There are few things more frustrating than running your air conditioner during a hot Long Island summer and finding it blows warm air or doesn’t cool your home effectively. This is the experience of many homeowners and signals an underlying issue with the HVAC system. Understanding common problems can help you to decide if it’s a quick fix or time to call local HVAC professionals.
Common Problems with Central Air Systems
There are several common issues that stop a central air system from cooling properly. Here are the most frequent causes:
- Dirty or Clogged Air Filter: This common issue restricts airflow. You should clean or replace your filters every three months, following the instructions in your user guide.
- Low Refrigerant Levels: Caused by a leak in the system, low refrigerant affects cooling ability.
- Malfunctioning Thermostat: A faulty thermostat can prevent the system from engaging and cycling properly, usually caused by incorrect temperature signals or electrical problems.
- Dirty Condenser: The outdoor condenser loses efficiency when it is clogged with dirt, leaves, and debris. Professional cleaning is the safest way to maintain your outdoor condenser.
- Frozen Evaporator: A frozen indoor evaporator coil restricts airflow and prevents heat exchange. Look for dripping or visible ice on the indoor evaporator before calling for service.
- Faulty Compressor and Electrical Problems: Electrical malfunctions are often difficult to identify and diagnose. If you have tried basic troubleshooting listed in your user guide, and checked your filters, you can call a professional for detailed troubleshooting.
Most air conditioner components aren’t user serviceable. You can follow all maintenance steps in your user guide/owner’s manual. For tasks outside of air filter maintenance, always contact a licensed HVAC repair team.
Will a Bigger AC Unit Cool My House Better?
There’s a common misconception that a bigger AC unit means better cooling. In reality, an oversized air conditioner causes more problems than it solves. Proper sizing, determined by a professional load calculation, will ensure efficient and effective cooling with better home comfort and manageable long-term costs.
What Happens if My AC Unit is Too Large?
An oversized air conditioner wastes energy and creates problems that affect comfort and cost.
- Short cycling of an oversized unit cools your home rapidly before the system completes a cooling cycle. The system will constantly turn off and on (short cycling), wasting energy and creating unnecessary stress on components.
- An oversized system is less effective at dehumidifying your home, leaving interiors clammy and uncomfortable, even at the ideal target temperature.
- Excessive humidity increases the risk of mold and mildew in your home.
- Frequent short cycling can result in uneven temperatures in different areas of your home.
Ultimately, an oversized air conditioner means higher energy bills and more frequent repairs.
Get Cost-Efficient HVAC Repairs in Suffolk County
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home properly it’s best to contact a qualified HVAC professional. Soundview HVAC expertly diagnoses and repairs central air conditioners, independent systems, and split-type units. We will identify the cause of your cooling problems and ensure efficient repairs. As a licensed HVAC installer, we can also replace your old and inefficient system with a new unit that’s perfectly sized for your home. Contact us for dependable HVAC repair and installation in Suffolk County.
