AC Repair: The Most Common Questions We Get Asked
Living in South Florida would be unbearable without a properly working air conditioning system. An AC is complicated and it relies on different components working together. Unfortunately, if one of those components stops working, it compromises the overall performance of the system.
Here we discuss some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about air conditioners and AC repair.
When Should I Replace My AC?
Replacing an AC unit is not a cheap task, making it a decision that needs to take certain things into consideration, such as:
Age Isn’t Just A Number
On average, your AC unit should last 10 to 15 years. If yours is older than that, it may be the right time to consider a replacement.
Increasing Energy Bills
As AC systems get older, they have to work harder to produce the same results. An easy way to determine if your unit is underperforming is to look back at previous months utility bills. If they have increased over the months, it may mean that your unit is on its way out.
Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerants are expensive and leaks will eventually cause the unit’s compressor to stop working. In this case, it may be cheaper to replace your air conditioning system rather than to try and fix it.
Repair Cost
Depending on the issue your unit is experiencing, it may be cheaper to replace the entire HVAC system. If you’re unsure, Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric is able to quote you on the repairs so that you can make an informed decision in regards to your budget.
Why Is My AC Leaking Condensation?
An air conditioner helps to remove humidity from your home’s air. This means that a little condensation is normal but when a lot starts leaking there is almost certainly a problem.
A leak means that there is an issue with the way that the condensation is draining and there are a number of things that could be causing it, such as:
- A clogged condensate line
- A rusty condensate pan
- A dirty evaporator coil
- A low refrigerant level
- A dirty air filter
- Installation issues
How Do I Change The Air Filter?
To ensure the air conditioning is running efficiently, you should regularly change the air filter. It is quick and easy to do, just follow these steps:
- Choose the right size by removing and measuring the old filter (or by simply looking on the side of the filter for the dimensions)
- Choose a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV)—the higher the better
- Choose fiberglass, washable, pleaded or electronic filter type
- Install it by following the instruction manual
What Are The Most Common AC Repairs?
An AC is a complicated system with a number of parts working together. While a lot could go wrong, here are the most common repairs:
Refrigerant Leaks
Lines transporting the refrigerant through the system could leak, meaning that the refrigerant will spill out. Less refrigerant means that there will be less pressure to complete the cooling process.
Drainage Problems
Condensation produced during the cooling process needs to exit the system. The AC has a drain and drip pan specifically designed to handle the flow of moisture. If this is clogged, moisture backs up in the system, not only causing a humidity problem in your home but damaging the AC system as well.
Frozen Condenser Coil
The condenser coil could freeze up if there is poor airflow through the unit. Obstructions like dirty air filters or debris around the outdoor unit could also cause the airflow to be bad.
What Are The Different Types of AC Units?
There are a number of different types of AC systems in a number of different designs, some of the most common being:
- Central air conditioners using an outdoor condenser and an indoor air handler
- HVAC systems for both heating and cooling
- Ductless, mini-split AC, providing zoned cooling in specific areas
- Portable and window AC, extra options for specific space cooling
How Art Can Help You With Your AC Repair
While these were some of the most commonly asked questions, we know that it’s definitely not all of them! For any other questions pertaining to your AC, call the team at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric today at 1-800-475-1504. Big or small, we fix them all!
