The last thing any homeowner wants to happen during summer’s heat is for the AC to stop working. While you can resolve the issue with a reliable AC repair in Tallahassee, FL, if you can fix it yourself, that would be ideal. In many cases, you need a professional to work on your air conditioning, but what causes an AC to go out in the first place?
Cooper’s Plumbing & Air offers high-quality plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. We can help you sift through common AC failure reasons to find the one that fits your situation.
Situation 1: Poor or No Cooling
Though we prefer to save hot air for the winter, one of the most common AC system problems comes from poor cooling. You may experience uneven temperatures in different rooms on your property, or the temperature never reaches where you want it to be. Are there any reasons for this that you could troubleshoot on your own?
Dirty Air Filters
A dirty air filter does more than make the air in your home stuffy. Air filters collect dust, grime, and other airborne particles to keep them from blocking your duct system and unit.
Because dirty filters cannot collect pollutants, they can’t do their job. Moreover, a clogged filter can prevent airflow, leading to some rooms not getting the cooling you want.
If you know the size of your AC filter and where you can replace it, you can do it yourself. However, if the situation has become more serious, you may need a professional to clean the duct system as well.
Thermostat Settings
As the brain of the operation, your thermostat controls how cool you want your home. Because it has many components, problems with any part of it can contribute to many AC breakdown factors. However, the issue with your cooling could be as simple as poor settings.
Remember to check your thermostat to ensure you didn’t turn it off. You should also make sure the setting isn’t too high. The AC likely won’t turn on if you set it to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or more on a summer day in Florida. For further issues, like electrical malfunctions, you may need to consult an HVAC technician.
Situation 2: The Fan Isn’t Turning On
The AC fan allows your unit to blow air in the first place. Without it, you wouldn’t have a central cooling system.
A non-functioning fan can contribute heavily to what causes an AC to go out. Because this component is integral to the system’s function, many AC maintenance tips discuss keeping them clean and functional with consistent care.
Is there anything you can do to help your fan keep running?
Circuit Breaker Trip
Central AC systems use a lot of electricity—often the most out of all appliances and tools you have in your home. The circuit breaker serves to prevent electrical overload, which helps prevent fires. If your unit has a hiccup that causes it to use too much energy on the circuit, the breaker could flip.
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as switching the breaker back in place. If you have more substantial electrical issues, however, you should rely on a technician. Electrical problems can be potentially deadly if you don’t have the right tools to work with them.
Motor Burnout
The fan works by using a condenser motor to keep it spinning. This integral part works the most often when you have your AC on. As with any appliance or tool, consistent use causes it to wear down over time.
You may have a burnt-out condenser fan motor if you check your outdoor unit and see the following:
- A fan that won’t turn
- A fan turning too slowly
- A fan running intermittently
Don’t try to replace the motor on your own. It connects to several other components and runs with high amounts of electricity. We can handle the work from there.
The best thing you can do to help your motor last longer is clean your vents or replace the air filters every 90 days. You can also clean up dust and dirt around or inside your outdoor unit. Remember to turn off the power beforehand!
Situation 3: The Unit Isn’t Turning Off
An AC that won’t turn off can be as difficult as one that won’t turn on. Not only does the system drag on your electric bill, but it may not efficiently cool your property in the first place. What causes an AC to go out this way, and how can you stop it?
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant refers to chemicals we use to exchange heat in an AC system. This process of letting go of or absorbing heat energy is crucial to almost any type of air conditioning.
One of the most common AC unit issues comes from low refrigerant in the system. A cut in the coil system can lead to frozen evaporator coils, preventing the heat exchange and not allowing your property to cool.
Because refrigerants can be toxic and exceptionally lethal if you accidentally ingest them, don’t try to replace refrigerant on your own.
Dirty Condenser Coil
A condenser coil disperses the heat from inside your property to the outdoors. However, like a frozen evaporator coil cannot absorb the heat, a dirty condenser coil cannot release it.
Thankfully, unlike refrigerant issues, you can help. Consistent maintenance, like replacing air filters or cleaning the area around your outdoor unit, can do wonders to reduce AC malfunction causes. If cleaning doesn’t help and you’ve tried everything else, you may need technical assistance.
The Best of Tallahassee AC Experts
Cooper’s Plumbing & Air has helped Tallahassee residents keep their homes cool and well-regulated for over 20 years. Our experts maintain their licenses, insurance, and professional training so we can handle any HVAC issue you face, including an AC explosion.
Do you need more help with what causes an AC to go out, or are you stuck in the heat in the middle of summer? Call us at 866-464-7132 or visit our contact page for emergency HVAC services today!