Tag: ac maintenance

4 Signs of Air Conditioner Failure

Published on

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?

Published on

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!