Category: HVAC

4 Signs of Air Conditioner Failure

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signs of air conditioner failure

You’ve probably thought about it— the day your trusted air conditioner finally gives out and you have to find a replacement. It’s a day you probably aren’t looking forward to because you most likely don’t want to deal with the frustration of finding a new AC system and getting it installed. However, you can make that dreaded day a little easier for you by being prepared. And the first step to being prepared for a total AC breakdown is by knowing about the signs of air conditioner failure. The team at Weeks Service Company is here to tell you how to know if your AC is failing, so you don’t have to carry on with a malfunctioning air conditioner that takes up your time and money.

 1. AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air

Your AC could be blowing warm air for a variety of reasons such as the ones listed below. You can fix these problems with the help of a professional. However, if your AC is consistently doing this, even after you consult a professional, your air conditioner might be signaling its incoming end.

  • Your Evaporator Coil is Freezing Up

A dirty evaporator coil or a dirty air filter can lead to your evaporator coil freezing up. To solve this problem, turn off your unit, replace the air filter if necessary and wait for the evaporator coil to thaw. If the freezing persists afterwards, get in touch with a professional.

  • There Is A Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is an important coolant present in your AC system which plays a vital role in cooling your home. If your AC is blowing warm air, there is a chance it might be low on refrigerant due to leakage. You will need to call a professional to refill the refrigerant in your AC system as refrigerant can be hazardous.

If your AC uses the R-22 refrigerant, it’s important for you to know that R-22 is being phased out (banned) because it is harmful to the ozone-layer. By next year, R-22’s production and import will become illegal in the United States. If you have been considering replacing your AC, now is the time to act.

  • Your Thermostat is On Heat

Your AC might be blowing warm air because of something as simple as your thermostat being left on heat. Check your thermostat to make sure it is on “cool” instead of “heat”. In addition, make sure the AC is set to “Automatic” instead of “Fan.”

2. Low Airflow

Low airflow coming from your AC could mean many things. It’s important not to jump to conclusions before trying everything out. Low air flow could be attributed to a dirty filter that just needs to be replaced. Low airflow could also be a sign of any leaks present in your AC’s ductwork. Sealing ductwork can be a dangerous task due to their hard-to-reach locations in the basement and attic, which is why it is best to contact a professional to inspect your ductwork.

Low airflow can also be a sign of a problematic compressor. The compressor in your AC system pressurizes the refrigerant to be pushed toward the condenser from the evaporator coil, changing refrigerant from hot, pressurized gas to cool liquid. Contact a professional you trust who can advise you on what you can do to deal with a malfunctioning compressor.

3. Recurring AC Breakdowns

This one is a no-brainer. If your AC is constantly blowing warm air, has low air flow or is consistently low on refrigerant, your AC might be signaling that something is failing. Recurring AC breakdowns could be a sign of poor maintenance, wrong AC size or poor installation. While you might need the help of a professional in finding the right AC size and proper installation, you can avoid frequent breakdowns by scheduling annual HVAC tune ups, changing your AC filter every 3 months at minimum, and checking in on your outdoor condenser once in a while.

4. Excessive Noise

Excessive noise is also one of the signs of air conditioner failure. A hissing or gurgling sound might indicate a leak in the refrigerant lines, while rattling might suggest that there is a loose item stuck within your AC’s fan. Squealing or screaming might be a sign of a problem with the compressor or an issue with the belt that connects the fan and motor.

Need A Professional? Contact Weeks Service Company!

There are many other signs of an air conditioner failing. Sometimes it’s just because your AC is too old and deteriorated and needs replacing. When you’re worried there’s something wrong with your AC, it’s important to contact a professional you trust who can give you sound advice. If you’re looking for experts in the League City area, look no further than Weeks Service Company! Give us a call at 281-738-1362 or fill out a service request form on our website.

 

Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

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With the Houston heat and humidity increasing rapidly, the last thing you want to deal with is an air conditioner that is causing problems. We understand you would much rather be thinking about relaxing and making the most of what is left of summer.

