Air Conditioning Problems You Should Be Aware Of

Air Conditioning Problems You Should Be Aware Of

Properly functioning air conditioning is vital for year-round comfort, especially during the summer months. Just like many mechanical systems, HVAC units can develop problems over time that diminish their efficiency and lead to breakdowns when you least expect it.

While it’s crucial to call a professional for air conditioning issues, it is advised to take proactive steps to mitigate problems before they even exist. Learning about common AC issues and brushing up on some troubleshooting tips can prevent bad situations. Here’s what you need to know:

AC Not Turning On

There are multiple reasons why an air conditioner may not start. One of the most common issues can be related to thermostats. Understanding the thermostat settings, such as dead cells or incorrect configurations, is important as it can prevent your unit from receiving signals to start. Power supply issues, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse, can also prevent the unit from starting.

AC Not Blowing Cold Air

If your system is not cooling your home, check the return filter. A dirty filter restricts air flow, hindering the system’s ability to keep up. Your system could also be lacking the proper level of refrigerant. A loss of freon typically indicates a larger problem, and you should call Trusted.

Unusual Noises

Strange noises from the unit, such as hissing, clicking, and screeching, indicate that there may be an underlying mechanical issue. For example, a “hissing sound” could indicate a dangerous refrigerant leak. In addition, a clicking noise could insinuate trouble with electrical components such as capacitors or relays.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

Have you ever heard someone say that their unit is frozen?

As we have discussed, a lot of stress is placed on your system during the summer months. When the evaporator coil becomes too cold, it freezes. There are multiple reasons as to why this could potentially happen.

    • Low Refrigerant
      • When your system is experiencing a low refrigerant level, it causes the system’s pressure to be low as well. However, even though the pressure is low, the refrigerant is still expanding at the same rate. In this state of low pressure, when the refrigerant leaks, the system begins absorbing way more heat than normal, which freezes the refrigerant lines and coil.
    • Dirty Return Filters or Blocked Supply Vents:
      • The most common cause of a “not cooling” service call is a dirty air filter or a blocked supply vent. Be proactive, save yourself time and money, and set a reminder to change your filters every 30 days and always keep your supply vents clean and clear of obstructions. Doing this on a regular basis prevents the excessive buildup of dirt, allergens, pet dander, dust, and other particles, which all combine to restrict your air flow. This restriction forces your system to work harder than needed. When your system is overloaded, it freezes.
    • Clogged Drain Lines
      • A system’s condensate drain line is responsible for removing water (condensation). By draining this water, you do not have to worry about it backflowing and causing damage to your system or your home! However, without regular maintenance, this drain line is EASILY clogged by debris, causing a backup of moisture. Not only will your unit fail, but you can experience even more costly repairs. Water must have somewhere to go, whether it is in your wall, ceiling, etc, water leaks cause extensive damage.
    • Incorrect Thermostat Settings
      • Make certain that your thermostat’s fan setting is set to “auto” and not continuously running. Always change the set temperature in small increments, as to not, in layman’s terms, shock your system.

Water Leaking Outside

Excessive water leaking often signals underlying issues with the condensate drain system and additional components. This problem can manifest due to a clogged drain line, as we just discussed at length above. Improper installation of the AC unit can also contribute to troublesome water drainage.

Get Professional Technicians for Repairs

By understanding these common HVAC problems, you can take proactive measures, improve efficiency and indoor air quality, and potentially avoid costly repairs or replacements.

You should always leave it to your licensed HVAC technician to handle complex electrical or refrigerant air conditioning issues. For professional AC repairs and maintenance, contact the experts at Trusted Home Services. We provide 24/7 HVAC assistance.

Benefits of an Emergency Generator for Your Home

Your home can be affected by a power outage at any time. While there’s no way to prevent this from happening, you can most definitely control your family’s level of preparedness. During an outage or emergency, a whole home generator is the most efficient way to ensure your family’s comfort, convenience, and safety. Let’s explore how these generators work, their advantages, and more.

How a Backup Generator Works

Within about 10 seconds, a generator will sense a power loss and automatically turn on. The power source will switch to it, supplying electricity to the circuits. Once the power returns, the generator will turn off.

The Size You Need

It’s no surprise that different homes require different sized generators. Therefore, it is crucial to know what size your home requires. Trusted will assist in selecting the best size generator depending on your home’s square footage and what appliances you need powered in the event of an outage.

How Long a Generator Can Run

If utilizing natural gas, the generator will run indefinitely. However, when using propane or diesel, your generator will only provide power for as long as the fuel allows. If a power outage lasts several days, you want to conserve energy and have fuel tanks dropped off at your home. Aside from the fuel source, emergency generators will run as long as needed.

What Are the Advantages?

  • Protect Your Electronics
    A strong power surge can significantly damage your appliances and electronics, potentially causing them to overheat and catch fire. By quickly restoring power, a generator helps to protect these devices.
  • Maintain a Comfortable Environment
    In some regions, we can see temperatures reaching to over 110°F during the summer months. It could be deadly if the power went out during a heatwave. An emergency generator ensures that your indoor temperatures stay comfortable and safe for everyone.
  • Prevent Food Spoilage
    In the event of a prolonged outage, all the perishable food items can spoil.  With a generator providing power to your refrigerator and freezer, your food is unaffected by the loss of power.
  • Being Prepared Is Key
    Invest in the perfect alternative power solution and avoid the inconveniences that result from an emergency power outage. The importance of backup generators is evident in both residential and commercial applications. You may never need to use it, but if your family is ever affected by a power outage, you will be so glad to have it. For those of us residing on the East Coast, it is safer and much more cost effective to be proactive, rather than reactive in the event of a terrible storm.

Contact Us for Your Emergency Power Requirements

Trusted Home Services in Conway, South Carolina is ready to provide excellent power solutions. Reach out to us today to schedule a free in-home assessment to see what emergency backup generator configuration will meet your needs.