With high temperatures beginning to wane, Texas homeowners can begin to take stock of their AC’s performance before turning it off for the winter. For McKinney residents, this is also the prime time to spot major air conditioning problems that have the potential to turn into major issues next year. Addressing these issues now is much more cost-effective than waiting until something major breaks down, which could require extensive repairs. If you’re hoping to ward off a costly new installation, here are some common AC issues to watch out for this season:
1. Failing Capacitors
One of the most common problems that crops up in late summer is a failed capacitor. Capacitors are used in various electrical devices, but in ACs, they supply the motors with sufficient voltage to run the compressor and fans. After a hot summer, capacitors can begin to fail. When this happens, your AC will struggle to keep the motors supplied with enough energy. In the worst case scenario, the air conditioner will stop working altogether.
Capacitors tend to suffer most under extreme outdoor heat, which is why technicians often see failed capacitors in Texas homes. Luckily, this is an easy fix for AC technicians, but it’s important to remember not to attempt to replace any interior components on your own. Leave that to the professionals.
2. Low Air Flow
If your AC’s air flow has dropped over the course of the summer, this could indicate a larger issue. Air conditioners that run all summer long can develop fan motor issues or clogged filters, which inhibit air flow and decreases your AC’s overall efficiency.
Misaligned fans tend to strike against their casings, causing quite a racket. This can be the result of accumulated debris or improper installation, but either way, a misaligned fan will only become more misaligned while the AC is in use. Keep an ear out for any rattling sounds that might indicate this common misalignment.
When clogged filters are the issue, your AC has to work harder to compensate for the blockage, putting more strain on the system. You’ll want to have these filters replaced as soon as you spot a problem so the issue doesn’t spoil your indoor air quality.
3. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant leakage can spike your energy bills and prevent your AC from doing its job properly. While you want to keep an eye on your refrigerant all summer long, late summer is a good time to check for leaks. Signs that you may have a refrigerant leak on your hands include a much lower cooling output and frost accumulation on the AC’s evaporator coils.
You may also notice that it takes forever to cool your house down when the AC is low on refrigerant. That’s because there isn’t enough refrigerant available to absorb the heat, so the vent often blows out warmer air than normal. An AC technician can perform a diagnostic check to locate any leaks.
4. Frozen Coils
You may not think you need to worry about frozen evaporator coils in this Texas heat, but this is a common air conditioner problem that can occur anytime. An AC not only cools your home, but it also dehumidifies the air. The moisture pulled from the air creates condensation on the evaporator coils. When the AC is working properly, this condensation drips away. When there’s an underlying issue, however, that condensation can build an ice layer on the evaporator coils. Common issues that can lead to frozen coils include low refrigerant levels, duct leaks, clogged filters, blocked registers, and dirty evaporator coils. Late summer is a good time to have your evaporator coils checked for signs of other issues. Having a technician address the root of the problem ensures that you won’t have to deal with frozen coils next summer.
Staying alert to the most common air conditioner issues can save you both time and money when it comes to having your system serviced. If you’re looking to give your AC a tune-up before winter, call Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating at (888) 414-4655 today.