But life happens and your AC might be showing signs of malfunctioning, like leaking water. This problem can be difficult to diagnose, especially if you’re new to HVAC maintenance. Luckily, the pros at Weeks Service Company know a thing or two about your AC system and can answer the age-old question: Why is my air conditioner leaking water?

1. Damaged Drain Pan

The drain pan is usually located underneath the indoor air handling unit. The indoor handling unit includes the evaporator coil, which is an important component of your AC system. During the process of air conditioning, warm indoor air blows over the evaporator coil that includes a cooling agent called refrigerant. The refrigerant in the coil absorbs the heat from the warm air which causes condensation or moisture to collect on the coil and drip into the drain pan.

This is our long-winded way of saying that the drain pan is important. It collects excess moisture but if the pan is damaged, old or cracked, condensate might be leaking through. If your drain pan has minor cracks, you can use epoxy glue to repair them. However, it’s better to simply replace the pan!

2. Dirty Air Filter

We cannot stress how important it is to consistently replace or clean your AC’s air filter. A clean air filter improves air flow as well as your indoor air quality. A clogged, dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of your AC and cause other problems such as a frozen evaporator coil.

When air is absorbed and blown past a dirty filter, it might carry the dirt and debris with it onto the coil. Over time, the dirt collecting on the evaporator coil can hinder the coil’s ability to absorb heat, causing it to freeze. The ice on the coil can melt and the moisture can leak excessively. To avoid this, be sure to replace your air filter 1-3 months depending on the climate you live in!

3. Clogged Condensate Line

If there isn’t an issue with your air filter or drain pan, you might want to check the condensate line. The condensate line is an important part of your AC system. When your AC absorbs warm air from your home, it also absorbs humidity. The excess humidity removed from your home eventually condenses and is drained out through the condensate line.

If your AC is leaking water, there is a chance that your condensate line (which is located near your outdoor condenser) is clogged by debris, algae or fungi. When the condensate line is clogged, excess moisture can’t move away from your HVAC system. Instead, it gets backed up into your home. You can try to remove the clog yourself by using a wet-dry vacuum ¼ inch smaller than the pipe opening.

Need A Professional? Contact Weeks Service Company!

No matter what the cause, a leaking and malfunctioning air conditioner isn’t fun, especially in this hot weather. If you think your AC is giving you any problems, just give Weeks Service Company a shout! Our team of knowledgeable technicians will be able to solve any problems your home has, so you can be a relaxed homeowner this summer. Call us today at 281-738-1362 or schedule a service online!

What is Wrong with My Outdoor Condenser?

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The outdoor condenser, or outdoor condensing unit, is a vital part of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home. You might think of your AC system as a couple of vents blowing cool air into your living room, but it’s a little more complex than that.

Simply put, your air conditioning system works by absorbing warm air from your home and releasing it outside. The outdoor condenser does the latter and without it, the heat in your house would have nowhere to go.

If your outdoor condensing unit begins to malfunction, it’s important to take care of the problem immediately. However, it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint what the problem even is. To lessen your frustration, the experts at Weeks Service Company have prepared a quick guide to provide an answer to the nagging question: What is wrong with my outdoor condenser?

The Role of the Outdoor Condenser

Before you take any action, read a little bit about how the outdoor condenser works and the role it plays in your home’s HVAC system.

There are three components to your entire air conditioning unit. The evaporator, the compressor and the condenser. The evaporator is in the air handling unit which can be found in your basement. The compressor and condenser are usually in the outdoor condensing unit. A liquid called refrigerant loops through these components, frequently changing from liquid to gas.

As warm air from your house moves to the evaporator or evaporator coil, the refrigerant in the coil absorbs the heat from the air and vaporizes. The indoor air, now having had the heat removed from it, is cooler and a fan blows it back out into your home. Meanwhile, the evaporated refrigerant moves into the compressor in the outdoor condensing unit. The compressor pressurizes the vaporized refrigerant, creating a higher temperature and pressure. This forces the gas to move to the condenser. There, the gas condenses into cool liquid and heat is radiated from the process and dissipated with the help of fans.

