HVAC

Having a reliable air conditioning system to get you through the worst of the hot Texas summers is a must for any knowledgeable homeowner. However, just like any other system in your home, your cooling system may experience a malfunction from time to time. We’re going to discuss some of the most common issues that you may face with your home’s air conditioning system and how to effectively troubleshoot them with ease.

Blank Thermostat Screen

One really annoying issue that you may run into is that your thermostat’s screen simply is blank. This is the result of a lack of power going to the thermostat. Start by checking the thermostat’s circuit breaker to ensure that it hasn’t tripped. If it has, simply reset the circuit breaker and the screen should come back on.

If the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped, opt for installing fresh batteries in the thermostat. If new batteries don’t solve the blank screen issue, then have one of our professionals assess your thermostat’s wiring and the thermostat itself for a fault.

Poor Airflow

One really annoying issue that you may run into is that you’re getting poor airflow from your vents. If the issue is with one or two vents, it may simply indicate that there’s an obstruction in the ducting itself that will require a professional to remove.

However, if the poor airflow issue is coming from all your air vents, then it’s likely due to a dirty air filter. Simply pull the filter out from its housing and hold it up to a light source. If you can’t see through the filter, it needs to be replaced with a new one. Once you replace the dirty air filter, there should be a very prominent difference in the airflow coming out of all your vents.

Inadequate Cooling

When your air conditioning system doesn’t seem to be providing enough cool air, it could be due to numerous issues. The best place to start is by checking the settings on your thermostat. Make sure that they didn’t get accidentally changed to a higher setting.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, the issue may lie with your outdoor condenser unit. Opt for examining your outdoor unit to determine if there’s any debris against it. If so, you’ll want to remove that debris because it will restrict the ability of your cooling system to remove heat from the air.

If there’s no debris against the sides of the outdoor unit, then the issue is either with dirty coils or a low refrigerant level. At this point, it’s best to have one of our HVAC technicians evaluate your system to repair it. We have a specialized cleaning solution to ensure that your coils get cleaned appropriately. We also have the right equipment to adequately recharge your system’s refrigerant level.

Pooling Water

If you start to notice water pooling around your indoor air handler unit, it’s a key indicator that something is amiss with your system. This issue is likely the result of a clogged condensate drain. As your air conditioning system works, it actively removes excess moisture from the air.

Normally, this moisture drips onto the evaporator coil inside your indoor air handler unit. Then, it falls off into the drain pan. There’s a drain line that runs under the pan to the outdoors or another drain in your home. If there’s a clog in the drain line or at the drain itself, it will allow water to back up. While newer systems will have a feature to shut off your system when it senses that the water level is too high, older systems don’t. The water will simply spill over the drain pan and onto your floor.

No Airflow at Vent

One common problem that you may run into is that you don’t have any air coming out of one of your air vents. If you’re getting adequate air at all your other vents, then it’s highly likely that the vent accidentally got put in its closed position. Simply slide the vent opener handle in the opposite direction to see if that solves the issue. If not, you may need to pop off the vent cover to see if there’s an excessive amount of dust or a pest infestation that’s blocking your air ducting flow at that particular location.

Shortcycling

One problem that you may experience is that your air conditioning system seems to turn on and shut off frequently. It’s normal for your AC unit to cycle about two to three times per hour at the max. If it’s cycling more often, it’s an indication of an underlying problem. You never want to let your system continue to shortcycle as it can burn up the compressor pump and other vital system components.

Shortcycling is the result of poor airflow in your system. Start by checking the air filter in your return ducting to see if it’s dirty and needs to be replaced. If the air filter is fine, then check your outdoor condenser unit for any debris. If neither of these fixes the issue, then you’ll need to call our professional technicians for assistance.

Funky AC Smells

Your air conditioning system shouldn’t be producing any funky smells during its operation. If it doesn’t, it’s a key sign that there’s something wrong with your system. If the smell is that of a musty scent, then it could simply mean that you need to replace your air filter. Try a replacement and give it a few minutes to see if the musty odor goes away. If it doesn’t, take a look at other areas of your home.

If one room has a musty odor, then it could just be entering your ducting from that room and dispersing throughout the rest of your home. If the smell is prominent everywhere, you may have mold or mildew growth in your ducting that should be addressed by an HVAC professional. Additionally, if you smell burning metallic or chemical odors, it typically means that there’s an electrical malfunction in your AC system. It’s necessary to shut it off immediately and contact us for further assistance.

AC Constantly Running

One issue that can have you highly concerned with the cost of your cooling bills is an air conditioning system that’s continually running. Your cooling system should cycle on and off throughout the hour. If it continues to run for more than 15 minutes at a time, it’s an indication that something’s wrong. In most cases, you may simply have the fan on your thermostat set to on instead of auto. If that isn’t the issue, it’s time to give us a call for professional assistance.

Dealing With an HVAC Problem

As a homeowner, it’s very important that you pay attention to the functioning of your HVAC system. Anytime that you notice that something is off with your system, it’s important to repair the issue or seek out professional help promptly. You never want to let an issue continue as it can lead to a lot more damage to your cooling system.

Reliable AC Repair Service

Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company offers reliable AC repair service for the San Antonio, TX community. Our technicians can also assist with all your heating, air conditioning, indoor air quality, water heater, generator, commercial, and new construction needs. Simply call our office staff today to book your next service consultation.

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