Top 5 Reasons AC Needs Repair

Rising indoor temperatures, high humidity, skyrocketing electric bills… these are just a few indications that you may need AC repair. But what causes these problems in the first place?

Understanding the most common reasons for AC breakdowns can help you troubleshoot the problem when things go wrong. Here’s a look at five of top reasons your AC may need repair. 

1. Electrical Issues

Before you call a professional AC repair company, you’ll want to check your breaker. Anything from a circuit overload to a ground fault may have caused it to trip, shutting off the power to your AC unit.

To troubleshoot this issue, take a look at your breaker box. If the switch has been turned to the “off” position, simply turn it back on and see if your AC starts running again.  

While this is a simple fix, if it happens repeatedly, you may be dealing with a bigger problem. In this case, you’ll want to call an electrician or AC repair specialist to take a look.

2. Refrigerant Leaks

Leaking refrigerant is one of the most common reasons why homeowners need AC repairs. If you have a refrigerant leak, you may notice that the unit runs but doesn’t cool the air. Higher energy bills, frozen coils, and hissing sounds coming from your indoor unit are all signs of a refrigerant leak.

It can be difficult to diagnose this problem on your own, so if you think this is the issue you’re dealing with, it’s best to call in the pros.

3. Broken Thermostats

The thermostat in your home communicates with the AC unit, letting it know when to turn on and off. If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, you may notice that your AC won’t turn on or keeps running incessantly. There may also be a significant difference between the thermostat setting and the room temperature.

You can start your troubleshooting by making sure your thermostat has power. If not, some fresh batteries may do the trick. Otherwise, check to make sure the settings are correct. If these steps don’t fix the problem, check the manual and try doing a hard reset.

4. Damaged Compressor

Your AC compressor helps regulate the pressure in your system and assists the refrigerant with heat exchange. If it’s damaged or is failing, you’ll often notice a lack of cooling or weak airflow.

Some common causes of compressor damage include changes in refrigerant levels, lack of lubrication, and dirty coils. Keeping up with regular AC maintenance can help, but if the damage is already severe, it may make sense to replace the compressor rather than perform an AC repair.

5. Frozen Coils

If you find that your AC isn’t cooling as it should, a frozen evaporator coil could be to blame. This typically happens when dirt accumulates on the coil and restricts airflow. Since the warm air is unable to reach the refrigerant, it becomes too cold and causes any moisture on the coils to freeze.

Over time, the coils can become encased with ice. This prevents the refrigerant inside the coils from absorbing latent heat. Shutting down your system and allowing the coil to completely thaw may fix the immediate issue. Of course, you’ll also need to clean the coils to make sure this issue doesn’t happen again.

Trust Gulf Coast Air Systems for Your AC Repair

If you’re in need of AC repair, there’s no reason to suffer! The experienced technicians at Gulf Coast Air Systems will quickly and accurately diagnose the problem and get it fixed right away. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.