Air ConditioningInfo ArticlesTips & AdviceHow to Handle Common AC Problems in Charlotte

February 10, 2016by Sophie The Dog

Air conditioners, like any complex machine, may occasionally break down or fail to work properly. Although your AC is made up of many different parts that could cause problems, there are a few common problems that are most likely to occur. Some are easy to troubleshoot and correct on your own. Others will require the expertise of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician. Here are some common AC problems in Charlotte and what to do if they happen to your system.

AC won’t turn on. In this situation, there could be many causes. First check your thermostat to make sure it is on, set to cool, and set to a desired temperature that is lower than the current room temperature. Check your filters for dust and dirt build-up and replace if necessary. Be sure there is power to the unit. Check for a tripped circuit breaker. If none of these corrects the problem, you may have a more serious issue. At this point it would be wise to call an HVAC technician.

AC isn’t cooling effectively. If your air conditioning continually runs without reaching the desired indoor temperature, there are a few different things that may be the cause. Most likely you have a dirty evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is the part of your air conditioning that contains refrigerant to absorb warm air and cool it down. If dirt builds up on the outside of the coil, your AC won’t be able to cool down the air (and your home) effectively. Another possible cause of an air conditioner that isn’t cooling properly is lack of refrigerant. If your AC does not have the proper level of refrigerant (due to a leak or possibly incorrect refrigerant charge at installation) it won’t be able to effectively cool down the air and your home. A refrigerant leak or recharge should definitely be handled by an HVAC technician. You may also have a problem with the temperature sensor in your thermostat. If the sensor isn’t working properly, your AC may behave erratically and fail to cool your home. An HVAC technician can repair or replace your thermostat.

Drainage problems. Drainage problems are common, and are typically caused by a blockage in the drainage tube of the condensate drain. When air conditioners cool air, condensation forms and has to be drained outside. If there is a blockage, you may find water pooling around your indoor unit. You may also have excess humidity inside your home. If you suspect you have a drainage problem, contact an HVAC technician to inspect your system and clean out the condensate drain.

All of these problems are quite common, but can be serious if not corrected. And air conditioner that doesn’t work properly can cause excess moisture in your home, resulting in mold or mildew growth and possible water damage. Electrical issues can be dangerous and should be handled by a trained technician. And in the mildest of cases, your home will not be cool and comfortable during the hot season.

The best solution: Prevention

Most of the problems above could be avoided with regular air conditioning maintenance. Maintenance involves, inspecting, cleaning, and repairing your air conditioner to prevent problems and keep your system running as efficiently as possible. To prevent air conditioning problems in Charlotte, consider a Comfort Guard Protection Plan from Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning. A maintenance plan will prevent most air conditioning problems in Charlotte and save you money by lowering your energy costs. Sign up for a Comfort Guard Protection Plan or call (704) 288-4535.

For more information on common AC problems: https://energy.gov/energysaver/common-air-conditioner-problems

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