Air conditioning is a crucial part of creating a comfortable home environment. By removing excess humidity and circulating filtered air, it can reduce the risk of respiratory problems and allergies.
If you notice any issues with your air conditioner, it’s time to call for a repair. A qualified service tech will inspect your system, check your refrigerant levels and verify that the ducts are properly sized.
The evaporator coil in your air conditioner is responsible for absorbing heat from the air in your home. When this coil becomes dirty, the air conditioner is unable to properly cool your home and may even damage your system. A dirty coil is one of the most common problems homeowners face with their AC units. A few simple preventative measures can help keep this part of your system clean, preventing many air conditioning repair issues in the future.
Dirty evaporator coils often become dirty as a result of air pollution in the house and lack of regular maintenance. When air filters are not changed frequently, dust and other contaminants can collect on the evaporator coil, reducing its efficiency. If there is no air filter, this problem is worse, as the contaminants will be allowed to directly contact the evaporator coil. This can lead to ice formation on the coil, restricted air flow, and increased energy consumption.
Another sign of a dirty evaporator coil is the inability to reach your desired temperature setting on your thermostat. This happens when the evaporator coil is unable to absorb heat from the air, which results in your air conditioning running longer to cool your home. Over time, this can cause your air conditioner to overwork itself and reduce its lifespan.
A dirty evaporator coil can also restrict the refrigerant’s ability to transfer heat, which can lead to a freeze up on the coil. This can then limit airflow and create a vicious cycle as the coil ices up and restricts airflow, creating more icing. This is why it is so important to regularly inspect your evaporator coil and remove any debris that is present.
If you notice that your evaporator coil is dirty, it’s important to call an air conditioning professional. They will know how to safely access the coil and ensure that it is cleaned correctly without damaging other parts of your air conditioning unit. They will also be able to identify any signs of mold or other potential problems with the coil and address them accordingly.
Dirty Compressor Coils
The air conditioner’s compressor unit is located outside, so it must be protected from debris that could damage the coil fins and other components. Nevertheless, the coils will inevitably come into contact with dust, dirt and other pollutants in the surrounding environment. This is why regular coil cleaning services are so important.
Dirty condenser coils cause your system to work harder and longer to maintain cooling efficiency. The buildup reduces the coil’s ability to absorb or dump heat, forcing the compressor to run longer to achieve the same results. This increased stress can lead to premature wear and tear on the system, putting it at risk of breaking down in the future.
When the coils become too coated with dust, they can no longer convert hot refrigerant gas back into a liquid. This causes the compressor to overheat, leading to a breakdown of the entire air conditioning unit.
As the cooling process continues, your condensate drain line may become clogged with water and dirt. Unless it is cleaned, this can lead to the overflow of the air conditioner, flooding your home with water and other debris.
You’ll also notice a drop in your air conditioner’s cooling capacity as the coils begin to lose their luster and function more slowly. The reduced performance of the air conditioner is a sure sign that it’s time to call an AC technician for a coil cleaning and inspection service.
Dirty coils reduce your air conditioning system’s efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills during Florida’s scorching summers. It is important to keep the evaporator and condenser coils clean to avoid high energy bills, decreased indoor comfort and potential system failure. A professional air conditioning technician can perform a routine coil cleaning and inspection to remove any accumulated dirt, debris or dust. In addition, they can ensure the system’s drain lines are clear of clogs and straighten bent coil fins to improve airflow and cooling efficiency. To get started, schedule an air conditioning inspection today. It’s easy with our online scheduling tool! Just click the orange “Schedule Now” button below to see available times at your neighborhood Jiffy Lube.
Low Coolant Levels
Refrigerant (also known as Freon) is a key component of any air conditioning system. It is what absorbs heat from the air and causes it to cool down. When there is not enough refrigerant in the system, it will affect how well your AC works and can lead to serious damage if left unchecked. There are several signs that your AC may be low on refrigerant.
One is when you notice ice on the evaporator coil or in the refrigerant lines. Another is if you notice that the air coming out of your vents feels warmer than usual. This is because there is not enough refrigerant to absorb the heat from the air and lower its temperature. If you hear hissing or bubbling noises, it is also a sign that your refrigerant levels are low and you should call an HVAC technician right away.
The most common cause of low refrigerant is a leak in the system. Over time, the seals that hold the refrigerant in place can deteriorate, leading to leaks. These leaks will allow the refrigerant to escape the system, which can result in lower cooling performance and higher energy bills.
Another reason for low refrigerant is contamination. Moisture, dirt and other foreign substances can get into the refrigerant lines and degrade it. Regular maintenance, proper handling and storage of the refrigerant can help prevent this.
In addition, low refrigerant is a sign that there are other problems in the system that need to be addressed. Leaks, corrosion and other issues can all be resolved with air conditioning repair before they worsen.
Adding more refrigerant to your system can be tempting, but this is not a long-term solution and will likely only mask the problem. You will need to have the system inspected and repaired by a professional before adding any more refrigerant. They can also recommend other maintenance and inspection services to help keep your air conditioner running properly. Contact our experts today for more information or to schedule your next service! We’re ready to help you live comfortably again.
Dirty Filters
Dirty filters are one of the most common issues affecting your air conditioning system’s performance. Every filter will get dirty over time, but there are some situations that cause them to clog more quickly than others. These dirty filters may lead to efficiency and performance problems in your AC unit that could require air conditioning repair services.
The primary function of an air filter is to trap airborne contaminants like dust, dander and other allergens so that they don’t recirculate throughout your building’s ductwork system and into the spaces you inhabit. This is important for your home or office’s indoor air quality, particularly if anyone in your space suffers from respiratory issues or allergies. The bad news is that dirty filters also allow those same airborne contaminants to enter your air conditioner and circulate back out into the indoor space.
Air filters typically get dirty when they are not replaced frequently enough. This happens because the filter has gaps that allow airborne pollutants to slip through. As time goes on, these contaminants build up on the surface of your air filter until it gets clogged with particles.
As a general rule, your air filter should be changed monthly. For best results, your air filter should be changed more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area.
When your air filter is too dirty, it will prevent air from flowing through the cooling coils in your system. This can make your air conditioner overheat. If this occurs, you will need to shut off your AC and clean or replace the filter.
The most noticeable sign that your air filter is too dirty is when your HVAC system fails to cool the building to a comfortable temperature. It will produce hot and cold spots or never reach the temperature that you have set on the thermostat.
A dirty air filter will also cause an increase in your energy bill. This is because your air conditioner has to work harder to keep the space comfortable, which requires more energy. Over time, the added stress can wear on the components of your system, causing them to break down or overheat.