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Many AC issues start small and build up slowly, which means you have a window to catch them before they shut your system down. With a little attention, you can keep your unit running better and longer.
Dirty Air Filters That Slow Everything Down
When your air conditioner starts running longer than usual or feels like it’s barely cooling the room, the first thing you should check is the filter. This one part catches dust, pet hair, and other particles before they get into your system. If it gets clogged, air stops moving the way it should. That puts stress on the blower motor and makes your home less comfortable.
A dirty filter means your AC has to work harder to push air through. That extra strain doesn’t just make your system noisy. It also shortens the life of the motor and raises your electric bill. On top of that, less airflow means less cool air getting into each room. Some areas might feel stuffy, while others stay warm no matter how long the AC runs.
Swapping out the filter every few months helps you avoid those problems. If you live with pets, you might need to swap it out even more often. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your system running smoothly without needing a technician.
Blocked Drains That Lead to Leaks You Don’t See Coming
Your air conditioner pulls moisture out of the air while it cools things down. That water collects in a pan and drains through a small pipe, usually outside of the house. If that pipe gets blocked by dirt, mold, or algae, then the water will back up and overflow into the unit or the space around it.
You might not notice the leak right away, especially if your unit sits in a closet or attic. But over time, the water can damage your floor, ceiling, or drywall. That’s the kind of issue you usually find by accident, long after the damage is done.
To stop this kind of problem before it starts, it helps to check the area around the drain pan every few months. If you see standing water, that’s your sign to clear the line. Some people flush it with vinegar or use a wet vacuum to pull out the blockage. If the line stays clear, your system can drain without trouble, and you won’t be dealing with soggy surprises when the weather heats up.
Low Refrigerant Levels That Lead to Weak Cooling
Refrigerant moves heat out of your house. It’s what makes air conditioning work. If your system doesn’t have enough, it can’t cool the air properly. You’ll probably notice that the house takes longer to get comfortable in. The air might feel lukewarm even when the system runs constantly.
Refrigerant doesn’t just disappear. If it’s low, that usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the line. These leaks can be hard to spot because the refrigerant becomes gas as it escapes. You won’t always hear or see anything. But if the level drops enough, you might see ice forming on the coils or notice a hissing sound from the outdoor unit.
Topping off the refrigerant might get the system running again, but it doesn’t fix the leak. The best move is to find the leak, repair it, and then recharge the system, which requires help from an AC repair service. That keeps the unit running better for longer and prevents the compressor from burning out under stress.
Frozen Coils That Make Your AC Work Harder
Frozen coils sound strange, especially in the middle of summer. But when your system doesn’t have enough airflow or is running with low refrigerant, the coils inside your unit can get too cold and start to freeze. That layer of ice stops the system from cooling the air even though it’s running.
You might notice a drop in airflow or warm air coming from the vents. Sometimes, you’ll hear the unit running but feel nothing. If you open the access panel and see frost on the coil, shut the system off and let it thaw. Running it while frozen can strain the compressor and cause more damage.
Once the ice melts, the next step is figuring out why it froze in the first place. A dirty filter, clogged vent, or blocked return can cause this by cutting airflow. Low refrigerant levels are another common cause. Fixing the root issue helps keep the ice away and lets your AC do its job without extra strain.
Faulty Thermostats That Throw Off Your Comfort
Your thermostat tells the system when to start and stop. If it gives the wrong signal, the system might run too long, shut off too early, or not run at all. A faulty thermostat doesn’t always stop working completely. You might notice uneven temperatures in different rooms, or you might keep adjusting the setting but not feel a change.
Older models can wear out or lose their accuracy. Batteries running low can also cause erratic behavior. If you recently installed a smart thermostat, make sure it’s compatible with your system. Some models need a common wire or a specific setup to function properly.
The easiest way to test the thermostat is to compare the displayed temperature to another thermometer in the room. If it’s off by several degrees, that could be part of the problem. Replacing the thermostat or adjusting its location can make a big difference in how well your system cools your home.
Electrical Issues That Silence Your System
Sometimes, your AC won’t turn on at all. Before assuming the whole system broke, it helps to check the electrical parts. A blown fuse or tripped breaker can shut the unit off completely. These safety features protect your system from power surges and overheating, but also stop the cooling when something goes wrong.
If your breaker keeps tripping, there might be a bigger problem. That could be a bad capacitor, a faulty motor, or a loose wire somewhere in the system. You might also hear a clicking sound or notice the fan trying to start but failing.
Fixing electrical issues early helps avoid bigger repairs. If left alone, they can damage the compressor or the control board, and once that happens, the repair cost jumps quickly. Catching the issue when it’s still minor keeps your system in better shape and saves you from hot afternoons without AC.
Leaking Ductwork That Wastes Cool Air
Even if your system works perfectly, your house might not feel cool if the ducts leak. These air channels carry cool air from the unit to each room. If there’s a gap or tear, that air can escape into the attic, crawlspace, or wall cavity. You won’t feel it in the room, and your system has to work harder to make up for the loss.
Leaky ducts also pull in dirty air from those spaces, which means your air quality drops. You might notice more dust, or the air might smell musty. Rooms far from the unit often feel warmer, and the AC might run longer than usual, trying to cool them.
Sealing the leaks with proper materials helps stop this. Tape and mastic sealant can close small gaps, while flexible duct replacements fix larger problems. It’s not always something you can see without looking inside, but if your system cools unevenly or your bills keep rising, the ducts might be the hidden problem.
Prevent AC System Issues Today
Look to our HVAC services pros when you need AC services for your Colorado Springs home. We also offer heating repair and installation services as well as indoor air quality solutions. To schedule a full system check and stay ahead of trouble, book a visit with Alphalete Plumbing Drain Heating & Air today.
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