How’s and Why’s of Air Conditioners

 In Air Conditioning

We wanted to address some of the most asked questions we get about air conditioners and summer cooling HVAC concerns. With more than 50 manufacturers of AC units, its hard to address brand-specific issues, but there are some comments and questions that we hear over and over again each summer.

Why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?

There are many reasons why your AC unit could be blowing hot air. Some of the common reasons include:

  • Air Filter Needs Replacement
  • Outdoor Condensing Unit Not Running
  • Overheating AC Compressor
  • Low Freon or Refrigerant
  • Thermostat is Turn to Heat Mode

If you check your unit and the issue requires more than a simple fix like changing the air filter, call us to help you get back on track.

Why is my air conditioner leaking water?

When air is cooled, condensation occurs. A modern HVAC system is usually designed to channel the condensate into a drain system. In the Madison area, we have drain pans with a drain line terminating in a floor drain. There are a few areas that we’ve identified as trouble spots for drain systems.

  • Clogged drain pan
  • Disconnected drain line
  • Low refrigerant (this will cause a freeze/thaw effect on pipes)
  • Dirty air filter
  • Uninsulated duct work condensation

Why is my air conditioner so loud?

We get a lot of complaints of something changing with the sound of an AC unit. A loud air conditioner can be annoying for you and your neighbors and you likely want to remedy the problem before your unit fails and isn’t able to cool your home anymore. Reasons for a lot unit include:

  • Failing condenser
  • Failing compressor
  • Unit out of balance
  • Broken or damaged unit housing

Why is my AC not working?

  • Ductwork is unbalanced or closed
  • Thermostat is not working
  • Refrigerant is low or completely leaked out
  • Breaker fuse is popped
  • Air Filter or condenser coils are clogged

Should I recharge my AC unit myself?

We don’t recommend any homeowners recharge their own air conditioning unit. There are many reasons to avoid this including risks associated with the quantity and type of refrigerant, having the right tools, and addressing any issues related to the leak. For a contractor to address a unit low on refrigerant, a proper safety guideline is followed including logging the recovered amount and disposing of it correctly. Older refrigerants can damage the earth’s atmosphere and we take special precautions to avoid leaks. Please don’t attempt to recharge your AC unit by yourself. It isn’t a DIY project.

 

How do I know when I need a new air conditioner?

You should consider replacing your air conditioning system if it is ineffective, noisy, or no longer cooling evenly. You can improve comfort, lower energy bills, and decrease the overall unit sound in many cases. A typical unit will last 10-15+ years with the right maintenance program.

Some of the typical reasons for requiring a replacement unit are:

  • Repeated calls for service or repair on your existing unit
  • Increasing energy bills from inefficiency
  • Noisy and ineffective

 

Why is my AC not keeping my house cool?

There are a few ways to explore a house not staying cool during the cooling season. One of the major issues is attempting to cool a home that is already warm. It can be taxing on an AC unit to try to cool from a very warm temperature. It’s easiest to stay ahead of heat by maintaining your home at a cooler temperature. The unit won’t have to work so hard and you’ll be able to better manage the temperature more quickly. By trapping the cool air and ensuring it remains in your home for longer, your machine won’t run nearly as much.

If you are still having problems keeping the home cool, it could be one of the issues stated above like a dirty filter or an issue with refrigerant.

 

For more information about air conditioner issues or concerns, give us a call at 608-849-5410 or submit a contact form through our website.

 

 

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