breaker or replace a damaged fuse but the wiring should be mended by a professional HVAC technician only for the sake of safety. Moreover, if a fuse is blown every time the AC is turned on, it is a sign of a poorly installed air conditioner.

2. Thermostat glitches

A dysfunctional or incorrectly calibrated thermostat can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. This would need a professional team’s intervention as the thermostat needs to be replaced or recalibrated. The old-fashioned, dial thermostats often have calibration issues while the new thermostats are complicated when it comes to calibration. If amending this at home, HVAC owners must consult the manual while recalibrating.

3. Poor cooling means low refrigerant levels

When air conditioners do not cool the space, a low refrigerant level is a likely cause. Although topping off the refrigerant may seem like the obvious solution, the unit must be inspected carefully for leaks. If these leaks are not addressed, topping off the refrigerant is a waste of money and time. A refrigerant is like motor oil is to a vehicle. In case of multiple leaks, the unit may need to be replaced.

4. Condenser failure

A condenser’s task is to discharge the heat outside the building. The condenser coil is exposed to a lot of grime and dirt that prevents heat discharge and makes the unit work harder. This wear and tear can be prevented by cleaning the coil regularly. Bent fins or fan problems would need the attention of a professional HVAC technician.

5. Frozen evaporator coil

Dirty coils, low refrigerant, or poor duct air circulation can restrict airflow, causing the evaporator coils to freeze. The frozen coils can damage the compressor. Therefore, it is important to switch off the AC and let the coils thaw. This must be followed by a thorough inspection of the possible cause of frozen coils. Once determined, the problem must be addressed immediately. Either the coils need cleaning, the refrigerant needs to be topped off (or there is a leak that needs to be addressed) or the duct airflow needs to be corrected.

6. Leaking or dirty ducts

An improper flow of air through the ductwork will lead to uneven cooling in different parts of the house. Damaged ductwork due to pests or accidents can also lead to the cool air escaping and the unit working extra hard to cool in vain.

Inspecting the ductwork should be on the cards when summer begins to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises.

7. Poor drainage

The moisture that the air conditioner extracts from the air is collected in the drain pans and then eventually funneled into a drain. If the drain is obstructed for some reason, the drain pan will overflow leading to water backups that will not only damage your HVAC unit but also damage your home and its contents. It is advised to regularly investigate that the drain lines are free of any obstruction.

8. Noisy and smelly air conditioner

When the fan motors are weighed down by dirt and debris, worn belts, or damaged bearings, they start making clicking sounds. A compressor or motor failure is indicated by a grinding sound while a bubbling noise is caused by a refrigerant leak or excess moisture in the unit.

Sometimes the type of smell from air conditioners can indicate the cause of the problem. For instance, a pungent or musty smell is caused by the presence of mold, a burning smell indicates burnt electrical components while a gas smell suggests a Methyl Mercaptan leakage.

These noises and smells must be inspected by a professional at the earliest.

Why 24 Seven HVAC?

24 Seven HVAC is a family-centric business based in Syracuse, NY offering 35 years of HVAC system installation, repair, and maintenance experience. With its stellar service and top-of-the-line and affordable products, 24 Seven HVAC ensures a satisfactory HVAC installation service for years to come. Adhering to organic, green, and planet-wary solutions, 24 Seven HVAC is a conscientious business dedicated to building a better planet for its clients. It offers personal attention to each client’s HVAC needs in residential and commercial spaces.