Your air conditioning system is an essential part of maintaining the comfort of your Orlando, Florida, home. While you may not worry about your air conditioning system until it acts up or breaks down, it is important to make sure that your AC unit is working as efficiently as possible to help you save on monthly energy bills, as well as increase the longevity of your system. To be able to increase the efficiency of your home it is essential to identify common air conditioning problems that can occur.
The Air Coming From the Vents is No Longer Cold
When your AC system is running efficiently, the air that comes out of the vents should be extremely cold. If the air is not as cold or has become warmer than usual, odds are there is a problem with your refrigerant levels. Low levels of refrigerant can either mean that the system was undercharged when it was filled or the system has a leak somewhere. Without the right level of refrigerant in your system, it is difficult for the system to remove heat and humidity from your home, causing the unit to overwork and decrease efficiency.
The Airflow From Your System Has Lessened
While the air coming out of your vents should be cold, it should also maintain a constant and steady pressure. This problem can be harder to detect as it can slowly become worse and may not be noticeable if your vents are not in areas that you are by often. When the airflow is poor in your home, one of your first indications may be a higher energy bill.
Poor airflow could signal a number of problems with the most common being a clogged or dirty air filter. Without being regularly replaced, your air filter will become clogged with the dirt and debris traveling through your system and will slow the airflow. This means your unit is working overtime to try and cool your home which can result in parts becoming worn out or damaged.
You Have Less Airflow in Certain Rooms
Another issue that could be affecting the airflow through your vents is dirty or leaky ductwork. When your ductwork becomes cracked or damaged, you will start losing air pressure through the open areas in the ductwork, wasting energy by cooling areas that do not need it. If your ducts have become clogged with pollen, dander, and dust, it can cause your airflow to slow, as well as damage the air quality in your home. If you suspect your ductwork is dirty or damaged, contact an HVAC specialist to perform a cleaning and fully inspect it.
Your Home is Getting Hotter Instead of Cooler
When the temperature in your home is becoming warmer than you can bear, you may be having complications with your evaporator coil. The coil contains the refrigerant in the system and absorbs heat. When your airflow becomes lessened, it can cause a layer of ice to form on the evaporator coil. When this occurs, it will cause your air conditioning system to continue to work harder to try to get the air to flow through.
If it continues to freeze, it can eventually stop your airflow altogether causing your AC unit to break down but not before it has caused your energy bills to skyrocket. If you suspect that your evaporator coil has become frozen, you will need to contact an HVAC specialist to be able to diagnose the problem that led to the freezing and get your system repaired. As a result, it can begin to run more efficiently and prevent the risk of breakdown.
Problems with your air conditioner’s efficiency not only leads to high energy bills and expensive repairs, but it can also lead to major damage that can significantly reduce the life of your air conditioning unit. If you suspect your AC system is in need of repair, contact the HVAC specialists at E.C. Waters Air Conditioning & Heat at (407) 603-9144 today.
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