AC Problems to Look Out for in the Heat

The sweltering Arlington heat will start rising even more in the next few months, which means your air conditioning system will be working extra hard to keep you and your family cool. Even with proper maintenance and up-keep, your AC unit won’t be immune to typical problems and issues. So what’s the solution? Keep an eye on your unit during the summer and take fast action if you notice any concerning problems. The sooner you fix it, the more time, money, and comfort you’ll be saving!

Here are some suggestions on what to watch out for in the heat from our team here at Tom’s Mechanical, Inc:

1. Refrigerant Leaks

Without the right amount of refrigerant, your air conditioning unit can go from producing a cool breeze to toasty winds. Low levels may be caused due to a leak or undercharging in the installation process. You can easily check for leaks by looking for stains or discoloration of the refrigerant piping or around the evaporator and cooling coils. If ice forms on the inside or outside of units, you may also be low on Freon. Call a professional to give your unit the refrigerant boost it needs!

2. Clogged Up Air Filters / Dirty Evaporator Coil

If your air filter or evaporator coils are dirty, this could easily slow down the production of that highly coveted cool air. While you can easily get a replacement filter, taking care of a dirty or damaged evaporator coil will require a professional touch.

3. Debris or Mess Blocking Your Unit

When was the last time you checked on your outdoor AC unit? Leaves, twigs, dust, and other debris can cause trouble if they damage or block certain parts of your AC unit, such as the condenser coils. If the air flow of these coils is blocked with dirt or other debris, it will make your AC work harder to produce cool air. Eventually, this could cause a breakdown or other damage if not taken care of. Keep those condenser coils clean and your unit debris-free!

4. Electric Control Issues

If your system is oversized, it could be prone to suffering failed compressor or fan controls. Outside units may also have corroded wires or terminals, resulting in damaged electric controls. Make sure you inspect these wires to see if there is any damage or corrosion. If you notice issues, leave it to the professional HVAC technicians!

5. Thermostat Set Incorrectly

If all else checks out but your AC still seems to be producing hot air, you may have the thermostat set incorrectly. Sure, this seems like pointing out the obvious, but people often overlook the simplest issues first. If you recently set up your thermostat for the summer months, you may have made a minor mistake or failed to make the adjustments final. It doesn’t hurt to double check your thermostat before calling for AC repairs in a panic.

Want more tips on how to keep your AC running efficiently this summer? Call Tom’s Mechanical, Inc.! We offer 24/7 service.