With high temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the Guadalupe Valley and South Central Texas this summer, you turn to your AC unit for relief. If the air conditioner isn’t working properly, your home could be sweltering hot and unbearably humid. Read on to learn about five common reasons why your cooling system isn’t working properly.
1. Dirty HVAC Filter
Dirty air filters are a leading cause of AC and indoor comfort problems. The air filter is located in a small compartment within the indoor unit of your air conditioner. Slide it out and check it. If it’s dirty, replace it. At GVEC Home, we highly recommend checking the air filter monthly regardless of its rating. Admittedly, depending on filter type and the operating environment, some filters can continue working effectively between three and six months.
2. Clogged Condensate Line
The humidity condensed from the outside air processed by your AC collects in the AC drain pan and leaves through the condensate line. The pipe can get clogged with algae and other assorted muck. Once every three months, we recommend that the air conditioner be turned off and a solution of vinegar and water poured down the drain to prevent such buildup. As part of GVEC’s HVAC Spec Check regular maintenance plan or our one-time Check-N-Save® maintenance check-up, GVEC HVAC technicians will check your condensate line and clean it professionally.
3. Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak diminishes your cooling system’s ability to cool your residence. If too much of the refrigerant has leaked out, the unit’s safety valve will engage. This prevents the air conditioner from cycling. Refrigerant leaks require professional AC repairs. GVEC Home’s professional HVAC technicians would be glad to help you get this problem diagnosed and repaired.
4. Broken AC Capacitor
The capacitor delivers extra electricity at the start of each cooling cycle. The motor needs this extra electricity in order to start moving. A broken capacitor prevents the cooling system from cycling on when the thermostat sends a signal to begin operation.
5. Thermostat Problem
A malfunctioning thermostat may cause improper functioning of your AC unit. Check its settings, and make sure its battery is working. If it’s still having issues, it may need a repair or replacement.
Call the HVAC Professionals at Home
The professional AC/heating technicians at GVEC Home can diagnose and repair all of the AC problems mentioned here and much more. We provide a complete range of heating and air conditioning products and services, including systems by Champion® and Bryant®, along with maintenance, installation, and replacement services. Customers also trust us for indoor air quality solutions, duct cleaning, thermostats and more. We also offer free home energy audits for GVEC members.
We’ve worked with thousands of satisfied homeowners across Gonzales, Schertz, Cuero, La Vernia, New Braunfels, Seguin and other areas in and around the Guadalupe Valley. We’d be thrilled to put our know-how to work for you, too. For additional details or to schedule an appointment, call us at 877.466.5506.
