With the summer heat and humidity that Northwest Indiana brings, it’s important to ensure that your air conditioning unit is ready to keep your home cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, due to the changing seasons, high humidity, and age, your system may have suffered considerable damage since last summer. It’s vital to know when you’ll need AC repairs.
In this article, we’ll walk you through many common AC problems you may see while living in Northwest Indiana. From weak or inconsistent airflow to rising utility bills, you’ll want to make sure you tackle these problems immediately. Let’s get started.
Here Are Common Problems NWI Residents See With Their AC Unit
As your AC unit ages and experiences the NWI weather, you’ll notice various issues and concerns. Some of these can be simply normal wear and tear, and others could be massive concerns that may need to be taken care of immediately. Learn more about these common AC problems in Northwest Indiana below. If you have concerns about your AC unit, feel free to reach out to our trusted team at NWI Heating & Air.
1. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils can be a major concern for your AC unit. This problem is caused by restricted airflow, dirty filters, or low refrigerant. This issue will decrease the performance of your AC unit, resulting in uncomfortable indoor temperatures. In addition, a frozen coil can lead to compressor failure, which is an expensive repair.
There are many signs that you’re dealing with frozen evaporator coils. Some signs include: AC running but not cooling or blowing warm air, puddles of water near the indoor drain pan, and frost or ice on lines. If you think you have frozen evaporator coils, you’ll want to reach out to a trusted professional as soon as you can, so you can find the best solutions possible.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels or Leaks
Low refrigerant levels or leaks are common in aging air conditioning units, especially in ones that are over 10 years old. Low refrigerant can reduce the efficiency of your AC unit and cause damage to the compressor, resulting in costly repairs.
If you notice hissing or bubbling sounds, reduced cooling, high humidity indoors, or ice on refrigerant lines, you may be dealing with low refrigerant levels. In addition, if you see fluids on your floor surrounding your unit, you may be dealing with a refrigerant leak. When you need AC repair for this problem, you’ll want to place your trust in an EPA-certified technician.
3. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Your air filters should be routinely replaced every 30 to 60 days, even more often in the summer or if you have pets or allergies. Dirty or clogged air filters can reduce airflow which will strain the system, decrease your cooling capacity, and increase energy bills.
One way you can tackle this issue is to keep extra air filters on hand and have calendar reminders to replace them routinely. Additionally, you can have a professional install your air filter if needed.
4. Faulty Thermostats
Aging manual or improperly calibrated thermostats may not read indoor temperatures accurately. This can result in inconsistent temperatures within your home, increased utility bills, and many other concerns.
There are many ways you can solve these problems. Some faulty thermostats simply need new batteries, a new mounting location, or changed settings. If none of these solutions are working, then it may be time for a replacement. Fortunately, smart thermostats allow for zoning and schedule control, which are ideal for summertime
5. Electrical Control Failures
Sometimes, heatwaves and frequent cycling on and off can wear down electrical contacts and wires, resulting in control failure. Electrical control failure can be a major concern for your home. Not only does this impact your home’s indoor climate, but it can also pose a fire hazard or lead to total system failure.
If you’ve noticed that your outdoor unit won’t power on or that your fan isn’t running even though the system is running, you’ll want to schedule an inspection right away. This way, you can get the repairs you need without having to worry about damage to the rest of your home.
6. Drainage Issues & High Humidity
Finally, drainage issues and high humidity are common AC problems, especially in Northwest Indiana. In July and August, humidity levels can spike, causing your AC’s drainage system to work overtime. Sometimes, the drainage system will clog, causing many other concerns such as water backups, ceiling leaks, and mold growth.
Fortunately, AC repair for drainage concerns is simple. All you have to do is pour a cup of vinegar down the drain line every few months to ensure that you’re able to help clear blockages. If this method doesn’t work, you’ll want to get in touch with an expert for an inspection.
How to Know It’s Time for AC Repairs
It’s important to note the many signs that you need AC repairs. While it’s normal for your AC unit to need routine and seasonal repairs, you want to make sure that you can keep your system running for as long as possible before you need a replacement. Here are some signs of common AC problems:
- Lack of Cool Air
- Unusual Noises
- Short Cycling
- Water Leaks or Ice Formation
- Burning or Musty Odors
If you notice any of these concerns, you’ll want to book an inspection right away. Additionally, you won’t be able to complete AC repairs on your own if you’re inexperienced. Instead, you’ll want to enlist the help of a professional, so you can ensure your AC unit gets the best care possible.
Preventing AC Concerns
There are many ways you can be proactive and attempt to prevent any concerns with your air conditioning unit. With simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself, such as keeping your outside areas clear and replacing air filters yourself, you can ensure your system will avoid clogs and run smoothly, saving you money in the long run.
In addition, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress by scheduling a yearly inspection with an HVAC expert. Your inspection will cover checking your refrigerant levels and pressures, cleaning coils and drains, inspecting electrical wiring, and more to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable indoor climate this summer. It’s best to schedule your inspection for the spring when you haven’t used your AC unit in a while, so you can catch any small problems before they become much worse.
Need an AC Expert? Call NWI Heating & Air Today!
Are you experiencing concerns with your air conditioning? Do you think you may be in need of AC repairs? NWI Heating & Air is here to help! Our dedicated team is proud to deliver trusted and exceptional HVAC services to residents of Northwest Indiana and surrounding areas. Whether you’ve got a refrigerant leak, a clogged air filter, or another concern, we’re ready to take your call and help you find the solutions you need for a comfortable indoor climate.
You can rely on us to handle your common AC problems. Call us today to schedule your estimate and inspection.
