Too Hot? Common Air Conditioning Problems and How to Address Them

When summer produces its hottest days, your air conditioning system should be keeping your living and work spaces cool and comfortable. There are times, however, that an AC unit may not work properly. Here are some common problems that can occur and simple fixes to address them:

Your Air Conditioning Doesn't Turn On

If your system doesn't turn on, your thermostat may be set incorrectly. Check that your thermostat is set to "Cool" or "AC", making sure the temperature is set correctly and that your thermostat's battery is good. You should also check your circuit breaker to be sure the switch isn't tripped.

Your Air Conditioner Cycles On and Off a Lot

If your air conditioner cycles on and off several times an hour, there may be dirt or debris in the condenser or evaporator. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the unit yourself, you can bring in an HVAC professional to do the job.

The Air from Your AC Doesn't Feel as Cool as it Used to

If you notice that your air conditioner isn't cooling as well as it did in the past, there may be a restriction in the airflow. Usually, you can correct this by changing or cleaning the filter. Another culprit may be plants or debris blocking the airflow from the condenser. If you remove objects from around the condenser, you may get better airflow from your unit.

Water Puddling or Leaking from Your Main AC Unit

If you see water puddling or leaking around your main AC unit, this could mean there's a clog in the line leading out of your AC unit or a line connection is loose. Inspect any outgoing lines you can easily see and call your AC professional if you can't clear the problem on your own.

Source:
How to Fix Your AC to Last Through the Summer, houselogic.com

Tips For Improving Air Conditioning Efficiency in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC is one of the most beautiful places to live. With the ocean right outside your door, nothing else in the world seems to matter. However, your tranquil environment can turn into an uncomfortable one when your air conditioning is not working properly. The heat and humidity of the area can be overwhelming. The need for AC repair services is often required when you least expect it.

Having a comfortable home is of the utmost importance when the temperature is soaring. Here are five tips to keep your home cool and comfortable.

1. Never Turn Your Unit Below 70 Degrees

Your unit is designed to keep it 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Turning the unit below 70 degrees will cause it to run constantly and increase your utility bills. Additionally, the unit can freeze over causing damage.

2. Have Preventative Maintenance Performed At Least Once Per Year

Avoiding service interruptions is why preventative maintenance is so important. Technicians can see problems like low refrigerant levels and faulty belts before the AC goes out.

3. Change Your Filters Regularly

Filter changes are essential. A filter should be changed often. Depending on your unit, some could need to be changed every month.

4. Replace a Unit more Than 15 Years Old

If your unit is more than 15 years old, it is living on borrowed time. A unit loses efficiency as it ages. Replacing the unit will nearly pay for itself in savings.

5. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an inexpensive way to increase your savings. These thermostats can turn the AC unit up when no one is home and they can turn the temperature back down to a comfortable level when you are. There is no reason to cool an empty house.

Preventable maintenance is the best way to ensure your HVAC unit will last. A unit that is properly maintained will last longer than one that is left to time and chance.


Sources:

5 Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning. Good Housekeeping.
Tips: Air Conditioners. Energy.gov.

How the Pros Spot and Fix Problems With Your Air Conditioning Unit

When temperatures rise, the first appliance you rely on is the air conditioner. However, it may not have been used for several months. You turn on the system, and it doesn't operate as well as before. Take a close look at a few common problems associated with the air conditioning.

When you notice the system is turning on and off at a rapid pace, you may have a faulty component in play. Unless an external factor is involved, such as leaving a window open, every air conditioner should have long time periods where they're either on or off. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning and causing the erratic system behavior.

Turning On the Air Conditioning System: Your Way to Better Health

You already know that air conditioning helps you feel great on a hot summer day, but did you know it also offers health and other benefits? Your air conditioner may be doing more for you than just keeping you cool. Here's how:

Reduced Chances of Asthma and Allergy Attacks

The filters used in air conditioners trap much of the pollen and dust that come in from outside. Trapping the dust allows those with asthma to breathe easier, while trapping allergens reduces the risk of a runny nose and itchy eyes for allergy sufferers. To receive this kind of benefit, however, you must keep your air conditioner's filters clean. If you don't, you could make asthma and allergy problems worse rather than better.

Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning Unit Develops Ice During Hot Weather

During hot weather conditions or warmer seasons, you might look out your window and see that there is ice forming on your air conditioning system, sometimes even inside the unit. Ice can develop for many reasons. If you notice any ice on or in your air conditioner, it is best to call a professional to do an inspection and see if the system has any problems, such as the following:

How Mini Split Ductless Air Conditioning Units Work

Older homes often lack central air conditioning. In order for homeowners to enjoy the benefits of cooler rooms and less humid summertime air, heating and air conditioning technicians used to have to tear into a home's walls and install ductwork, which costs a lot of money and eats up a lot of time. With a mini split ductless air conditioner system, however, you can enjoy a more comfortable home right away.

No Duct Work
Mini split ductless systems do not require air ducts. There is an outside unit that acts as the compressor. This unit is connected to refrigerant lines in each room where the homeowner wants an air conditioner. A small wall-mounted unit acts as the condenser and the fan. This allows for cooler air without making huge holes in the walls.

Environmentally Friendly
A mini split air conditioner system uses R 410A as its chemical coolant. This coolant is an environmentally friendly coolant. The coolant cycles between the wall-mounted unit and the outdoor compressor. Each of the wall-mounted units has its own power source so the coolant can be propelled back and forth to the outdoor unit.

Separate Filters
The wall-mounted units have air filters the cooled air comes through before being blown into the living space by the fan. The air filter can be a high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter or a standard filter. The filter captures allergens and germs.

Individual Thermostats
A mini split ductless air conditioner uses an individual thermostat in each room or zone of the home. The separate thermostats control the wall-mounted unit. Each thermostat can be set to a different temperature. The air conditioner can be on in just one room or on in all of them but cooling to different temperatures.

Clean Air Conditioning Systems May Help Keep Your Family Healthy

Are you or a family member experiencing respiratory issues? While allergens are a common cause of respiratory problems, your air conditioning system could be to blame. Here is a closer look at the connection between your ducts, your A/C, and your family's respiratory health.