When the weather warms up, Bonita Springs residents rely on their air conditioning to stay comfortable at home. There are times when parts wear out and you need a professional to come in and either replace or repair them. All homeowners should understand the most common problems so that they know when a fix is in order before the hot temperatures create an uncomfortable environment in your home.
Ineffective Cooling
If your air conditioning is working, but your home is not as cool as it usually is, it is not cooling effectively. There are a few issues that can contribute to this problem.
The filter in your system works to pick up debris and dirt before it can get into your home. However, if a filter is particularly dirty or there is a clog, this can limit the flow of air, resulting in ineffective cooling. You should replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Problems with your system’s refrigerant can cause this problem. A professional can check the levels and make sure that there are no leaks. Adding more refrigerant can solve the issue.
Your thermostat can sometimes be to blame for ineffective cooling. This is because it needs to accurately detect the temperature of the room to tell the system when to come on. If it is not doing this your air conditioning is not going to cycle properly. Check the batteries to see if you need to change them. If this is not the issue, you may need a professional to recalibrate or replace your thermostat.
If there is a blockage in your condenser unit, this can decrease your system’s cooling capacity. Since this unit is outside, it is possible for vegetation and debris to cause a blockage. Have a professional come and clean it out.
Uneven Cooling
There are times when some rooms are warmer than others because your system is not cooling your home evenly. Over time, this can reduce the efficiency of your system and make certain parts of your home uncomfortable.
A leak in your duct work might cause this problem. If the duct work serving certain rooms in your home has a leak, not all of the cool air is reaching its destination, leaving it warmer than other parts of the house. Have a professional do a duct work inspection so that they can see where adding some sealant may be beneficial.
The location of your thermostat can play a role in uneven cooling. If the area where your thermostat is has poor insulation or there is a heat source, it is not getting accurate temperature readings. This may cause the system to not come on as often as necessary to cool your space.
Your air conditioning system needs to be the right size for your home. If it is too small or big, it may not cycle properly, leading to uneven temperatures.
The vents throughout your home need to be all open to get the same level of cooling in every room. Check to make sure that there are no blockages too. If you have things like furniture in front of some vents, the rooms might not be as cold as the others where there are no obstructions.
Odd Noises
When your air conditioner is running any strange noises are something that you want to investigate. There are several sounds that can occur when there is an issue with your system.
Clanking or banging noises can indicate that a part inside the unit is broken or loose. For example, if there is an issue with the motor mounts or fan blades, these sounds can occur.
If you notice a hissing noise, you should call a professional promptly. This usually means that there is a refrigerant leak. As it escapes from the system, it causes a hissing noise.
A high-pitched squealing noise indicates a problem and can disrupt the comfort of your home. In most cases, this noise means that there is a slipping or worn-out fan belt.
Loose components inside the unit and debris can cause an abnormal noise when your system is running. This usually produces a rattling noise.
Water Leaks
It is not uncommon for air conditioning systems to have water leaks. If you allow the leaking to continue, water damage may eventually occur. This could result in mold growth and structural damage if you do not fix the issue promptly.
Clogged drain lines can result in water backing up into the system since the clog stops proper drainage from occurring. Several things can cause a clog, such as algae, debris or mold. Having a professional clear the clog, or in some cases, replace the clogged line, can solve this issue.
Water leaks may occur due to a damaged condensate pan. This component is under the evaporator coil. Over time, holes or cracks can develop in this pan that let water leak out. A professional will usually replace this part if it is the issue.
The evaporator coil can freeze and cause water leaks to occur. This usually happens as a result of low refrigerant levels or air flow restrictions. The water leaks happen because this issue causes excess condensation which will thaw eventually. A professional will fix the underlying issue to prevent evaporator coils from freezing again in the future.
Foul Odors
If your air conditioning system is putting out a bad odor, it generally indicates an issue. This can also make your home unpleasant since the smells may move throughout your house.
Clogged drain lines can sometimes cause an unpleasant odor to occur. If there is stagnant water in the lines that cannot get past the clog, it stays there and creates a place for bacteria and mold to thrive. It is vital that a professional come and take care of the clog. In some cases, they might need to replace the clogged line completely. Cleaning well to remove any bacteria and mold is also important.
If there is excess moisture in the AC system, mildew and mold can occur. You might notice a musty odor in your home. You should have a professional come and determine why your system has excess moisture so that they can prevent it from happening again.
Dirty coils or filters is another issue that can lead to bad odors in your home. You will normally notice the bad smell when the system is running. You can change the filter yourself, but you should have a professional come and clean your coils.
Air Conditioning Experts in Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs gets warm, so homeowners need good air conditioning to live comfortably. Our experts are here to solve your AC woes so that you never have to worry about the heat disrupting your days. Our professional team can also help you with your drain and plumbing needs. In addition, let us know if you need some assistance with water filtration.
Contact Plumbing & Cooling Nerds today to get expert help with your home’s air conditioning system.
