Air conditioning. It’s great, isn’t it? There’s nothing like arriving home and escaping the heat of the day. But this time, as you step through your front door expecting that refreshing blast of chilled air, the air inside is as hot as it is outside. What’s going on?
When your AC stops working, it can be a huge inconvenience, especially on the hottest days of the season. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common things that can go wrong with your air conditioning, and how we can help!
Water Leaking From Your AC Unit
If you’ve noticed water leaking from the door of your air conditioner, it’s time to arrange for a professional technician to take a look. Water leaks often happen when the condensate drain of your unit becomes clogged with algae. This means that the water created by the air conditioning process has nowhere to go and instead leaks out of your unit. There are other causes, of course. It might be excess condensation being created, for example. Our expert technicians can help unlcog the drain line or determine the cause of the leaking water.
A Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen evaporator coil can also be the reason your AC isn’t working as it should be. This problem often occurs when the system isn’t able to receive enough air to operate properly. Without sufficient airflow around the coils, dirt and debris can start to build up and the coil will freeze. Over time, the entire coil can be encased in ice, preventing the smooth flow of cool air from the unit. This problem will require the expertise of an HVAC technician. Arranging for an annual tune-up can also prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.
A Faulty Capacitor
If your AC is turning on and off abruptly, this could signify a problem with your AC’s capacitor. This component is responsible for starting the motor in your system. In the extreme heat of summer, your AC works harder than ever. This can cause the capacitor to overheat and stop working as it should. Frequent thermostat setting changes and power fluctuations can also play havoc with your capacitor. Contact our professionals to inspect your capacitor in the first instance of a problem. Sometimes these parts can be repaired, but often they will need to be replaced.
Problems With Your Thermostat
When your AC stops working, it’s easy to blame the unit first. However, the problem could be hiding in your thermostat! For example, if your home feels warmer than usual or your AC is short cycling, it’s often due to a faulty thermostat. This could be a simple case of dead batteries or it could be loose wires or screws causing the issue. If your thermostat has been installed in direct sunlight, this could be affecting its reading. Incorrect calibration is also a common fault we see often. The good news is that these issues can all be fixed with a little professional know-how.
Strange Noises
Your AC should never make loud noises. At most, you might hear a faint humming sound from an AC that is functioning normally. If your unit is making bubbling, clicking, or grinding noises, it’s time to contact an HVAC professional. A grinding sound could point to a motor or compressor failure while clicking sounds can mean you have a capacitor or AC fan issue. Loose parts or torn belts can also make some awful sounds. The bottom line is that if you’re hearing something unusual when running the AC, give us a call!
Bad Smells From Your System
If you can smell bad odours from your AC unit, it’s time to take some action. A damp and musty smell in the air could signify that you have mould growing in your unit. As mentioned above, this could block the condensate drain and eventually cause a leak. A smoky smell could indicate electrical components are burning inside your AC. Insects and birds can also get inside your outside unit causing an unpleasant smell. Your fully functioning AC should never make any strange odours, so it’s time to contact your local HVAC experts if your nose tells you differently!
Leaking Ducts
If you have a ducted air conditioner system, a leak or hole in your ductwork could affect the proper working of your system. The air conditioner could be operating perfectly, but air could be escaping before it reaches your vents. Leaking ducts can also have a negative impact on air quality. Dirt and debris can get into the holes or splits in your ductwork and clog your AC filter. Again, a Metro Air Limited HVAC technician will be able to locate the cause of the problem and restore your ductwork to perfect working order.
We’re Here to Save the Day
Here at Metro Air Limited, we’re proud to serve Brampton, ON, and the surrounding areas. Our experienced and skilled technicians know all the problems that can occur to your AC and how to fix them. We’ll ensure your AC system is operating perfectly as quickly as possible and that you are completely satisfied with the work we carry out. Let’s get you cool again. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