How to Tell If Your Outdoor Condenser Is Malfunctioning

Now that you have some idea of how your outdoor condenser works, here are some signs that could indicate a problem with it.

Warm Air Through Vents

If warm air is blowing through your vents or there isn’t significant cooling happening, there might be something wrong with your condenser. This could be due to low refrigerant levels or the condenser component malfunctioning.

To check for any problems with refrigerant levels, reach behind your outdoor condenser and feel the refrigerant lines. If they are cold, that means they’re working fine. Check to see if there are any leaks near the condenser. Refrigerant leaks can force your cooling system to work overtime to be even remotely effective.

Make sure to remove any large debris, like leaves and branches, from your unit. Debris can create obstructions in your condenser and bend its coil fins. Bent or clogged coil fins can cause a restriction in air flow, decreasing your AC’s efficiency. Also, remove any dust that has accumulated on the condenser coil. Keeping your outdoor condenser well-maintained can prolong its life and reduce the chances of repairs.

Noisy Fan

If your outdoor condenser is making an unusual noise, that means there could be a problem with its fan. If it is making a hissing or a high-pitched noise, it is likely there has been some damage to the refrigerant lines and there is a refrigerant leak. Shut the air conditioner off and  immediately call a professional to take care of this problem as it could be hazardous.

If you hear clanging, check to see if any debris is in the fan. If you hear rattling, there are probably some lose parts and screws in your outdoor unit that need to be tightened up. Ignored, these lose parts can damage other components of your outdoor condenser.

You might want to check your AC capacitor as well, especially if you hear an odd humming. The capacitor is a small cylindrical object that stores energy and sends a jolt to start a motor or continually sends jolts to keep a motor running. To test if a capacitor is working, use a long object like a stick and slide it through the fan grate. Use the stick to give the fan blade a push. If the fan starts off on its own, you probably have a bad capacitor. You can try changing it by yourself but if you have any doubts, call a technician.

High Electricity Bill

Keep an eye on your electricity bill. If it is much higher than usual, try out simple solutions first. Try cleaning out your air filter and making sure your windows are sealed tight.  However, if you have tried everything you can, there might be problems in the condenser. Common problems include a faulty capacitor or a worn-out compressor. If your compressor is not putting the right pressure on the refrigerant, it is decreasing the efficiency of your home’s AC.

If you think the air conditioning in your home has any problems, the best solution is to call to a professional for maintenance, repairs and tune-ups. The experts at Weeks Service Company will catch any issues your AC is giving you and provide effective strategies and solutions to make sure there are no costly difficulties in the long run! Give us a call at 281-738-1362 for more information.

 

What is Wrong with My Outdoor Condenser?

 

 

 

HVAC System – Why a Spring Tune-Up is Helpful?

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spring tune up

It’s always a good idea to have your HVAC system go through a routine tune-up, but it’s especially helpful when the seasons change. In spring, when pollen is at an all-time high and it’s wreaking havoc on all of our allergies, having an air system in tip-top shape is crucial.

But did you know there are plenty of other benefits that a spring tune-up can provide? They go beyond simply cleaning the air, and the advantages of having a properly serviced HVAC system can last for months to come if you take care of it. Here are just a few of those benefits, as explained by the experts at Weeks Service Company!

It Cleans the Air

As we mentioned earlier, the spring brings a lot of unwanted pollutants and allergens into contact with your air circulation. It makes it harder to breathe, and the air that you do breathe could be contaminated with things that pose health risks. Puffy eyes, sneezing and other allergy-related complications can spring up without a moment’s notice if your HVAC system isn’t prepared to screen these things out.

That’s one of the things a spring tune-up handles. Your technician will calibrate the many small moving parts in your system to make sure it can handle the changing air quality, and they’ll make the necessary adjustments to ensure you won’t have any issues moving forward.

