AC Not Working? This Is What Could Be Wrong

Our hot Colorado summer days aren’t over, and hopefully by now, you have had your air conditioning unit serviced. If not, try to schedule on a cooler day when the demand for an HVAC technician is lower. On days with high heat, everyone has their air conditioning running, and that’s when it is the most likely to fail, resulting in a high volume of calls to HVAC technicians all over town.

Be Proactive

Most AC maintenance services should be done before the hot weather hits – usually in the spring. This service will prevent most issues from occurring to begin with. In fact, many HVAC companies, such as Sunshine Plumbing Heating Air, will run annual pre-season specials to help reduce emergency calls later in the season by offering preventative maintenance at a reduced rate.

However, older systems, especially in high heat days, will struggle and may even fail, with or without preventative care. Understanding your system can help you prepare, and may even allow you some relief while you wait for help to arrive.

Common AC Problems

Air Filter Blockages. During the summer months, you are likely to be running your ac unit all day, mucking up the filters quickly. Replace them every month to keep proper air flow so your system continues to work properly.

Without good air flow through the filters, your ac could freeze up as the cooling coil doesn’t have a way to let the moisture move away.

Condenser Blockage. The outdoor unit of your AC can become blocked by plants or debris following storms or even simply wind. When this happens, your AC unit isn’t about to radiate the heat from your home to outside, causing stress on the system as it overworks.

Check around the AC unit for blockages from leaves or dirt and brush them away.

Not Enough Refrigerant. If refrigerant levels are too high or low, you will notice a problem with the AC. It can easily become inefficient and cost more to run, and also put extra stress on the compressor motor. This can cause it to overheat and the evaporator coil to freeze.

Improper refrigerant charge can be due to a leak, or improper installation, so having it checked by an HVAC professional is very important.

Wrong Unit Size. When the wrong unit sized is used, it is easy to put too much stress or demands on the unit, causing it to fail. In order to run efficiently, proper calculations must be made and the right AC unit should be installed to match the square footage to be cooled.

Cooling issues? Sunshine Plumbing Heating Air can help. Whether emergency service or preventative maintenance, our trained and knowledgeable HVAC technicians will solve your problem and get you back into comfort fast. Give us a call today at 303-622-5526.