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A/C contractors serving Houston, Spring and surrounding areas discuss common A/C problems and when you can DIY, or when you should call a professional
If provided proper care and regular maintenance, a high quality air conditioning system can last for ages. Sooner or later though, you will run into a problem with your A/C unit. Countless unavoidable factors like weathering, the age of your system, malfunctioning parts, and the brutal Texas heat all wear down your system over time.
When an A/C system quits working, people tend to jump to the worst conclusion: “My A/C is broken for good and it will cost thousands of dollars for a new system.” However, some problems are relatively minor, quick fixes that you can easily do on your own.
Of course, occasionally there are those critical problems that require the expertise and training of a professional A/C contractor in your area. Learning how to tell if your air conditioning system has a minor or serious problem can save you lots of time and money.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of 6 common air conditioning problems, as well as how to troubleshoot your unit so that you can decide when it’s a DIY project and when it’s time to call an expert.
My air conditioner won’t turn on.
Typically, there is one of three possible reasons why an A/C system won’t turn on:
- Malfunctioning thermostat;
- Tripped circuit breakers, or;
- Clogged vents.
Tripped circuit breakers are easy. Simply check the breakers near your unit and carefully check for anything that may have tripped it. Once the issue is resolved, reset it and see if your unit turns on. If not, check to see if your thermostat is working. If not, or if the breaker trips again, you should call a professional. You likely have an electrical problem or clogged vents.
My A/C unit is making weird noises.
Both air conditioners and furnaces are prone to making strange, almost frightening sounds when they get old. Some of these noises are normal for a functioning A/C unit, but others are symptoms of a bigger issue. For instance, vibrations or rattling suggests that the unit was incorrectly sized when it was installed, whereas a squealing sound indicates an overly-worn belt. An A/C contractor will need to be called in for both of these problems.
The air conditioning isn’t cooling properly.
The main reason why an A/C system stops cooling as it should is due to a dirty condenser or low refrigerant levels. Clogged condensers and evaporators are easily cleaned on your own. However, A/C coolant can be toxic if not handled appropriately and each unit must have the exact measure of coolant as stated by the manufacturer’s specifications, which is why you should never add refrigerant yourself. Be safe and call an expert to refill coolant and check to see if you have a leak.
My thermostat is reading the wrong temperature.
Your thermostat should have a sensor that measures the air temperature inside your home of office. First, check to see if the sensor was accidentally bumped out of position as this could cause your thermostat to act sporadically. The sensor should be near—but not touching—the evaporative coil. Gently bend the wire to adjust it back into place if necessary. Call an A/C contractor if that doesn’t fix the problem.
The inside A/C coil is frozen.
A frozen coil typically suggests either dirty air filters, low coolant levels or clogged air duct returns. Changing the filter is easy and something you should do yourself every 3 months (…or more often depending on if you have any pets or prone to allergies). Low refrigerant levels or damaged ducts will require the knowledge of a professional.
My house has uneven cooling.
If one room in your home is always hotter or colder than the rest of the house, it means the air distribution of your cooling system is out of balance. Uneven cooling could also indicate damaged or clogged vents. Talk to an A/C contractor about fixing this problem.
Houston’s Premier A/C Repair Service
For over a decade, Richmond’s Air has been serving the A/C needs of homes in Katy, Bellaire, Spring and other communities surrounding Houston. It doesn’t matter the size of your unit or how complex the problem is – at Richmond’s Air, our knowledgeable contractors can do it all: A/C repair, new unit installation, heater and air conditioning system maintenance, and more. If it’s heating or cooling-related, then we’ve got you covered!
Get a hold of us today and talk with an A/C repair specialist, or continue browsing our Heat Beat knowledge center for more information.