It Catches Potentially Problematic Issues 

One of the things that can potentially derail an HVAC system’s performance is a problem arising from previously undiagnosed complications. Since the system itself is made of a high number of small interconnected parts, it’s easy for these minuscule components to break down without you even knowing.

But a professionally trained technician won’t let these problems escape their watchful eye. When they’ve had lots of experience and are armed with a wealth of knowledge — like the ones at Weeks Service Company — you can rest easy knowing they’ll identify any problems well before they grow and become more serious.

Your Efficiency Bumps Up

On top of these benefits, you’ll also likely see an increase in your HVAC system’s performance when you get a spring tune-up. The same technician that can solve machinery-related issues will also be able to calibrate your system to ensure optimal performance. If your HVAC system has been struggling to reach the right temperature or hasn’t been able to get rid of pollutants as quickly as you’d hoped, a spring tune-up will fix that in no time.

And as an added bonus, when your system receives a tune-up, the spike in performance can also result in lower energy bills!

Weeks Service Company: Your League City, TX HVAC Experts

When your HVAC system is on the fritz, you need a reliable technician you can trust — one that won’t nickel and dime you or skip out on parts of the process just to cut down on the job. With Weeks Service Company, that’s never a worry. Our mission is to provide our neighbors with the reliable service they can count on for years to come, and we’d love to help you out.

Give us a call at 281-738-1362 for more information today!

Why Do Air Conditioners Ice Over?

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There aren’t many things that instill as much frustration and aggravation as finding out your outdoor HVAC unit has iced over. And, yes, even though we’re in the winter and temperatures have dropped, it’s still possible for your condenser to freeze. To get it fixed, all you’ll need to do is give us a call – but that doesn’t explain why it happened.

As it turns out, there are a couple of primary reasons why your condenser could ice over. Just follow along with this quick explainer from the pros at Weeks Service Company! We’ll do our best to help explain why this might happen, so that you know how to better avoid it in the future.

There’s Bad Airflow

A lack of airflow accounts for a vast majority of AC freeze-ups. However, there isn’t one catch-all explanation for why that happens. That said, there are a handful that can usually explain it. Each one is equally possible, although you can usually eliminate a few of them just by checking something quickly.

  • Blocked/Closed Vents: When the exhaust openings are closed or obstructed, airflow gets backed up, which means your AC can’t get rid of cold air. Voila, frozen unit.
  • Old Air Filter: You should be changing out your air filter every 30 days or so, but if you forget then you could easily encounter this aggravating issue. The results are similar to what happens when you block your vents.
  • Clogged Evaporator Coil: This coil is what expunges the old air from your circulation. When it gets clogged, the air that normally gets expelled has nowhere to go, and it freezes your AC over.

Refrigerant Problem

Refrigerant, or more specifically, freon, is the chemical that runs through your AC system. It’s responsible for cooling and heating the air, and when it leaks, the whole system grinds to a halt. You’ll notice a lack of properly heated or cooled air, and more often than not you’ll see a frozen AC unit.

The only way to fix this is by repairing the leak – adding more refrigerant won’t help. Another potential issue comes from improperly charged refrigerant, which will manifest itself in the same way that a leak would.

Other Potential Causes

Although restricted airflow and refrigerant problems account for the majority of AC freeze-overs, there are a couple of other potential causes. If you’ve run your AC when it’s cold outside, your unit could freak out since it won’t be able to handle the abundance of cold. A malfunctioning blower fan can lead to a frozen unit, and a loose or broken component in the unit itself can do the same thing.

Weeks Service Company: Your AC Experts

No matter what the cause, a frozen outdoor unit isn’t fun. It makes your day-to-day life more difficult, and it makes you want to pull your hair out. Whenever you think you may have this problem on your hands, just give us a shout!

Weeks Service Company’s team of knowledgeable technicians can handle whatever your home throws at you, and we’ll do it right the first time.

Give us a call at 281-738-1362 for more information