One of the difficulties of the end of the summer—aside from the intense heat—is that it’s a prime time for air conditioning systems to run into problems. Air conditioning in Stonewall, LA puts in a few hard months of work before the August swelter arrives, and even an AC that has received the best in maintenance each spring can run into problems with the stress the end of the season places on it.
The best way to deal with potential AC troubles at this time of the year is vigilance. Watch for odd behavior from the air conditioner that warns you to call us for repairs. We offer service 24/7, so you can always reach us when you think your home’s AC needs help.
Below are some common problems that often affect air conditioning systems at the end of the season. Knowing these troubles makes it easier to spot them early.
Dirty condenser coil
The outside coil of the air conditioner is known as the condensing coil. This is where the AC releases the heat moved from inside the house and exhausts it outside. It can’t do that job effectively if the condenser coil is dirty. Over the summer, dust, mud, grass, mulch, and other debris can get into the cabinet and block the coil. If you notice a drop in AC efficiency or effectiveness, see if the outside cabinet is covered with dirt—that can alert you to this problem.
Dying capacitors
Capacitors are essential electrical components in air conditioners: they send voltage to the motors running the fans and compressor to start them and keep them running. Capacitors rarely last the full length of an AC’s lifespan and will eventually start to fail. They’re also susceptible to high heat levels. When you hear clicking sounds coming from the AC cabinets or the compressor begins to hard start, you may need to have repair technicians replace a dying capacitor.
Frozen evaporator coil
Ice should never appear on an AC. The part of an air conditioner most likely to freeze over is the evaporator coil, and when this happens, the coil won’t be able to absorb heat from the indoor air and provide cooling. Several problems can cause coil freeze: leaking refrigerant, dirt on the coil, a clogged air filter, or turning the thermostat down too low. Regardless of the cause, you’ll want pros to look into it so they can resolve it. Please don’t try to scrape the ice off yourself, and this may damage the coil and won’t solve the underlying issue.
Low airflow
The blower fan in the indoor HVAC cabinet can wear down or become misaligned, leading to a drop in airflow through the ventilation system. This is one of several causes for a drop in airflow: it could also be due to a clogged filter that needs to be replaced or leaks in the ductwork. If the problem isn’t repaired, you’ll soon have poor cooling combined with higher bills.
Moon’s Air has provided whole-home comfort since 1971. Call us for service today—it’s good to be Mooned!