Is your air conditioner letting you down after all these years? Summer AC problems are fairly common in Goose Creek, SC. Fortunately, many issues can be fixed at home without calling a pro. Sometimes, all it takes is a new filter or thermostat battery. However, some problems like refrigerant leaks and faulty valves require AC repairs. Here’s how to tell the difference.
1. Thermostat Problems
Before you try anything else, double-check your thermostat settings. For most homes, the fan should be set to auto, and cooling mode should be selected. A drained battery could also be why your air conditioner stops and starts without warning.
2. Frozen Coils
Ice buildup is generally caused by an airflow issue or low refrigerant levels that have altered the pressure. Airflow problems include clogged filters, malfunctioning blower motors and dust buildup that’s preventing the coils from absorbing or releasing heat.
3. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant levels have a significant impact on your air conditioner’s performance. Both high and low pressure may decrease the unit’s efficiency. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as well as it used to or if you’re having a problem with frosty coils, low refrigerant levels could be the cause.
4. Faulty Capacitors
Capacitors regulate the electrical current and provide an extra boost of energy when the unit starts. If your air conditioner has a bad capacitor, it may blow warm air, hum, struggle to start or shut down unexpectedly.
5. No Power or Air Flow
Mechanical and electrical problems may affect one or both sides of your AC system. If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, the fan may be running without the compressor. This could indicate that a problem, such as a refrigerant leak, has triggered the automatic shutoff. This feature is designed to prevent catastrophic damage and protect you from major repairs.
If replacing the filter and resetting the breaker doesn’t resolve the issue, call Acute Heating & Cooling. We offer AC repairs and diagnostic services to customers across the tri-county area.