What is a SEER rating?
August 6, 2018
A/C not cooling?? Making a weird noise?? Emitting an odd smell??
These are the 5 most common A/C problems you might be facing today.
Dirty Filter
If you haven’t taken time to replace your air filters, you could be facing more problems than an increase in allergies. Dirty filters restrict airflow, which violates the designed specifications of the system, essentially causing cold air to build up in the system. If the cold air builds up enough, your system will freeze up its indoor coil, leading to more problems.
A dirty filter also causes smaller issues like lack of efficiency or uneven cooling in your home or office.
Tip: Don’t run your unit without a filter!
Clogged Drain Line
Over time, your home’s drain line will clog without routine maintenance on your A/C unit. Ultimately, some very fine dirt will make its way through your filters, and build up around your coils. As the coil sweats, the condensate makes it way to the drain pan and eventually your home’s main drain line. This can contain skin dander, mold, and an array of other growing bacteria.
Tip: Make sure your unit has a safety switch. This will shut the system down in the event of the main drain line being clogged, avoiding water damage.
Weak Run Capacitors/Poor Electrical Connections
Time and Temperature. Run capacitors and electrical connections for your unit will see a loss of efficiency over a period of time, but more prevalently in high temperatures. Run caps essentially act as a battery, making it a part your system will ultimately consume.
Tip: Routine maintenance gives a qualified technician the chance to check your capacitors and electrical connections.
Low Refrigerant Charge
Either your unit wasn’t charged enough at installation or it has developed a leak. Refrigerant can be expensive so if you have a leak, you need an experienced technician to find and fix the issue.
Tip: If your system is using R-22 refrigerant, it may be time to update. The EPA will be prohibiting the use of R-22 in 2020. Here are some more tips on repairing or replacing your unit.
Dirty or Clogged Coils
As we mentioned earlier, filtration is key when it comes to keeping your coils in good shape. Dirt can collect around and inside your indoor coil causing a variety of problems. The more impacted and dirty the coil is, the more expensive it will be to resolve.
Tip: Routine Maintenance and replace your air filters!
